Causes of Melasma and Freckles and Effective Prevention Methods

Melasma is a common dermatological condition that directly affects aesthetics and self-confidence. It can arise from various external factors or lifestyle habits. Let HBIO Clinic help you understand the causes of melasma and freckles so you can take effective measures to prevent and improve your skin.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a pigment disorder caused by excessive melanin production, leading to the formation of dark patches or spots on the skin. It primarily appears on areas frequently exposed to sunlight such as the face, neck, and shoulders.

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Melasma affects appearance and causes women to lose confidence

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 90% of melasma cases occur in women aged 20 to 50, especially during pregnancy and postpartum periods. The condition may fluctuate over time, intensifying in summer and fading in winter.

Causes of Melasma and Freckles in Women

Many women wonder about the causes of melasma and freckles. These spots can result from multiple factors, including environmental and genetic influences, detailed as follows:

Genetic Factors

Scientific studies show that if melasma or freckles occur in your family, especially in your mother, you have a higher risk of developing them. People with genes that regulate strong melanin production or sensitive skin to environmental effects are more prone to melasma than those without such genetic factors.

Thus, genetics is one cause of melasma.

Hormonal Changes 

Hormonal changes are the main cause of increased pigmentation, leading to more melasma and freckles. When hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are imbalanced, the skin becomes more sensitive to environmental stimuli. This stimulates excess melanin production, causing dark patches and spots.

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Hormonal changes are a major cause of melasma

Common cases include:

• Birth control pills: Alter hormone balance, making skin prone to melasma.
• Hormonal disorders, hypothyroidism: Affect hormone production, increasing pigmentation.
• Pregnancy: 15% to 50% of pregnant women develop melasma due to hormonal shifts.
• Postpartum and menstrual irregularities: Reduced estrogen causes decreased skin elasticity, promoting melasma development.

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Age Factor

Age is another cause of melasma. Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating melanin production. During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop, causing pigmentation disorders and increased melasma and freckles.

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As women age, hormonal changes and skin aging make the skin more prone to melasma

Additionally, aging reduces collagen production, leading to thinner, weaker skin more vulnerable to environmental damage, worsening melasma.

Sun Exposure

Sunlight contains UV rays that penetrate the skin, damaging cells and causing irritation and burns. Frequent sun exposure without protection triggers melanin production as a defense, leading to melasma and freckles, especially on the face.

Use of Low-Quality Cosmetics

Using poor-quality cosmetics also contributes to melasma. Many women use unregulated whitening creams or unknown-origin products, which may initially lighten skin and reduce melasma. However, over time, these products erode the skin barrier, making it weaker and more sensitive to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. As a result, melasma and freckles worsen.

Unhealthy Lifestyle and Chronic Stress

Unhealthy habits such as staying up late, lack of sleep, prolonged stress, little exercise, or overwork can disrupt hormone balance and the autonomic nervous system. This imbalance stimulates melanin production, causing melasma in many people.

Effective Prevention Methods for Melasma

Early treatment combined with proper skincare and protection can quickly improve melasma. Without timely intervention, dark spots may spread, making treatment more costly and prolonged.

Effective preventive measures include:

• Protect skin from the sun: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ at least 15–30 minutes before going outdoors, and always wear wide-brim hats, masks, and sunglasses.
• Eat a healthy diet: Ensure adequate nutrition and drink 1.5–2 liters of water daily to maintain healthy skin, fight aging, and reduce melasma risk. Include foods rich in vitamins C, E, carotenoids, and omega-3/6 such as kiwi, blueberries, oranges, nuts, carrots, pumpkin, and salmon.
• Maintain a balanced lifestyle: Exercise regularly, avoid staying up late, and manage stress to strengthen your body and reduce melasma occurrence.
• Use safe cosmetics: Choose products with clear origins and no irritating ingredients.
• Visit a dermatologist regularly: For skin issues, especially melasma, seek medical advice promptly. Early detection and treatment bring better results.

This article has provided you with the causes of melasma, helping you apply effective prevention methods. For healthy, bright skin, visit HBIO Clinic for professional consultation and skincare solutions to prevent melasma and maintain your natural beauty long-term.

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