Melasma Explained: Causes, and Skincare Tips for Clearer Skin
Melasma is a common skin concern for many women today. Keep reading to learn more about what melasma is, possible root causes, common triggers, topical solutions, and my favorite skin food support for glowing radiant skin from within.
WHAT IS MELASMA?
Melasma is a skin condition that causes discolored patches of skin or uneven skin tone. Women are particularly susceptible to melasma and it can appear as a “mask” of hyperpigmentation on the cheeks, forehead, around the mouth, nose bridge and other areas of the face and body.
Melasma Is the result of liver damage from birth control, hormones, and other medications. Melasma starts as redness in the skin from what research calls dermal inflammation. Dr. Ben, founder of Osmosis MD links this inflammation to liver damage. When exposed to significant sunlight the skin protects the red spots with melanin resulting in large brown spots on the face. To resolve this permanently we need to heal the liver damage, otherwise, it requires a lifetime of using skin lighteners.
ROOT CAUSES
Liver:
Long term viruses and toxins in the liver, especially when that person has also taken a decent amount of antibiotics or other medications in their day can leave it too overburdened to correctly process bilirubin (the yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of old blood cells). Instead of getting flushed out, the bilirubin builds up and backs up into the bloodstream, resulting in that yellowish tinge and discoloration to the skin. – Liver Rescue, Medical Medium
Heavy Metals:
Dark spots are caused by internally produced dermatoxins (viral waste) made of one-half methylated aluminum and the other half a mix of methylated cadmium, nickel, lead, and mercury; different types of age spots depend on the composition of that second half. – Liver Rescue, Medical Medium
Hormones:
Typically women’s own hormones are blamed for creating an array of skin conditions, but in reality the estrogen found in foods or other external sources is what can truly cause harm. These harmful kinds of estrogen may be found in medications, plastics, solvents, eggs, dairy and red meat. We are also surrounded by more and more endocrine disruptors today. Endocrine disruptors mimic natural hormones, or stop them from doing their job. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can be found in pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, industrial and household cleaning products, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, textiles/clothing, food/water, plastics, and heavy metals
Facesbykatey melasma client progress
TRIGGERS
Injury To The Skin
Sunburn, harsh skin procedures, or injury to the skin can cause inflammation. Hyperpigmentation is abnormal melanin deposition triggered by the way skin regenerates after inflammation or injury. This also may be why some women report new or worsening melasma after having peels and laser treatments done to the skin.
Birth Control:
Since synthetic hormones can be one of the primary causes of melasma – especially estrogen, elevated levels of estrogen in the body can increase pigment production and hormonal birth control works by increasing levels of estrogen in the body. This may be why melasma is commonly seen with oral contraceptive use.
Time:
Our skin is a messenger and mirror the body uses to tell us when something is out of balance. The skin is also an elimination organ that works in synergy with the body’s other detox organs, if the liver is overworked and overburdened it overflows and affects other organs and functions of the body. The skin is a mirror of what is happening within. There is only so much that can build up over time until we start to show it on our faces.
SKIN FOOD
— Pintrest, 2D Creative Artists
Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie:
It can be helpful to consume the five foods that work synergistically to remove toxic heavy metals daily: fresh cilantro, wild blueberries, Atlantic dulse, barley grass juice powder and spirulina. You can combine them into the Medical Medium Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie, which is a simple and easy way to consume them every day. Or you can eat them in another way you like.The key is to consume all five foods in a 24 hour period, and do that every day. It takes time for toxic heavy metals to leave the body and we are exposed to new ones all the time, so keep up with it as much as you can.
15 of my other favorite skin foods to support luminous skin:
- Celery juice
- Aloe
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Berries
- Burdock root
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Leafy Greens
- Lemons/limes
- Melons
- Pink Pitaya
- Papaya
- Sweet Potato
My favorite brightening skin tea blend:
- Red Clover
- Hibiscus
- Rosehips
- Nettle
- Raspberry leaf
- Ginger
SKINCARE TO HELP MELASMA
Calm inflammation:
Reasons we love RESCUE EPIDERMAL REPAIR SERUM
Neutralizes toxins, calms inflammation, activates epidermal wound and DNA repair to dramatically improve skin texture, pores and age spots.
• Slows Aging Process by repairing oxidative damage
• Calms redness, clears blemishes
• Decreases the inflammation present in the skin helping the healing process to resume improving inflamed acne, rosacea, melasma, and many other inflammatory conditions.
Tyrosinase Inhibitors:
Vitamin A derivatives such as retinaldehyde inhibit tyrosinase activity. It interferes with melanin production and lightens skin. Vitamin A may also increase your skin's cell turnover ratio. This reduces the appearance of pigmentation spots.
Reasons we love CORRECT PREVENTATIVE RETINAL SERUM
Pharmaceutical-grade liposomes deliver proprietary nutrients beyond the surface to feed and remodel the skin. Real changes result from 9 collagen stimulators and 7 antioxidants that also offer UVB protection and barrier repair.
• Helps pigmentation, tone/texture, fine lines, aging and hydration
• Feeds collagen and elastin production
• Prevents acne breakouts, improves pore
Reasons We Love 15% VITAMIN C BOOSTER SERUM
The 15% Vitamin C Booster Serum is a gentle formula that delivers a powerful dose of antioxidants to brighten and protect your skin. This serum works to neutralize free radicals, boost collagen production, and fade dark spots for a more even and radiant complexion. With its high concentration of stabilized Vitamin C, it works to target discoloration and signs of aging, leaving your skin looking youthful and vibrant.
Reasons we love PERFECTION PIGMENT CORRECTOR
Perfection Pigment Corrector is a breakthrough formula designed to gently exfoliate and protect the skin, inhibiting multiple melanin pathways for a radiant, even skin tone. Its dual-chamber formula fades dark spots, brightening your skin for visible results. Experience potent tyrosinase inhibitors, normalized sebum activity, and an advanced delivery system for impeccable, luminous skin
Exfoliate and brighten:
If you want brighter, smoother skin but acids are too irritating enzymes may be a much better choice for avoiding inflammation since they work on the surface skin cells without causing any cellular death or turnover for living cells more deeply like acids do with more potential for irritation.
Find pumpkin and honey enzymes in HIBISCUS EXFOLIATING MUD and cranberry enzymes inside of PURE ENZYMES.
The takeaway: It takes harmonious actions and lifestyle changes to transform the skin. Understanding and preventing melasma, using supportive skin care at home, enjoying a variety of nourishing skin foods, and getting help from a trusted skin care professional can all support improving the appearance of the skin. It is also important to remember if you are using exfoliating ingredients, or having resurfacing treatments done to protect your skin from peak sun exposure, and wear a mineral based SPF as the skin might be more sensitized.
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, to include blog postings and any linked material. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice or treatment, nor should it be relied upon for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any health consideration. Consult with a licensed health care practitioner before altering or discontinuing any medications, treatment or care, skin care products or starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program. The content of this blog and any linked material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.
