What should you know about blue light and melasma?

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline. Sunlight is a major trigger, and visible light can also influence pigment activity in susceptible skin. That does not mean every blue-light exposure will cause a flare, but it makes protection relevant alongside ultraviolet protection. Heat, hormonal changes, and skin irritation may also affect the appearance of melasma. A new or changing dark patch is not automatically melasma and should be assessed if its pattern is unusual.

Use broad-spectrum sun protection and consider a tinted product containing visible-light-blocking pigment if your clinician recommends it. Reapply as directed, use shade and physical barriers, and avoid deliberately exposing facial patches to blue-light devices. Keep skincare gentle because irritation can leave pigment darker. A dermatologist may discuss options such as a skin-brightening treatment, chemical peel, microneedling, or laser toning, but the choice depends on skin tone, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, medicines, and the pattern of pigmentation. Improvement usually requires continued prevention.

Book an assessment if pigmentation is spreading, returning quickly, or not behaving like your previous melasma. Seek prompt review for a spot that bleeds, crusts, changes shape or colour, or differs clearly from nearby patches. After a procedure, contact the clinic for blistering, severe pain, or rapidly worsening darkening.

Could this be melasma or another cause of dark patches? Would tinted visible-light protection suit my skin? Which treatment is safest with my current medicines, skin tone, and pregnancy plans?