Melasma is a skin condition that disturbs melanin formation of skin especially the face. Dark brown patches appear on your face usually involves both the cheeks and nose. Although they are not a sign of inherent disease, melasma can point out other factors in the body.
It is a form of hyperpigmentation on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, upper lips, and chin. Well, hyperpigmentation can be of many types. It usually depends on the lifestyle and genetics of the person. Only a proper diagnosis can indicate the root cause and the steps that you should take to treat melasma.
At our skin clinic in Pune, we deal with melasma cases every day. Read ahead to find out if your melasma is a symptom of deficiency.
Causes of Melasma
Sunlight
UV rays are damaging to your skin. They trigger the production of melanin in the exposed areas. You may mistake melasma for a tan in the initial days. The skin becomes dark and dehydrated.
Pregnancy hormones
Hormonal fluctuations are another cause of melasma. It is called the mask of pregnancy. The increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body can trigger melanocytes. However, this type of melasma goes away on its own.
Harsh chemicals
If your skincare routine contains products that do not suit your skin type, you can develop melasma. These products strip away your skin of natural oils and upper cell layers. Brown or grey patches will appear as a response from your body.
Genetics
Your genetic makeup is a deciding factor in your looks. Melasma can also be a heritable condition. Around 48% of melasma patients report having a blood relative with melasma.
Drugs and medicines
Every medicine has a unique response from the human body. Anti-seizure medication, birth control pills, and retinoids can have melasma as a side effect.
At our skin clinic in Pune, we try to find the involved triggers of melasma. After this, we draw a suitable regimen for the patient to treat melasma. The best treatment for Melasma includes the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. The skin-lightening creams are suggested based on skin type and requirement. Different clinic-based procedures like chemical peels, Light therapies can also be advised based on the type and extent of melasma in individual skin.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Doctors worldwide have conducted studies proving that a vitamin B12 deficiency may cause melasma on the face. Meat, fish, and eggs are rich in Vitamin B12. Therefore, it can be missing from your diet if you are vegan or vegetarian.
Tip: Consuming vitamin-rich foods can reverse melasma. Consume fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and supplements to replenish your nutrient intake.
Iron Deficiency
Many anemic patients show a symptom of melasma. Iron deficiency in women can result in dark patches on the hands, nails, and face. During pregnancy, iron levels go down in your body causing melasma.
Iron-deficient melasma is more common in women than in men. Women with melasma report borderline low levels of iron.
Tip: Consume iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy vegetables, eggs, dark chocolate, and beans.
Folic Acid Deficiency
Vitamin B9 deficiency is another cause of melasma.
Tip: Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are rich in folate. Include these foods in your diet to treat melasma.
Copper
Excess copper ion levels in the blood cause hyperpigmentation. If you consume a lot of copper-rich diets, you can have melasma.
Tip: Reduce copper intake by cutting foods like shellfish and organ meats.
Treatment of Melasma
Here are some treatment options for melasma:
- Sun protection: Since exposure to sunlight can worsen melasma, using sun protection measures such as applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wearing a hat, and avoiding the sun during peak hours can help prevent further darkening of the skin.
- Topical agents: Topical agents such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and retinoids may be used to treat melasma. These agents work by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. They should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer of skin to peel off, revealing fresher, lighter skin beneath.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses a special device to remove the top layer of dead skin cells.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses a beam of light to target the pigmented cells in the skin, causing them to break down and be absorbed by the body.
Melasma is a visible skin condition that occurs in 90% of women and 10% of men. People of reproductive age are more prone to melasma. It can bring down your self-confidence. Your mental health is also affected due to body image issues.
Clear Your Melasma From Eva Skin Clinic
We at Eva Skin Clinic in Pune provide safe and successful treatments to treat any type of hyperpigmentation melasma. Thus, we have hands-on experience in treating melasma. We recommend the best skincare routine and supplements to cure melasma. Book your appointment today to get clear, spotless skin.
