With summertime (and increased sun exposure) around the corner, many people are anticipating changes in skin pigmentation. Some forms of pigment, such as a bronzy tan, are typically welcomed with open arms. However, other more sporadic forms of pigmentation have some feeling like they have to hibernate all summer long!
Melasma is one form of pigmentation that many dermatology patients express concern about. If this sounds like you, and you’re not ready to hibernate your summer away, I invite you to keep reading!
What is Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that is characterized by abnormal melanin production that creates brown patches on the face. Commonly affected areas are the cheeks, nose bridge, upper lip and forehead. Though scientists aren’t 100% sure of its exact cause, they do understand what triggers it; sunlight, hormones and at times, your daily medication.
Who is more prone to melasma in summer
If you are wondering about your likelihood of developing melasma, or if that dark spot above your lip is, in fact, melasma, here are some factors that depict your likelihood:
- If you are a biological woman. Biological women are more likely to get melasma based on hormones alone. In fact, many women experience melasma during pregnancy due to changes in hormones.
- If you have a darker complexion. Those with darker skin tones and hair colour are more likely to develop melasma as they have more active melanocytes (aka melanin cells).
- If you have a family history of melasma, you are genetically more susceptible to developing melasma.
Why does melasma worsen in the summer months?
So you now have a better understanding of melasma, and are wondering why melasma worsens in the summer months?
It’s simple. When sunlight hits your skin, it triggers your body to produce more melanin by activating melanocytes. Since UV rays are higher, and people spend more time outdoors in the summer months, the sunlight has a better chance of activating melanocytes, creating melasma in areas exposed to the sun.
The best sunscreen for melasma
If you suffer from melasma, you may notice it develop on facial areas like the cheeks, nose bridge, upper lip and forehead. This is because those areas protrude from the face, making it easier for the sun to reach them.
In terms of sunscreen, though any form of sunscreen is important for other reasons such as preventing melanoma, there are certain sunscreens that can better protect your skin from melanoma and melasma.
Your best bet is to invest in a physical sunscreen, rather than a chemical sunscreen. Unlike chemical sunscreen that blocks out UV rays, physical sunscreens block out all light, heat and UV rays from the skin for optimal protection.
Topical treatments for Melasma
If you are struggling with the appearance of melasma and would like to have it treated in the Vancouver, BC area we urge you to contact skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim. She will guide you through a customized treatment plan that will include the use of topical creams and gels.
To book a consultation with Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, click HERE. Please note that we do not accept email enquiries.