What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by the emergence of dark (black, grey, or brown) spots on the skin. The human skin consists of three main layers: the outermost is the epidermis, followed by the middle layer called the dermis, and the innermost layer is the subcutis.
These dark spots occur when cells in the epidermis produce an excess amount of a dark pigment called melanin, which can be triggered by exposure to light, heat, or ultraviolet rays, resulting in skin darkening. Melasma is particularly prevalent among women and is often linked to hormonal changes.
Melasma is not physically harmful, but studies have shown that it can lead to psychological problems and poorer quality of life due to the changes it causes in a person’s appearance.
