The etiology and pathogenesis of melasma have not been fully elucidated. This article summarizes the recent research progress on melasma, explores the roles of photoaging, skin barrier dysfunction, mast cell activation, sex hormone fluctuations, and circadian rhythm disturbances in its pathogenesis, with the aim of providing new directions for its clinical prevention and treatment. With a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of melasma, future therapeutic strategies are expected to shift from solely addressing skin pigmentation to comprehensive approaches involving anti-photoaging therapies and skin repair interventions.

In recent years, growing evidence has suggested a strong correlation between the development of melasma and abnormal endocrine hormone levels, particularly sex hormones. This review summarizes clinical data on sex hormone profiles in melasma patients from previous studies, analyzes the roles of various hormones in pigmentation and the pathogenesis of melasma, and investigates their clinical significance as well as directions for future research.

The etiology and pathogenesis of melasma have not been fully elucidated. This article summarizes the recent research progress on melasma, explores the roles of photoaging, skin barrier dysfunction, mast cell activation, sex hormone fluctuations, and circadian rhythm disturbances in its pathogenesis, with the aim of providing new directions for its clinical prevention and treatment. With a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of melasma, future therapeutic strategies are expected to shift from solely addressing skin pigmentation to comprehensive approaches involving anti-photoaging therapies and skin repair interventions.

In recent years, growing evidence has suggested a strong correlation between the development of melasma and abnormal endocrine hormone levels, particularly sex hormones. This review summarizes clinical data on sex hormone profiles in melasma patients from previous studies, analyzes the roles of various hormones in pigmentation and the pathogenesis of melasma, and investigates their clinical significance as well as directions for future research.