The Relationship Between Thyroid Disorders and Melasma

Written by Alondra Forteza Cedeño, Biomedical, Biomedical Aesthetics

Alondra Forteza Cedeño is a Biomedical and Medical Esthetician who incorporates the best scientific evidence and technology, offering the best treatments for her patients. She is the founder of Mímate Aesthetic & Spa, a medical spa to improve the health of your skin.

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Melasma is a common skin condition present in Latin, Asian, black, or native American ethnicities. It is more common in women between 20 and 40 years old, of medium or dark skin tone. It is a common skin concern driven primarily by more active skin melanocytes (cells that produce the skin color). Evidenced primarily by hyperpigmentation in the forehead, upper lips, cheeks, or chin. As you will read, some factors can trigger melasma. But have you wondered if thyroid disorders can be a melasma trigger too?

Autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland and melasma 

As you know, our thyroid gland has a main function in our body. The thyroid gland is in your neck, and its main function is to produce certain hormones that regulate the body’s main jobs, such as energy production, metabolism, body temperature, and many more. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland in the base of the brain, which then triggers the thyroid gland to release Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the main hormones of the thyroid gland. 

Melasma and autoimmune disorders both involve a relationship with hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are also related to other skin concerns, such as acne. Autoimmune thyroid disorder studies have evidenced that there is an association between thyroid abnormalities and melasma, and this relationship is under continuous study.  Recent studies have shown that hypothyroidism is particularly linked with the development of melasma. This correlation evidence that hormonal imbalances produced particularly by hypothyroidism, can increase melanin production, leading to an increase in melasma cases.

Factors that can trigger melasma

Sun exposure- when we are exposed to the sun, our body reacts like an octopus, producing more melanin as a method of protection. However, this overproduction of melanin can trigger melasma, making it more visible or darker spots. 

Hormones- changes in our hormones in many factors, such as pregnancy, birth control pills.

Medications- anti-seizure medications, sunlight sensitivity medications, antibiotics and some blood pressure medications.

Stress- as you know, high stress levels can have some implications or manifestations in our body, including triggering melanocytes. See here.

Temperature- Specifically, high temperatures can increase melasma response. 

And there are thyroid disorders. 

Possible treatments

Regulating the melanocyte’s activity can significantly reduce the appearance of melasma. Treatments such as chemical peels, lasers, and extremely specific skincare ingredients significantly reduce melasma patches holistically. Therefore, there are several treatments depending on the melasma that can significantly improve the appearance of the skin since the first treatment. 

Key skincare ingredients

Ingredients that regulate the melanocyte’s activity, such as tranexamic acid, retinol, glycolic acid, etc., are some of the skincare ingredients, depending on the skin type and regulated by a professional, that improve melasma. Using guided professional skincare for this type of concern is fundamental because, in many cases, the use of ingredients like hydroquinone without professional guidance and supervision can lead to hypopigmentation, exogenous ochronosis, or simply aggravating the main skin concern. See here.

If you have signs of melasma or skin pigmentations, contact me via social media. We can start your best skin journey today!

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Read more from Alondra Forteza Cedeño

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Alondra Forteza Cedeño, Biomedical, Biomedical Aesthetics

Alondra Forteza Cedeño is a Biomedical and Medical Esthetician who incorporates the best scientific evidence and technology, offering the best treatments for her patients. She is the founder of Mímate Aesthetic & Spa, a medical spa with the mission to improve the health of your skin. She is certified in the most effective skin treatments and innovative technology. Alondra is constantly educated, and she uses her social media to educate and provide valuable information for the benefit of all.

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References:

• Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud AM. Melasma. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available here.

• Rostami Mogaddam M, Iranparvar Alamdari M, Maleki N, Safavi Ardabili N, Abedkouhi S. Evaluation of autoimmune thyroid disease in melasma. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Jun;14(2):167-71. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12138. Epub 2015 Mar 23. PMID: 25810215.

• RUBÉN J. LUTFI, MIGUEL FRIDMANIS, ALEJANDRO L. MISIUNAS, OSCAR PAFUME, ENRIQUE A. GONZALEZ, JORGE A. VILLEMUR, MIGUEL A. MAZZINI, HUGO NIEPOMNISZCZE, Association of Melasma with Thyroid Autoimmunity and Other Thyroidal Abnormalities and Their Relationship to the Origin of the Melasma, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 61, Issue 1, 1 July 1985, Pages 28–31.