Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes dark, discolored patches to form on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin areas. Melasma affects both men and women of all skin tones. There are two main causes of melasma: sun damage and hormonal changes.
- Sun damage: When skin is exposed to the sun, ultraviolet rays cause melanocytes (cells that create pigment in the skin) to produce excess melanin, leading to the formation of melasma and dark spots on the skin.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can also cause melasma, such as birth control, hormone therapy, or pregnancy. Melasma is extremely common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and is often called a “pregnancy mask”.
If untreated, melasma can negatively affect many people’s emotional and psychological well-being, as well as the overall quality of their lives. Topical Hydroquinone (HQ), an active ingredient within Musely’s facial dark spot treatments, The Spot Cream and The Spot Peel, temporarily halts the overproduction of melanin. Additionally, oral tranexamic acid medications such as The Spot Pill can treat stubborn melasma and hyperpigmentation from within. Our oral and topical dark spot treatments can be used together for a more comprehensive approach, if approved by your prescribing dermatologist! Learn About Our Melasma Treatment.