What are the causes of Melasma? And how does melasma form?

Melasma can be triggered by pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives, and it has been pointed out that melasma is related not only to UV exposure but also to female hormones. In addition, it can also be affected by hormonal imbalance due to mental stress and worsened by physical stimulation such as excessive massaging.

How melasma forms

1. Stimulants such as hormones and UV light irritate keratinocytes.

2. Although UV exposure is a significant cause of pigmentation, melasma, in particular, develops or is aggravated by the effects of female hormones, stress, and excessive massaging. When keratinocytes in the epidermis receive these stimuli, they produce plasmin and prostaglandins, activators of melanocytes (pigment cells). These signals are transmitted to melanocytes.

3. Tyrosinase acts on the process by which tyrosine, an amino acid in melanocytes that receives signals from plasmin and other sources, gradually changes to dopa and dopaquinone, which eventually become melanin. This increases melanin production.

4. Melanin is originally produced to protect cells from UV light and various other stimuli. Therefore, melanin is an essential and important part of the human body. However, when excess melanin is produced and stays in keratinocytes, the skin becomes darker in color and pigmented.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.