•  What is Melasma?

The colour of your skin is determined by the production of melanin. Due to various reasons there can be an overproduction of melanin in your skin which leads to hyperpigmentation. It can be in the form of freckles, or other patches of darkened skin. Melasma is a known form of hyperpigmentation, which is highly common among women. Though melasma is not restricted to any particular race, it is widely noticed among women with darker skin tone.

•  Causes of Melasma

The effects of it are commonly noticed on the cheeks, nose bridge, upper lips etc. and forms blotchy, dark, symmetrical patches on your skin. For some women it also appears on the arms and other area which are exposed to sun. Some of the known causes of melasma are prolonged exposure to sun, and oral intake of contraceptive pills, stress and thyroid are also other causes for it. It is also termed as the “pregnancy mask” when it appears on pregnant women. There are no known symptoms of it per say, as it does not cause itchiness or soreness on the affected area. The pigmentation characteristic of it is easily recognizable and can be diagnosed by its distribution on the face. Dermatologists diagnose it by looking at the skin or by conducting a skin biopsy.