What should you know about crema melasma?

Melasma causes tan, brown, or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jaw. A cream may work by slowing pigment production, encouraging more even shedding, calming inflammation, or combining these effects. Not every dark patch is melasma, so diagnosis matters before starting a pigment-lightening product. Hormonal changes, heat, visible light, and ultraviolet exposure can all make colour more noticeable.

Follow the prescribed amount and schedule rather than applying extra cream to chase faster change. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sunscreen; hats and shade add useful protection. Introduce irritating products cautiously and stop rubbing or picking the patches. A dermatologist may discuss options such as chemical peel, microneedling, skin brightening treatment, or laser toning when topical care alone is insufficient. These procedures need careful selection because irritation can deepen pigmentation.

Book an assessment if pigmentation is new, changing quickly, one-sided, itchy, bleeding, or different from your usual patches. Contact the prescriber for marked burning, swelling, blistering, or a rash after applying cream. Review is also useful when the colour is not improving, returns repeatedly, or becomes darker after irritation, since the diagnosis or plan may need adjusting.

Does the pattern fit melasma, and is any examination needed to rule out another cause? Which active ingredient suits my skin and how often should I apply it? What should I pause before a peel, microneedling session, or laser treatment?