What are the causes of Hormonal Pigmentation/Melasma?
UVA rays are a stimulant for melanin (brown pigmentation) to develop on the skin, and unfortunately can even penetrate through car window glass. A change in hormonal status (higher levels of estrogen) is thought to trigger and be the cause of the condition (i.e. birth control pills, pregnancy), although many women without these risk factors also develop melasma. Discontinuing the use of contraceptives rarely clears the pigmentation and it may last for many years after discontinuing them. After pregnancy chloasma or pigmentation usually clears within a few months of delivery) Ovarian disorders and Endocrinology disorders are rare causes of pigmentation. How is Melasma treated ? As sunlight is a stimulant for melasma, the most important product to use every day to help prevent melasma is a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ to block the UVA rays. In addition an anti oxidant should also be worn under the sunscreen as this stops free radicals which cause pigmentation. At least 5 mls of sunsc
