Melasma is often attributed to hormonal imbalances in the body. This explains why it is very common in pregnant women, as well as those who take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. 

 

The prevalence of melasma during ‘hormonal’ conditions is very apparent. Research shows that it occurs in approximately 15 to 50% of pregnant women. As for oral contraceptive pill users, studies show that it affects as much as 29% of the population. 

 

Melasma and Pregnancy 

 

Melasma is so common in expectant women that it has been called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ (chloasma gravidarum). As to why this occurs, experts have these hormones to blame:

 

• Estrogen 

 In non-pregnant women, the ovaries produce estrogen to help develop female traits. But in expectant women, this is produced by the placenta to help maintain the pregnancy.

 

• Progesterone 

Also known as the pregnancy hormone, progesterone plays a crucial role before and during gestation. Originally secreted by the ovaries, it helps prepare the womb for egg implantation. 

 

Once the pregnancy pushes through, progesterone production is relegated to the placenta. With this, progesterone helps maintain a conducive environment for pregnancy.  

 

Because of their vital roles, the body needs to produce high levels of these hormones during pregnancy. Unfortunately, these end up stimulating the melanocytes, or the skin cells that produce skin color. As a result, more melanin is manufactured, leading to the brownish/grayish-brown patches associated with melasma.

 

Although estrogen and progesterone are the main culprits behind pregnancy-related melasma, there is another hormone that is to blame: the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). As the name suggests, it stimulates the skin cells to produce more melanin.

 

Levels of MSH increase during late pregnancy to help darken the nipples – so that they are easily ‘seen’ by a breastfeeding infant. Naturally so, these heightened levels contribute to more melanin production, which in turn results in melasma symptoms. 

 

Melasma and Birth Control Use

 

 

Birth control pills work by ‘fooling’ the body into thinking that it is already pregnant. It helps disrupts the normal cycle by preventing ovulation, or the release of the mature egg from the ovaries. 

 

Birth control pills make this ‘prevention’ possible by increasing progesterone levels in the body. Expectedly, this hormone ends up stimulating the melanocytes to produce more melanin, which can, later on, lead to melasma patches.

 

Apart from progesterone, birth control pills also contain Ethinyl estradiol, a type of estrogen. Again, estrogen is known to stimulate melanin production, which can bring about melasma symptoms.

 

Because birth control pills make the body believe that it is pregnant, the response is to produce hormones that are needed for pregnancy. This would explain the release of MSH, which again, contributes to melasma symptoms.

 

Melasma and Menopause 

 

Hormones are used in treating certain disorders, including menopause. This disorder results from the decreased ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone, which usually occurs during the 40s and 50s. Because of this hormonal imbalance, menopausal women often experience uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and weight gain.

 

To help curb these symptoms, menopausal women may elect to have hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This may involve the use of an estrogen pill, patch, cream, or gel. Some may be prescribed with progesterone (oral or intrauterine progestin). 

 

While they may be effective in reducing menopause symptoms, HRT can stimulate melanin production, which may then lead to melasma symptoms. 

 

Natural Treatments for Hormone-Related Melasma 

 

Expectedly, the best way to get rid of hormone-related melasma is to ‘balance’ the estrogen and hormone levels in the body. As such, melasma can only be reduced by stopping hormone intake – which means cutting pill or HRT use.

 

Pregnancy-related melasma, on the other hand, works differently. It usually dissipates a year after childbirth, which is not fast enough for some. 

 

Unfortunately, avoiding pills or HRT is not an option for most. If you are one of these women – or if you just wish to get rid of your pregnancy melasma quickly – you may try any of these natural skin supplements: 

 

• Vitamin C

 

Ascorbic acid is truly a wonder supplement, as it has many benefits to the body. It is vital for enhancing immunity, healing wounds, and absorbing iron. It may be beneficial for melasma as well, as this antioxidant may help brighten dark spots. 

 

Such results may be attributed to Vitamin C’s ability to inhibit melanogenesis or the production of melanin pigment in the body. According to a study, this makes Vitamin C useful in reducing melasma or age spots. 

 

• Zinc

 

Zinc is a nutrient with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect the skin from UV rays, which may help reduce melanin production in the process. 

 

Because of these activities, experts believe that zinc may have potential benefits against melasma. Results show that it may help decrease melasma severity after 2 months of use. 

 

• Niacinamide

 

This form of Vitamin B3 is an essential nutrient for the brain and the kidneys. With its many uses, experts say that it may be beneficial for the skin as well. 

 

More than just managing acne and rosacea, a study has shown that niacinamide may be useful in reducing melasma as well. Results show that it may help lighten pigmented spots after four weeks of regular use. 

 

• Green Tea

 

Green tea is a popular drink that has been around for over 5 millennia. Apart from being soothing and relaxing, it comes with protective antioxidants. With its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea may also help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

 

Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, green tea may help beautify the skin as well. A study has shown that a cream made with 2% green tea extract may help reduce symptoms. Results show that 60% of the respondents reported improvements, compared to only 3% from the placebo group. 

 

Green tea’s benefits on the skin are often credited to its catechins, specifically that of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to a study, EGCG is a useful substance that may help inhibit melanin synthesis in the skin. 

 

In a Nutshell 

 

Hormonal changes in the body, which commonly occur during pregnancy, pill, and HRT use, can lead to melasma. Apart from conventional treatments, supplements such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Niacinamide, and Green Tea may also help reduce melasma in affected individuals.

 

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