Heated fitness classes can be a popular way to work up a sweat, but according to the report, the extra warmth may come with a skin-related downside. Experts say repeated exposure to heat during workouts can worsen hyperpigmentation, including dark spots and melasma, even when there is no UV exposure involved.
Melasma is a condition that causes discoloration and is often linked to female reproductive hormones, which is why pregnancy is a common trigger. But the report notes that it can also be associated with other hormonal shifts, including menopause and birth control. Dermatologist Divya Shokeen said it often shows up on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline, while Heather D. Rogers explained that heat alone can be enough to set it off. She described heat as one of melasma’s two major triggers, alongside light, and said a long class in a very hot studio can be a real trigger.
The mechanism is tied to how the body responds to heat. When blood vessels widen to release warmth, that change can lead to inflammation, which in turn can activate pigment-producing cells. The report also notes that even everyday bursts of heat, like steam from a dishwasher or hot pasta, may affect pigmentation. Renée Rouleau said she has seen clients who used sunscreen consistently but still struggled with melasma because of frequent hot workouts and sauna sessions.
Experts say heated exercise may also make hidden discoloration more noticeable. In some cases, repeated exposure can speed up changes that might otherwise have developed slowly. Watch for patches that darken or become more defined on the face, chest, or upper arms, along with new spots appearing in classic melasma areas. If discoloration seems to flare within a day or two after class, that pattern is worth noticing. The report says heated workouts do not necessarily need to be avoided entirely, since melasma is not dangerous, but people who are bothered by pigment changes may want to pay attention to heat exposure and how their skin responds.
Source: womenshealthmag.com
