Hormonal changes can cause acne outbreaks, weight gain, and mood swings in some women. Other symptoms are hair loss and irregular periods. Melasma is often associated with the female hormones, Estrogen and Progesterone. More often than not, pregnancy gives rise to Melasma due to increased hormonal fluctuations.

HORMONES IN ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES MAY LEAD TO MELASMA

About 30% of women on oral contraceptives develop Melasma.
If you take oral birth control and notice newly formed dark patches on your skin or further darkening of your existing pigmentation, please consult your dermatologist to determine if you have Melasma.

WHAT IS MELASMA?

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder characterized by patches of Gray-Brown Discoloration on the facial skin. Individuals with light brown skin to darker skin tone, especially in areas with high sun exposure, are more prone to Melasma.

The most common areas for Melasma to appear on the face include:
• Forehead
• Cheeks
• Upper lip
• Bridge of the nose
• Chin

Melasma may also appear in other areas of the body, especially those exposed to much sunlight.
Although Melasma is harmless, the unsightly appearance often causes women depression and stress.

CAUSES OF MELASMA

There are 2 critical causes of Melasma – Radiation via Ultraviolet Light, Blue Light, Infrared (Heat) Light, and Hormonal.
Sun exposure, the biggest culprit of Melasma, triggers the body to produce more melanin.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to Estrogen. For the same reason, any Hormone Replacement Therapy that contains Estrogen can contribute to Melasma.

POLLUTION

Recent scientific research indicates that environmental pollution is another major cause of Melasma that should be of concern.

TREATMENTS FOR MELASMA

There is no permanent cure for Melasma at the moment.
Doctors may suggest chemical peels or laser therapies to lessen melasma appearance in conjunction with specific oral antioxidants that attach to the skin, like Crystal Tomato®️ Whitening Supplement.

Topical Treatments for Melasma like creams or lotions are regarded by most dermatologists to be the most effective way to lighten Melasma.
Ingredients like licorice root extract, kojic acid, seaweed, vitamin C, mulberry extract, Crystal Tomato derivatives, can effectively fade hyperpigmentation and Melasma spots.

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, AND SUNSCREEN!

The importance of Sunscreen cannot be emphasized more! Applying sunscreen daily is absolutely necessary to protect the skin against the Sun. Whether indoors, outdoors, sunny, cloudy, or rainy days, UVA and Blue Light are everywhere.

Exposure to UVA/B, Blue Light, and Environmental Pollution would lead to premature skin aging, causing wrinkles and saggy skin and worsening Melasma.

It is essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with medically proven efficacy to protect your skin against Ultraviolet Light, Blue Light, and Environmental Pollution.

Beyond Sun Protection by Crystal Tomato®️ is scientifically proven to sufficiently protect against UVA, UVB, Blue Light, and Environmental Pollution, yet with a non-greasy and light texture.