For many women the first time they encounter melasma is during their pregnancy. The increase in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can often flare up melasma.

Many women who are estrogen dominant report melasma.

Because birth controls contain either progesterone or estrogen they can often be a culprit in melasma.

Melasma can be triggered by sun light, tanning beds, and heat. Melasma is always more difficult to treat during the summer months. Make sure you’re always wearing a mineral based sunscreen and invest in some trendy hats!

Those with melasma are four times more likely to have an underlying thyroid issue. Consider talking with your provider about getting tested for thyroid disease.

Stress causing melasma is up for debate for many however many women report a stressful life event around the time their melasma started. This is thought to be partially due to increase in cortisol levels which then affects hormones.

Genetics definitely play a role in melasma with as many as 50% of those with melasma reporting a family history.

Females are more prone to develop melasma than males (and ages 20-40 are most affected.

Melasma occurs more often in medium and darker skin tones. Melasma is most common in those of Latin, Black, Native American or Asian heritage.

Vitamin B12 deficiencies and Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked with melasma.

Please don’t treat on your own, consult your health provider to be tested.