What causes melasma?

Apr 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, the development of melasma on the face may be related to genetic factors, prolonged sun exposure, endocrine disorders, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and other factors. Daily attention should be paid to sun protection, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and maintaining good emotional well-being and endocrine balance, avoiding prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation in order to maintain healthy skin.

Generally, the occurrence of melasma on the face may be related to genetic factors, long-term sun exposure, endocrine disorders, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

Melasma may be associated with genetic factors. If family members have melasma, the risk of developing the condition may increase. It is recommended to choose mild facial cleansers and skincare products, avoiding excessive cleansing and skin irritation.

2. Prolonged Sun Exposure

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can stimulate melanocytes in the skin to produce excessive melanin, leading to melasma formation. It is recommended to use sunscreen with SPF30 or higher daily and avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours.

3. Endocrine Disorders

Long-term sleep deprivation or excessive fatigue may lead to endocrine disorders. Elevated estrogen levels may stimulate melanocytes to produce excessive melanin, resulting in facial melasma. Symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and mood swings may accompany this condition. Patients may use progesterone soft capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, estradiol valerate tablets, and other medications under medical guidance to regulate hormone levels.

4. Chronic Hepatitis

Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can damage liver cells, increasing the risk of chronic hepatitis. When liver function is impaired, the efficiency of clearing metabolic waste and toxins in the body decreases, affecting skin health and causing melanin deposition on the facial skin, resulting in melasma. Patients commonly experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Patients may use medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine injection, silibinin liquid capsules, reduced glutathione injections, and others under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

5. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is related to factors such as viral infection and long-term excessive alcohol consumption. It affects the body's metabolism and detoxification functions, causing melanin deposition in the skin and forming yellowish-brown patches on the face. Symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss may accompany this condition. Patients are advised to use medications such as entecavir tablets, sofosbuvir tablets, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and others under medical guidance for treatment.

Daily attention should be paid to sun protection, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and maintaining good emotional and endocrine balance. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation should be avoided to maintain skin health.

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What are the differences between melasma and freckles?

Under normal circumstances, melasma and freckles differ significantly in terms of etiology, affected body sites, lesion morphology, age of onset, and triggering factors. Melasma is primarily associated with endocrine disorders, ultraviolet radiation, genetic factors, and mental stress, and results from increased activity of melanocytes leading to skin pigmentation; freckles, on the other hand, are mostly caused by autosomal dominant inheritance.

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Is pigment dissolving solution good for removing age spots?

In general, the effectiveness of pigment-dissolving solutions for removing pigmentation spots depends on the type of spot. For superficial epidermal pigmentation, pigment-dissolving solutions may be somewhat effective. However, for dermal pigmentation or melasma, such solutions are usually ineffective and may even cause skin problems. In daily skincare, it is recommended to use sun protection to reduce UV-induced stimulation of pigmentation.

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Can saffron remove freckles?

In general, saffron may have certain auxiliary effects in improving some types of pigmentation, but it is not effective for all types of pigmentation, and the results may vary from person to person. It cannot replace professional pigmentation removal methods. If you wish to use saffron to help improve pigmentation in daily life, you should first identify the causes of the pigmentation, and also pay attention to sun protection and maintaining a regular作息 (routine/lifestyle). For significant pigmentation issues, it is recommended to combine professional pigmentation removal treatments.