Melasmas: hormonal spots caused by the sun

The appearance of our skin can be a clear reflection of eating habits, healthy habits or the care we dedicate to the outermost layer of the body. However, the latest studies developed around the appearance of facial marks determine that a lifetime in sunlight is reason enough to increase their appearance.

Melasmas, what are they?

To date, melasmas , which constitute one of the most common and frequent skin disorders, had been baptized under the name of hormonal stains , due to their close relationship with the production and presence of estrogens in the body.

But the results derived from recent medical research have confirmed that, although it could be a possible cause, there are other more influential factors that today cause the appearance of melasmas, such as genetics or high sun exposure . Detecting these skin abnormalities in time is essential for the treatment to be applied to obtain good results.

Identifying melasma: what is its true origin?

They appear in an irregular shape and a color tending to dark yellow and are usually linked to the presence of hormonal changes , such as those that occur during pregnancy or the intake of contraceptives. In general, they are usually located in the facial area, being more visible on the forehead, cheeks, nose or upper lip.

Although women in pregnancy or under hormonal treatment are more likely to have this type of spots, it should be added that permanent exposure to the sun increases the chances of development. This occurs because melanocytes , which are the cells in charge of producing melanin that protects us from ultraviolet rays, generate more substance than necessary in the face of the high frequency of exposure to the sun.

And hence the appearance of melasmas, which in combination with genetic factors or with the use of some cosmetic products during the tanning process can give rise to non-harmful but very difficult to treat stains . These usually clear up during the winter months and can disappear at the end of the hormonal change that caused them. However, if adequate measures are taken to protect the skin from the sun’s rays, the presence of melasmas is very rare.

How to treat this type of stain?

The main problem with this aesthetic pathology is that it cannot be easily eliminated. Only in 10% of cases do treatments make these facial blemishes disappear permanently . Therefore, the key lies in analyzing in detail how deep the dermis is and which method is the most appropriate to mitigate its presence on the face or neck.

The effect that melasma has on the skin, which can be epidermal, dermal or mixed , will depend on the success obtained after the treatment, with the most superficial or epidermal stains being the ones that can obtain the best results.

• Chemical peeling: This treatment is exclusively indicated for fair skin and those with epidermal melasmas . Combines intense exfoliation through the use of depigmenting agents, with the aim of renewing the epidermal layer and reaching the maximum depth of the skin to improve the whitening effect in all layers. This technique can be done in consultation by applying a mask, which must be maintained for 5 or 6 hours.
• Laser therapy: When melasmas are resistant and intradermal , intense light devices can be used to improve treatment. Through gentle applications, this technique can help eliminate part of the dermal melanophages, although attention must be paid to this in order to avoid irritation or inflammation of the skin.
• Hydroquinone: this is a compound that has long been used to slow down the production of melanin, making it very useful to solve hyperpigmentation problems. Applied regularly through the use of topical creams, this product helps treat epidermal or mixed-type discolorations. The main problem lies in the fact that not only does it inhibit the appearance of melasma, but it also breaks down the melanin already existing in the skin, so its toxicity invites in many cases to use other types of bleaching acids.
• Kojic Acid: from a Japanese mushroom with bleaching properties, this substance is used to mitigate brown spots on the skin caused by hormonal disorders or high exposure to the sun. Unlike hydroquinone, this compound inhibits the production of melanin without also eliminating the melanocyte, so it is not toxic to cells and does not pose a risk of leaving white spots after passing through the epidermis.

How can we prevent melasmas?

There are two ways to avoid the appearance of melasmas: the first is by avoiding direct sun exposure which produces a significant increase in these lesions and the second is by using photoprotective filters with a degree higher than FP50 throughout the year and not only in winter.

Likewise, the use of a hat in the central hours of the day , helping that the rays do not affect directly and avoid the excessive use of tanning salons. In addition, there are skin lightening creams, although they are not as proven as those prescribed by specialist doctors.

On the other hand, we must avoid performing waxing in all those areas that are affected by melasmas , since it could cause inflammation in the skin, favoring their extension. In this case, it is totally advisable to go to a dermatologist , who can inform you about those hair removal techniques that may be most beneficial for each type of skin, as well as help detect the type of spot that has appeared and so that they can prescribe the treatment. that can best be adapted to provide a solution to your condition, either medical or through aesthetic treatment.