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MELASMA AWARENESS

What is Melasma?

So, what exactly is Melasma? Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grayish-brown patches, and while it's not harmful, it can be frustrating. These patches most commonly show up on the face- particularly the cheeks, jawline, and center of the face- but can develop anywhere exposed to the sun. A key indicator to Melasma is also if the spots are mirrored on each side of the face, Melasma tends to not have just one spot when it shows up.There are a few ways that Melasma can be triggered such as:

Sun exposure: UV rays can trigger the melanocytes in the skin to produce more color, thus resulting in hyperpigmentation known as Melasma. Heat triggers inflammation and is why we’re more prone to producing Melasma or spots darkening in the summer.
Hormonal changes: any shifts in hormones (such as pregnancy or birth control) can trigger Melasma. During pregnancy, Melasma is especially common-affecting up to 70% of women-and is often nicknamed the "mask of pregnancy" due to the way it appears on the face.
Genetics: If Melasma runs in your family, you might be more likely to get it too.

JUNE 25, 2025

As we inch our way through summer, skin protection becomes more important than ever. With warmer weather and more time in the sun, our skin naturally tans. These changes could be more than just a summer glow- they might be signs of Melasma. Today I want to chat about what Melasma is, what causes it, and how you can protect and treat your skin during the sunny season and beyond.

Melasma is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States and can affect anyone, though it's most common in women with medium to darker skin tones. Typically it’s most prominent in ages 20-40 but can show up earlier in some cases. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, researchers believe it occurs when melanocytes- the cells that create pigment in the skin- become overactive and create too much melanin. There are also three different kinds of Melasma: epidermal, dermal, and mixed- each looking a little different. Epidermal Melasma appears as a dark brown spot with more defined edges, while dermal has a lighter brown or blue color and a less defined border. Lastly, mixed Melasma is the most common form of Melasma and is a combination of the two. Check out the graphic below to see what each kind looks like.

Unfortunately, Melasma doesn’t go away on its own. The good news? Melasma won’t hurt you and with the right treatments and proper care, you can reduce it like a pro. So, let’s chat about treatments. And yes, we’re starting with the obvious star: sunscreen. I know, I know- you’re sick of hearing SPF mentioned once again, but it is truly a life saver. With sun exposure being the main trigger to Melasma, making sure that you are protected at all times is key. Look for a mineral, broad spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against both UVA and UVB), and don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours. The type of sunscreen you apply is key to protecting against Melasma. Mineral sunscreen in specific acts as a shield for the face, while chemical SPF absorbs into the skin and can cause more inflammation-thus making Melasma worse. Check out our sunscreen blog if you want a deeper dive on the two kinds! A sunscreen I will continue to recommend is the Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector with SPF 50 from Colorescience. This sunscreen offers high protection while also targeting dark spots and discoloration in the skin. Its tint immediately corrects, while the formula brightens overtime. Wearing protective clothing is also a good way to increase sun protection. Bonus points if you wear a cute hat and oversized sunglasses 😉.

Alongside those preventative tactics, there are many products you can incorporate into your skin regimen. One of my favorite skin care products to help reduce Melasma is also part of the ‘Even Up’ line, this time without the SPF. The Even Up Multi Correction Serum from Colorescience is the perfect addition to both your morning and night routine. It has a similar formula as the Even Up SPF, with added hydration to optimize the skin’s absorption of the product. Hydrating, brightening, and evening out the skin tone- you can say your goodbye’s to your Melasma now. Check out the graphic below for a before and after from consistently using the Even Up SPF and Multi Correction Serum:

Bottom line? Melasma may be common and stubborn, but can be managed! Whether it popped up during pregnancy, from a beach trip with no reapplication, or thanks to your gene pool, melasma is manageable. With a little more knowledge, some SPF and the right treatments, you can reduce melasma like a pro!