Melasma Treatment: What to Know

Melasma is a pigment condition that creates flat, irregular brown or grey-brown patches, usually on sun-exposed facial skin. It may be more visible after outdoor exposure, heat or hormonal change. The colour can sit at different depths in the skin, which is one reason treatment response varies. A dermatology examination helps separate melasma from post-inflammatory marks, sun-damaged skin and other pigmented lesions. Improvement does not mean the tendency has disappeared; pigment can return when triggers are repeated.

Use sunscreen and seek shade or wear a hat when outdoors. Apply protection generously and reapply as directed by the product, particularly with prolonged exposure. A dermatologist may prescribe a topical medicine that reduces pigment production or transfer, with instructions about where and how often to apply it. Chemical peels, microneedling, skin brightening treatment or laser toning may be discussed when appropriate for the pigment depth and skin type. These options require careful settings and aftercare because inflammation can worsen darkening. Keep the rest of the routine uncomplicated, and review progress before adding another active.

See a clinician if a patch is one-sided, rapidly changing, raised, scaly, painful, bleeding or unlike your other patches. Seek advice if treatment causes severe irritation or if the diagnosis is uncertain. A review is useful when there is no meaningful change after following a prescribed plan, since the product, diagnosis or treatment depth may need reconsideration.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, whether the pigment appears superficial or deeper, what improvement to expect from the first plan, how to protect your skin during treatment, and what maintenance routine will be needed afterward.