How to Treat Melasma, According to Dermatologists

Recently, a friend mentioned to me that her skin had suddenly developed a weird, blotchy, brownish rash (opens in new tab) when she was on vacation. “It looked like a bunch of acne scars (opens in new tab) above my lip and on my forehead,” she said. "It was like a dark shadow that wouldn't go away." When she finally went to the dermatologist after three weeks of my daily, annoyingly pushy reminders, she discovered that the splotches were not, in fact, scars, but melasma—a skin condition that can happen to anyone (cue scary music). Just kidding: Melasma is not, in fact, the kiss of death—it's just annoying to deal with.

What is melasma?

Skin Laundry (opens in new tab) medical director Dr. Roberta Del Campo (opens in new tab) explains: "Melasma is a common condition that appears as irregular patches of tan, brown or brown-gray pigmentation, usually on the face."

It occurs when skin’s melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) are hyperactive, she says. The reason most derms approach melasma with a weary eye is that it's complex, solely because it can be caused by a variety of factors, including “genetic tendency, increased estrogen, and skin type,” says skin wizard, Annie Chiu, M.D., dermatologist at The Derm Institute (opens in new tab).

What causes melasma?

Basically, anyone with skin is at risk for developing melasma (you should of course, always talk to your derm for an official diagnosis), but Dr. Chiu and Dr. Del Campo says you're especially susceptible to melasma if:

• You're pregnant. Melasma is so common in pregnant women, thanks to hormonal fluctuations, that it's earned the name "pregnancy mask."
• You have naturally darker skin: Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V  (opens in new tab)(skin tones on the darker side) are predisposed to melasma.
• You love hanging outdoors. UV rays from sun exposure stimulate skin cells to create excess pigment.
• You stare at a computer all day. The visible light from your computer, tablet, and cell phone can all trigger melasma.

See? That's pretty much the majority of the population, which makes preventing melasma difficult, simply because it can be aloof—it comes and goes as it pleases.

With that said, “the most common trigger for melasma is UV light from sun exposure,” says Dr. Del Campo, so keep that in mind before you think to skip your daily application of an SPF that's at least 30 (opens in new tab).

What's the best treatment for melasma?

Melasma is treatable, but it requires a good amount of dedication to treating your skin. “In office, we use peels and very specific low-level lasers to break up the pigment," says Dr. Chiu.

Dr. Del Campo also recommends laser treatments, noting the advancements of the Skin Laundry system: (opens in new tab) “This treatment not only improves discoloration but also helps decrease recurrence.” (Editor's note: Having undergone the treatment myself, I was scared that it would cause my skin to get worse—but after two sessions I noticed a difference in my hyperpigmentation caused by melasma.)

For the at-home skincare routine, Dr. Chiu says, "We have patients treat their melasma at home with a mix of prescription-strength hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinol (opens in new tab), and vitamin C products (opens in new tab), as well as be meticulous about applying UVA- and UVB-protecting sunscreen.”

4 Best At-Home Melasma Treatments

What creams should I use to treat melasma?

While it’s vital to see a derm to get long-lasting treatment, you can still keep the pigmentation at bay with the best of the best spot-fading products and sunscreens. We can not stress enough. Please. Wear. Sunscreen. (opens in new tab) Dr. Del Campo recommends a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen over a chemical SPF containing oxybenzone and homosalate.

Make sure you pay attention to the active ingredients in your products, with a focus on the ones Dr. Chiu mentioned. If your product includes oxybenzone, homosalate, or fragrance skip it, Dr. Del Campo says. "Choose gentle skincare products that don’t sting or burn." Now, let’s avoid making that melasma worse and put that dedication into a routine because your skin deserves it.