Melasma is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly women.

It is characterised by brownish or greyish patches that appear on the face, especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip.

Although the exact causes of melasma are not fully understood, several factors are known to contribute to its development.

In this blog, we'll explore 10 causes of melasma, 10 ways to avoid it and how vitamin C can help reduce it's affect. 

10 Causes of Melasma:

1. Hormonal changes: Melasma is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

2. Sun exposure: Sunlight triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. Melasma is more likely to occur in areas exposed to the sun.

3. Genetics: Melasma can run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

4. Skin irritation: Certain skin care products, harsh treatments, and procedures like laser therapy can trigger melasma.

5. Medications: Certain medications like anticonvulsants and some antibiotics can cause melasma.

6. Thyroid disease: Imbalances in thyroid hormones can contribute to melasma.

7. Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the body's hormonal balance and trigger melasma.

8. Nutritional deficiencies: Certain deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can lead to skin problems, including melasma.

9. Chronic inflammation: Inflammation caused by various factors, including poor diet, pollution, and lifestyle factors, can contribute to melasma.

10. Ethnicity: Melasma is more common in people with darker skin types, including Hispanic, Asian, and African or African-American populations.

10 Ways to Avoid Melasma:

While some of the causes of melasma, like genetics and ethnicity, are beyond anyone's control, there are several steps we can take to prevent its development or exacerbation:

1. Wear sunscreen: Sun exposure is a significant risk factor for melasma. Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays - the problem is, many sunscreens leave white streaks on darker skin tones - not this one though.

2. Use protective clothing: Wearing hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers the skin can also help protect against UV rays.

3. Avoid the sun during peak hours: The sun's rays are most intense between 10 am and 2 pm. Avoiding sun exposure during these hours can reduce the risk of developing melasma.

4. Use gentle skin care products: Harsh soaps, exfoliants, and other products can irritate the skin and trigger melasma. Choose gentle products that are suitable for your skin type.

5. Be cautious with cosmetics: Certain cosmetics can also cause skin irritation and trigger melasma. Choose non-comedogenic products that won't clog pores.

6. Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the body's hormonal balance, triggering melasma. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga and exercise.

7. Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help support healthy skin and prevent melasma.

8. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water and staying hydrated can help support healthy skin.

9. Get enough sleep: Getting enough restful sleep is essential for overall health and healthy skin.

10. Avoid hormone-altering medications: If possible, avoid using birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and other medications that can alter hormonal balance.

Vitamin C's Role in Reducing Melasma's symptoms:

Vitamin C has been shown to be effective due to its ability to inhibit melanin production, reduce oxidative stress, and promote collagen synthesis.

Research has demonstrated that topical application of vitamin C can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation in melasma patients by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin.

Furthermore, vitamin C's antioxidant properties can neutralise free radicals that can lead to skin damage and exacerbate melasma symptoms.

Studies have also found that vitamin C can stimulate collagen synthesis, which can help improve skin texture and tone.

Incorporating a premium Vitamin C Serum which has high active ingredient percentages formulated into your skincare routine - such as Kalōnology's Advanced Vitamin C Serum, will assist in alleviating Melasma's symptoms.

Kalōnology's Advanced Skin Recovery Serum is a powerful tool in the treatment of melasma due to its ability to repair and restore damaged or over exposed skin / sunburned skin.

The serum contains a unique combination of liquid oxygen compounds, Vitamin C and E oils, and Palmitoleic Acid extracted from Nannochloropsis Algae, all of which work together to optimise skin metabolism, repair cell membranes, and protect against oxidative stress on DNA.

Additionally, the serum includes Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that is 65 times more powerful than ascorbic acid and 550 times more potent than green tea extracts, making it a powerful tool in fighting the free radicals that contribute to melasma.

Kalōnology's Advanced Skin Recovery Serum is an effective addition to a skincare routine for those looking to treat melasma symptoms.

Kalōnology's Pro Age Marine Day Cream SPF 30 is an excellent sunscreen developed to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, which are known to cause sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

This advanced formula includes Micronised Titanium and Rhatany Root, which provide broad-spectrum defence against harmful UV rays.

Not only does it protect against UV rays, but it also nourishes and moisturises the skin, thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium PCA, and powerful marine-based antioxidants.

This silky smooth face moisturiser is suitable for all skin types and is a must-have addition to any daily skincare routine.

Kalōnology's Collection is only available directly on their website www.kalonology.com, they ship Worldwide and are currently offering a 20% introductory discount while stocks last - simply add the code GETLESS20% during checkout!