In this era of natural beauty and healthy skin, melasma, an "uninvited guest" that inadvertently creeps up the cheeks, has become a concern for many beauty lovers. Not only does it affect our physical self-confidence, but it can also hide subtle changes in the body's internal health. Today, let's unravel the mystery of melasma, understand its causes, and explore effective coping strategies.
1. What is melasma?
Melasma, also known medically as liver spots or butterfly spots, is a common facial pigmented skin condition. It is mainly manifested as light brown to dark brown patches of different sizes and irregular shapes on the face, which are commonly found in sun-prone areas such as cheekbones, forehead, upper lip and nose, like butterfly wings gently covering the cheeks, hence the name "butterfly spots".
2. The cause of melasma is revealed
- Ultraviolet exposure: Ultraviolet rays are the leading cause of melasma. Long-term exposure to sunlight activates melanocytes in the skin, promoting melanin synthesis, leading to pigmentation and the formation of melasma.
- Endocrine disorders: Changes in hormone levels in women during pregnancy, lactation, or long-term use of contraceptives may stimulate increased melanocyte secretion, causing or aggravating melasma.
- Genetic factors: The onset of melasma has obvious familial clustering, and if there are melasma patients in the family, the risk of offspring will increase.
- Bad lifestyle habits: Staying up late for a long time, eating an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise and other bad lifestyle habits will affect the body's metabolism and detoxification functions, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in the body and indirectly promoting the formation of melasma.
- Compromised skin barrier: Over-cleansing, frequent exfoliation, or the use of harsh cosmetics can disrupt the skin barrier, making the skin sensitive and fragile, making it more susceptible to external stimuli and hyperpigmentation.
3. How to effectively deal with melasma?
- Sun protection is key: Regardless of spring, summer, autumn or winter, you should apply sunscreen before going out, and wear hats, masks and other sunscreen products to reduce the damage of UV rays to your skin.
- Endocrine regulation: Maintain regular work and rest and eating habits, avoid overwork and mood swings, and endocrine regulation therapy can be carried out under the guidance of a doctor if necessary.
- Scientific skincare: Choose gentle and non-irritating skincare products that focus on hydration and repairing the skin barrier. Get regular skin tests and adjust your skincare regimen according to changes in skin type.
- Professional treatment: For melasma that has formed, it can be treated by laser, photorejuvenation and other medical aesthetic methods. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the choice of regular medical institutions and experienced doctors for operation.
- Diet: Eat more foods rich in vitamins C, E and antioxidants, such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, etc., which can help inhibit melanin production and lighten melasma.
In conclusion, melasma is the result of a combination of factors. In order to effectively deal with melasma, it is necessary to start from various aspects such as daily habits, skin care, and professional treatment, and take comprehensive measures to restore the health and beauty of the skin as soon as possible.