Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches on the face. It is often seen in women over the age of 30 with 15-50% of women experiencing it during pregnancy. Melasma can be often triggered or worsened by the following factors:

• Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can darken existing melasma patches and trigger new ones.

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with hormonal therapy, can trigger melasma.

• Skincare and cosmetics: Certain skin care products, such as those that contain fragrances, can irritate the skin and trigger melasma.

• Genetics: Melasma may run in families and be more common in certain ethnic populations with a higher skin melanin content.

• Skin irritation: Scratching, rubbing, or other forms of skin irritation can worsen melasma.

• Heat: hot showers, heating, and anything that raises the core body temperature can worsen melasma. 

Now let’s talk about the importance of sun protection in melasma.

Firstly there are two types of sunscreen: physical (mineral) and chemical. The difference between the two lies in their active ingredients and mechanism of action.

Physical sunscreens act as a physical barrier on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays like a mirror. Whereas chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays into the skin and converting them into heat which is then released by the skin. This process can cause hyperpigmentation and exacerbate some pigmentation conditions such as melasma, which is stimulated by both sun exposure and heat. As a result, those prone to these conditions are advised to avoid chemical sunscreens.

If you experience melasma its important to protect your skin from further damage from the sun and follow these guidelines to prevent it from getting worse:

• Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, when spending time outdoors

• Use an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every 2-3 hours

• Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10am to 4pm)

• Seek shade when possible

Sun protection is a must for all skin types, especially under Australian sun. But if you suffer from pigmentation disorders, or any inflammatory skin conditions, it might be time to consider an alternative to chemical sun protection.