Melasma is a skin condition caused by an increase in the pigment-producing cells in the skin. The precise cause of melasma is unknown, however, people with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop this condition themselves. A change in hormonal status may trigger melasma. It is commonly associated with pregnancy and called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy.” Birth control pills (due to estrogen) appear to increase the risk of melasma, however, hormone replacement therapy used after menopause has not been shown to cause the condition. Sun exposure certainly contributes to melasma. Ultraviolet light from the sun can stimulate pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes in the skin. People with skin of color have more active melanocytes than those with light skin. These melanocytes produce a large amount of pigment under normal conditions, but this production increases even further when stimulated by light exposure or an increase in hormone levels. Incidental exposure to the sun is mainly the reason for recurrences of melasma.

Dermamelan®, when applied to the face and body, works to reduce the pigmentation by blocking tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of pigmentation in the skin. The Dermamelan® regulates the amount of melanin pigment that is formed in the skin and exfoliates dark visible pigmentation, which evens out the skin’s tone and reduces hyperpigmentation.