Melasma is a skin condition where dark coloured patches appear on the face, mostly in women. While otherwise harmless, this problem can cause people to lose confidence and therefore, deeply affect their quality of life.
Symptoms:
- Light to dark brown patches particularly on forehead, cheeks, chin, or around the mouth.
- Patches are often symmetrical on both sides of the face.
Why does this happen?
The skin type of a person plays a huge role in the development of melasma. Indian skin types and people with deeper skin tones (what is called SOC or skin of colour) are at a higher risk of developing melasma.
Over 50% of people with melasma have a positive family history - as in, someone else in their family also had melasma. This indicates that the occurrence and severity of melasma is strongly influenced by the genes we inherit from our parents.
Melasma, often called the "mask of pregnancy," affects 50-70% of pregnant women due to hormonal changes, especially increased estrogen and progesterone. It can also occur during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations and is more common in women who have used hormonal pills like oral contraceptives.
Sunlight exposure is directly responsible for the occurrence of melasma. The entire spectrum of solar energy, from UVB to UVA to visible light (including HEVL) to infrared (IR) radiation, has been reported to cause or worsen melasma.
There is growing evidence that air pollution, combined with sun exposure, can increase the severity of melasma. Specifically, particulate matter pollution directly contributes to the hyperpigmentation.
Chronic stress has been shown to trigger melasma by elevating cortisol levels, which can worsen the condition.
Women who are undergoing hormonal therapies, and those on oral contraceptives are at a higher risk of developing melasma.
Our Solution
Sunlight is a key stimulator of melasma. CHOSEN targets this important causative factor by providing comprehensive sun protection with high performance topical and tinted sunscreens and oral sunscreens and skin protection supplements.
Dermatology-driven formulations combine unique actives targeting melasma by acting on keratinocytes, melanocytes, and mast cells. Supportive supplements like Pycnogenol and marine collagen strengthen skin structure, addressing persistent melasma.
Whether managing melasma on your own or with laser treatments, holistic care is essential. The DIY protocol below targets key factors for a complete, effective approach to melasma care.
CHOSEN Routine
Your well-rounded skincare routine for Melasma.
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- TINTENSE Tinted Sunscreen: Choose a shade that matches your skin tone, or try Nexgen Sunscreen for an untinted option.
- Optional Moisturizer: If you have dry skin or spend much of the day in air-conditioned environments, apply a light moisturizer like Gelee 10-20 minutes before sunscreen.
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Intensive phase (3-4 months)
- Apply Redcovery Plus one night, Retinolite Serum the next, and Facesilk Gelee the following night. Repeat this cycle!
Maintenance phase (after completing intensive phase)
- Apply Redcovery Serum one night, Retinolite Serum the next, and Facesilk Gelee the following night. Repeat this cycle. You may reduce the Retinolite Serum to twice weekly for ongoing maintenance.
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- Oral Antioxidants Mild Melasma: White Pine Pycnogenol® at a dose of 25 mg three times daily.
- Oral Antioxidants Severe Melasma: White Pine Pycnogenol® at a dose of 50 mg three times daily. Continuous use is recommended for 6 months, followed by intermittent use for maintenance.
- Collagen: Incorporate TOR Beaut Collagen Powder at a dose of 1-2 scoops (5-10 grams) for 12 weeks, then shift to intermittent use for ongoing support. You can take TOR Collagen powder anytime during the day.
Consult a doctor if...
You are not sure of the diagnosis. Some photosensitivity disorders can also cause a butterfly rash on the face. If you are unsure of the diagnosis, it is best to seek professional help.
There are underlying medical conditions like anemia or thyroid dysfunction, which are best managed by a doctor.
If you are taking hormonal treatments or medications (like birth control or hormone replacement therapy) and notice melasma developing or worsening, your doctor can help adjust your treatment or recommend alternative solutions.