Melasma: Let's Talk About What's Happening Beneath the Surface Most people are told that melasma is simply caused by the sun. While UV exposure absolutely can make melasma darker and more noticeable, many holistic practitioners believe it's often highlighting an underlying imbalance rather than being the root cause itself. So, what exactly is melasma? There is of course a deeper definition that would include things like melanocytes and keratinocytes, but for the sake of this convo, lets keep it simple. Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that appears as patches of brown, gray, or tan discoloration, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It's incredibly common during pregnancy (often called the "mask of pregnancy") and can also show up during hormonal shifts, after starting hormonal birth control, or during periods of increased stress. From a holistic perspective, many practitioners look beyond the skin and ask why the body may be producing excess pigment in the first place. Some of the underlying areas they commonly explore include: Hormone balance, particularly estrogen dominance or the need for better estrogen metabolism Liver function and overall detoxification pathways Adrenal health and chronic stress Vitamin B deficiencies Heavy metal or toxin burden that may be placing additional stress on the body Again, the sun isn't the cause, it's often the thing that brings the underlying issue to the surface. Because the body also needs pathways to process Vitamin D. It cannot do so properly in an unbalanced body Internal Support Based on my research and conversations with holistic practitioners, some of the best herbs and supplements commonly recommended to support the body include: Schisandra (found HERE) Artichoke (found HERE) Black Cumin Oil (found HERE) For postpartum melasma specifically, some practitioners also recommend Shatavari (found here) as additional hormonal support. Topical Support While supporting the body internally is important, I also believe that what we put on our skin matters. A consistent skincare routine focused on reducing inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and addressing excess pigment can be incredibly helpful. Some of the topical products commonly used include: Damastique an SPF Active Serum (found HERE) Hydrinity Vivid Brightening Serum – formulated to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone while supporting overall skin health. (found HERE) Skinbetter Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum – one of my favorites because it targets multiple pathways involved in the appearance of pigmentation, including red, brown, and yellow discoloration, for a more comprehensive approach to uneven skin tone. (found HERE) Epicutis Lipid Serum – an incredible anti-inflammatory serum that helps calm the skin, support the skin barrier, and create a healthier environment for healing. (found HERE) As always this isnt medical advice, this is just my own research and what has worked for me. melasma
