melasma
Hormonal skin patches
Melasma is a skin condition causing patches of brown or grayish-brown discoloration, typically on the face—cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip.
It occurs most often in women, particularly during pregnancy (when it's called the "mask of pregnancy") or while taking hormonal contraceptives.
Sun exposure worsens it.
The patches are harmless but can be persistent and difficult to treat.
Aromatic compound, two OH groups
- tretinoinTopical retinoid medication
- kojic acidFungus-derived skin lightener
- vitamin CEssential water-soluble antioxidant
- retinoidsVitamin A derivatives
chemical peels · microneedling · laser therapy · topical · tranexamic acid · niacinamide · dermatologist
Altered surface pigmentation
- uneven skin toneIrregular complexion coloring
- complexionSkin tone, appearance
- concealerCosmetic for hiding flaws
- foundationUnderlying support structure
color corrector · camouflage · self-consciousness · appearance · coverage · blemishes · dark spots · skin lightening
Localized skin darkening condition
- patchesPieces sewn over holes
- melanocytesPigment-producing skin cells
- epidermalConcerning the outer skin
- dermalOf the skin
acquired · chronic · refractory · bilateral · symmetrical · malar · mandibular · Wood's lamp
Wavelengths shorter than violet
- sunscreenUV-blocking skin cream
- sunblockUV-protective skin cream
- SPFUltraviolet defense measure
- UV exposureContact with ultraviolet light
broad spectrum · photosensitivity · visible light · reapplication · sun hat · darkening · summer · flare
Carrying developing offspring
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- progesteroneOvarian steroid supporting gestation
- oral contraceptivesIngested hormonal birth control
- birth controlPreventing conception intentionally
hormone replacement · thyroid · endocrine · fluctuation · trigger · exacerbation · postpartum · hormonal imbalance
hydroquinone
Aromatic compound, two OH groups
- tretinoinTopical retinoid medication
- kojic acidFungus-derived skin lightener
- vitamin CEssential water-soluble antioxidant
retinoids · chemical peels · microneedling · laser therapy · topical · tranexamic acid · niacinamide · dermatologist
discoloration
Altered surface pigmentation
- uneven skin toneIrregular complexion coloring
- complexionSkin tone, appearance
- concealerCosmetic for hiding flaws
foundation · color corrector · camouflage · self-consciousness · appearance · coverage · blemishes · dark spots · skin lightening · brightening
hyperpigmentation
Localized skin darkening condition
- patchesPieces sewn over holes
- melanocytesPigment-producing skin cells
- epidermalConcerning the outer skin
dermal · acquired · chronic · refractory · bilateral · symmetrical · malar · mandibular · Wood's lamp · biopsy
ultraviolet
Wavelengths shorter than violet
UV exposure · broad spectrum · photosensitivity · visible light · reapplication · sun hat · darkening · summer · flare · mineral sunscreen
pregnancy
Carrying developing offspring
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- progesteroneOvarian steroid supporting gestation
- oral contraceptivesIngested hormonal birth control
birth control · hormone replacement · thyroid · endocrine · fluctuation · trigger · exacerbation · postpartum · hormonal imbalance · menopause
melasmavitiligo
Melanocyte-loss skin condition
depigmentation · albinism · clear skin · hypomelanosis · pallor
melancholic, melanoma, melancholia, melanin, albinism, melanocyte, melanism, eumelanin, melanistic