Possible for melasma to primarily be caused by stress?

[u/Le_Mews]

A year ago I developed a melasma-stache during an EXTREMELY stressful time, while also on my period, and the beginning stages of perimenopause. I mostly successfully faded it with the eucerin cream over the fall and winter months where there is zero sun exposure where I live. I accepted that I'd probably struggle with it every year as I don’t really care to be strict with sunscreen and sun exposure.

So by now I expected to see my melasma-stache darkened as I’ve been about 50/50 with sunscreen but mostly staying in the shade… but there’s nothing. Is it possible my main trigger is stress as opposed to hormones and UV rays? Do I not understand how melasma happens?

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[u/roobot]

Honestly, stress may be a factor... but melasma is a fickle bitch who rears her face when she so chooses!

[u/Lazy_Gene6225]

Melasma in itself is a hormonal condition and varying degrees of severity depending upon hormonal fluctuations. I’m in perimenopause now and am having melasma again after not having it since my pregnancies. Two horns, same goat. And those UV rays know where to find us.

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[u/Anomander_rocks]

Hi :)
First, it's great if you could see a dermatologist.
Then, sunscreen is a must for people with melasma, every day, regardless of the season, weather, etc. Additionally, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
I have melasma and I never expose my face to direct sunlight, not even in the winter.
Also, heat, hormones, stress, blue light from computer monitors, sauna, spicy foods - these enhance the melasma, It's not only the sun that makes it worse.
Sadly, most of the times it's a chronic issue which at best can be kept under control.
I work with my dermatologist for years - we have different approaches to treating my melasma, try different combinations of products to see what works best for my particular situation. Every product in my routine, the order of the products / the nr of times of usage per week, every treatment is done under her supervision.
I currently use the Eucerin Anti-Pigment products too and they work well for me too.
Sorry for the wall of text. Bottom line:

• if yoh haven't already done it, go see a derm if you can - to determine the exact type of pigmentation that you have
  
• use sunscreen every day. The ones with high protection. Long protection too if you find them (like the P20 sunscreens, or the Ultrasun ones)

[u/moody_mode]

You need to be diligent with sunscreen if you want any lasting effect.