Melasma is a condition where pigmented brown patches appear in the face, especially on forehead and cheeks of women. It is triggered from hormonal imbalances (during pregnancy or from the use of contraceptives and other medication). Ultraviolet light UVA plays also a very important role in the creation of melasma.
New studies have shown that blue light is also responsible for the creation of melasma. Blue light’s wavelength belongs to the visible light spectrum, so our skin is exposed during daily life in it. LED screens like tablets, TV’s and mobile phones emit also blue light. The damage created from these devices is of course less than compared to the exposure in sunlight and it depends from the distance between our face and the device and the amount of energy of blue light that the device emits.
How can you protect your skin from the creation of melasma:
1. Avoid to hold the LED screen too close to your face.
2. Reduce the brightness of the screen.
3. Use sunscreens with filter not only against UVA/UVB but also for blue light (for more information you can ask your dermatologist).
4. Antioxidant creams with Vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutus and tranexamic acid protect the skin from oxidative stress.
5. Consult your dermatologist about further treatment modalities.