What should you know about the latest treatment for melasma?

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jaw. Hormonal influences, ultraviolet exposure, and visible light can stimulate pigment production. [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) can have other causes, so diagnosis matters before using a strong lightening product.

Treatment may include a prescribed pigment-reducing cream, a gentle maintenance routine, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with visible-light protection. [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/) or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/) can be options, but heat and inflammation may worsen pigmentation in some people. Improvement is gradual and recurrence can happen when triggers return.

Use the plan consistently and avoid scrubbing, picking, unlabelled bleaching mixtures, and products that sting. Wear a hat or seek shade when practical, because daylight exposure can maintain pigment even when sunburn is absent. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or using medicines that affect skin sensitivity.

Ask whether [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/) or [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/) fits your skin. A clinician may choose a conservative sequence, pause an irritant product, or treat another diagnosis such as [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) instead.

Arrange an assessment if a patch changes quickly, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or looks different from the surrounding melasma. See a clinician if treatment causes blistering, severe burning, swelling, or rapidly darkening pigment.

Urgent care is needed for facial swelling, widespread hives, or breathing difficulty after a product or procedure. New uneven colour with a rash, scale, or itch may need a diagnosis beyond melasma.

How was melasma distinguished from another pigment problem? Which topical ingredients are suitable for me? Would a procedure increase irritation risk, and what maintenance plan will protect the result?