What Exactly is Melasma?

Sunlight Triggers Melasma

Individuals who develop melasma tend to spend a lot of time in the sun. Sunlight is not necessarily going to cause melasma in all cases, but it does make the issue more common. Melanocytes, the cells that develop skin color, are affected by the harsh UV rays produced by the sun. Because spending time outside during the summer can make faded melasma spots appear darker, those who notice their melasma fading over time will see it become more prevalent in warmer weather. Melasma does fade and can go away entirely, but it almost always returns to those who spend a lot of time outdoors.