What causes melasma?

Melasma occurs when the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in your skin produce too much melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Several factors are believed to contribute to the development of melasma, including:

Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and the use of hormonal drugs, like birth control and hormone replacement therapy, can trigger melasma.

Medical conditions: Some medical conditions that affect hormone balance, such as thyroid problems, may contribute to melasma. However, these are considered rare.

Medications: Certain medications, including anti-epileptic drugs, have been associated with melasma development as a side effect.

UV exposure: The exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and artificial sources, such as sunbeds, can trigger melasma. UV rays stimulate melanocytes, leading to increased melanin production.

Feel confident in your skin


Whether melasma has affected your self-esteem and wellbeing recently or throughout your life, we’re here to help.

We offer treatments to help reduce and remove the appearance of melasma to make you feel confident in your skin again.

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Which treatments can be used to help?

For more information, please select a treatment from below.

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