Exploratory Study of Epidermis, Basement Membrane Zone, Upper Dermis Alterations and Wnt Pathway Activation in Melasma Compared to Adjacent and Retroauricular Skin.
Ana Cláudia Cavalcante EspositoGabrielli BrianeziNathália Pereira de SouzaLuciane Donida Bartoli MiotHélio Amarante MiotPublished in: Annals of dermatology (2020)
In addition to melanocyte hyperactivity, melasma skin exhibits alterations in the epidermal barrier, upper dermis and BMZ, which differ from the adjacent sun-exposed skin and retroauricular skin, indicating a distinct phenotype, rather than a mere extension of photoageing or intrinsic ageing. Mast cells appear to play a central role in the physiopathology of melasma.