Melasma Freckles on the Face Affected by Hormones and Environment

Illustration of melasma. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Melasma is one of the most common skin pigmentation disorders, especially on the face. This condition is characterized by the appearance of brownish to grayish patches that tend to settle and are difficult to remove.

Even though it does not cause pain or harm to health, melasma often has a big impact on self-confidence because it appears in areas that are easy to see.

In many cases, melasma develops slowly. At first it only appears faint, then it becomes clearer over time. The patches can last for a long time even though various skin care products have been tried. This situation often makes sufferers feel frustrated and wonder about the actual cause of the skin changes experienced.

Quoting the ANTARA website, melasma occurs due to excessive melanin production. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. When production increases uncontrollably, this pigment will accumulate in the skin layer, both in the epidermis, dermis, and a combination of the two.

As a result, brown or gray-colored spots appear that are usually symmetrical and most often seen on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin.

Although often considered annoying, melasma is not a contagious or dangerous disease. The main challenge is its easy recurrence. Pigmentation patches can reappear when the trigger factor is still there, so melasma is often a chronic condition that requires long-term management.

Various factors are known to play a role in the emergence of melasma. Repeated exposure to the sun is the main trigger because ultraviolet radiation stimulates melanin production. In addition, hormonal changes such as those that occur in pregnancy or the use of hormonal contraceptives also have a major influence. Genetic factors, skin irritation due to certain procedures, and the use of certain medications also increase the risk of melasma.

Geographically, melasma is not evenly distributed around the world. A number of scientific publications note that the prevalence of melasma in Southeast Asia is relatively high, even reaching around 40 percent.

The high number is related to the dominance of Fitzpatrick III to V skin types and tropical sun exposure throughout the year. The combination of biological and environmental factors makes this area more prone to pigmentation disorders.

A dermatologist in Pekanbaru who has experience handling hyperpigmentation cases, dr. Tanya Febrina, explained that skin sensitivity to pigmentation is greatly influenced by hormonal and hereditary factors.

According to him, estrogen and progesterone hormones can trigger increased melanin production, so melasma more often appears in pregnant women and users of hormonal contraceptives. The risk is also higher in individuals who have a history of melasma in the family, especially those with a dark brown to dark skin color.

In this case, melasma reflects the body's complex response to internal and external factors. By recognizing the causes more thoroughly, a person can take more appropriate steps in taking care of the skin and managing this condition realistically and sustainably.