Clarity Skin Esthetics

*Melasma*
is a tough condition mostly because it takes a lot of diligence in preventing it from worsening while at the same time, evening out the skin can often be a slow process and often requires quality products in addition to professional treatments.

# Let's take a look at some of the triggers and causes of Melasma:
1. Cosmetics - certain ingredients can cause a phototoxic reaction that triggers melasma. Many essential oils have phototoxic properties and are in a lot of products on the market today. Used regularly these can lead the condition to persist long term.
2. Hormone treatments — [oral contraceptive pills](https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/oral-contraceptive/) containing oestrogen and progesterone, hormone replacement, intrauterine devices and implants are a factor in about a quarter of affected women
3. Pregnancy — Referred to as "The Mask of Pregnancy," in affected women, the pigment often fades a few months after delivery.
4. Sun exposure and sun damage — this is the most important avoidable risk factor. Visible light and ultraviolet rays contribute to abnormal pigmentation.
5. Hypothyroidism

Happy Sunday 💗