Exposure to sun causes the melanocytes to produce higher levels of melanin which in turn darkens, or tans, our skin. An uneven production of melanin produces freckles and sun spots. Apart from sunlight there are a number of factors that can effect melanin production. Conditions such as Addison’s disease (an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally) hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis also SLE (Lupus), can alter the colouring of the skin, often on the face, and needs treating appropriately.

Melasma is a condition often brought on during pregnancy or when a women stops taking the contraceptive pill. It is normally seen on the face and will often recede once pregnancy is over. Melasma can occur in all skin types and in people of all racial and ethnic groups, but is most common in women with brown skin who are between the ages of 21 and 40. It is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” because it occurs commonly during pregnancy and in women who take oral contraceptive pills. Furthermore, people living in areas of intense and prolonged sunlight (Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Carribean) are more susceptible to developing melasma.
Skin lightening chemicals such as hydroquinone have often been used to treat melasma, although it should be said that although products containing hydroquinone are still available it is potentially harmful and is therefore illegal in this country (the UK).
Dr Olivia Stevenson, Consultant Dermatologist at Kettering General Hospital says: "Using hydroquinone as a cosmetic has potential dangers.The main one being that the strength can be very variable and the use of strong hydroquinone for long periods can be associated with worse pigmentation. You can actually end up with darker skin rather than lighter skin."
Along with medication, it is recommended to use a daily sunscreen. This is essential because even when it is cloudy outside, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the skin. Sunscreen also must be worn when most of the day will be spent indoors as a brief walk, driving, or sitting next to a window can expose unprotected skin to enough sunlight to trigger melasma. It also is important not to use products that irritate the skin. Any cosmetics (facial cleanser, cream, makeup, etc.) that irritate the skin may worsen melasma.
A chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser surgery also may be used to treat melasma but should be done by fully trained therapists.

So far as home skin care is concerned things are so much better and there is now no need to use hydroquinone. Both Dermalogica and Murad have introduced ranges that are scientifically tested and will reduce hyperpigmentation. ChromaWhite TRx is the result of extensive research and represents a complete system for addressing the problem of hyperpigmentation. Many botanical extracts have been looked at that slow down the activity of Tryosinase enzyme. Controlling this enzyme slows down the rate that melanin is formed. Many of these ingredients have been included in the ChromaWhite TRx system.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been used for years to control melanin synthesis and now newer derivatives of vitamin C are used. Dr Howard Murad, one of the world’s leading dermatologists, uses these in his range designed to lighten skin. The Essential C Cleanser or Dermalogica’s Tri-Active Cleanse and Powerfoliant are two ways to cleanse and exfoliate before using the C-12 Concentrate or the Daily Renewal Complex. These are just part of the full range which are producing excellent results.