Melasma refers to areas of the skin that become darker or lighter than your normal skin tone. It can take many forms, including:
- Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots, patches, or unevenness due to excess melanin production. Common types include melasma, sunspots (solar lentigines), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Hypopigmentation: Lighter patches of skin caused by decreased melanin production.
Causes of Melasma
- Sun Exposure: UV radiation is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation, triggering an overproduction of melanin.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions like pregnancy or melasma can cause fluctuations in melanin production.
- Inflammation: Skin injury, acne, or other inflammatory conditions can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can affect pigmentation.
- Genetics: Some individuals are more prone to developing pigmentation problems due to their family history.