Melasma, or chloasma, also known as pregnancy mask, is an alteration of the skin color, typical of pregnant women, which can also be caused by birth control pills.

It is considered a blemish in all respects, particularly acute for the fairer sex.

It comes in the form of flat dark or brown macules or spots on the cheeks, temples, and sides of the forehead. Sunlight can accentuate this pigmentation.

The term melasma designates a condition where the pigment responsible for tanning, melanin, accumulates in the skin: following an alteration of synthesis mechanisms, the melanocytes produce an overabundant amount of melanin pigment. Consequently, the skin takes on a spotted appearance, where the brownish spots are very much visible: the face is, generally, the most affected area, but in some cases the spots may extend to the neck and behind the ears.

Melasma can last a few years, or be permanent. The aesthetic consequences are, in some cases, quite evident: in this regard, some targeted treatments may discolor the affected area.

Ointments, lotions, bleaching gels based on hydroquinone and kojic acid, interfere with the processes of melanin pigmentation. Side effects, however, may result from the use of these substances.

On the market there are products based on Pidobenzone which prove to be very effective and well tolerated that, contrary to hydroquinone or kojic acid (removed from the market because of its toxic action and irritant), allow to obtain good results with a total absence of any major side effects such as redness, burning and irritation.