Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or brown-grey patches, typically on the face. Though this condition usually affects women, it can also occur in men. Patients with a family history are more likely to develop melasma than others. Though the exact cause is often unknown, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, hormones, certain medications and sun exposure often trigger this condition. It usually occurs on the cheeks, forehead and even on the nose. People with dark hair and dark eyes and even dark skin are more prone to melasma because they have more pigment in their skin to begin with. It is caused by a combination of hormones and ultraviolet light.