Melasma is a dark skin discoloration that appears on sun-exposed areas of the face. Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone, young women with brownish skin tones are at greatest risk. Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause. Sun exposure is also a strong risk factor for melasma.
Melasma can be treated with topical ointments, like Tri Luma and Intensed Pulse Light Laser (IPL).