A Insights from literature analysis : optimal sunscreen use decreases Melasma incidence in women living in tropical climates

Abstract

Melasma is a hyperpigmented patch that is generally found on the face, especiallyon the cheeks, chin, upper lip, and can extend to the neck. The color of hyperpigmentation in melasma varies, generally from light brown to black with an irregular shape. Melasma is often found in countries with tropical climates with skin types III-V. This happens because countries with these climates are exposed to more sunlight. To prevent melasma, it is recommended to use sunscreen to reduce excessive UV exposure to the skin. It is important to use sunscreen optimally in order to reduce the incidence of melasma. The effect of excessive UV exposure to skin, including melasma, can be reduced by applying sunscreen on the regular basis. This literature review used four databases (Google scholar, PUBMED, NCBI and PERDOSKI) and relevant keywords such as "melasma" and "sunscreen" to find the source of articles published in 2010 to 2022. A total of 142 articles in Indonesian and English were found. After selecting based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 relevant articles were obtained and will be discussed in this literature review. The result of this literature review show a significant relationship between optimal use of sunscreen and the incidence of melasma in women from countries with tropical climates, especially in Asia. Melasma is most commonly found in women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V and more likely to occur between ages 25-60 years. Patients with melasma who used sunscreen optimally, by applying it every 2 hours, showed a decrease in the degree of severity of melasma compared to those who did not repeat the use of sunscreen. The conclusion can be strengthened more straightforward. For example, applying sunscreen every 2h can significantly decrease the incidence of melasma.