Melasma is a common skin disorder. If you have melasma you're probably experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Melasma is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy” because it frequently affects pregnant women. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter.
How is melasma treated?
The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesn't get any worse. Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. If you are exposed to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with iron oxides and a SPF of 30-50 applied every two hours, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse.
The second path to take is topical medications. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). Examples of tyrosinase inhibitors and other types of helpful agents include:
- Hydroquinone: This is a common treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works to even out the skin tone. Hydroquinone is no longer available in products that you can buy without a prescription.
- Tretinoin and a mild corticosteroid: This combination contains a retinoid and an anti-inflammatory, which can even out skin tone.
- Triple combination cream: This cream contains three medications — tretinoin (a retinoid), a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, and hydroquinone to even out your skin tone.
- Other medications: Your dermatologist may prescribe a medication that's gentler on your skin like azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C.
TruSkin
Vitamin C blends with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, and Jojoba Oil in an anti aging, skin brightening formula designed to improve wrinkles and dark spots!
It is plant-based formulation- No added synthetic colors, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, or GMOs. Active botanicals combine in a silky smooth anti-aging serum that can be used day or night. Also it is certified cruelty free!
*At the time of publishing
Admire My Skin
Admire My Skin Dark Spot Corrector Remover
This dark spot remover is proven to brighten dark spots, hyperpigmentation & melasma: The acids gently fade and peel dark spots to reveal brighter skin. This formula contains Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid and Vitamin C.
Use this for 4 weeks and you'll notice you dark spots have faded and your complexion will be much smoother and even toned !
*At the time of publishing
Paula's Choice
Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Gentle non-abrasive leave-on exfoliator with 2% BHA to unclog and diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, brighten and even out skin tone. Combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores and blackheads.
*At the time of publishing
Body Merry
Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
Anti-Aging face wash with AHA, wrinkles, spots reduction and acne
This gentle wash works to effectively reduce age spots, dark spots, sun spots and other forms of discoloration while helping with acne, acne scars and premature aging.
*At the time of publishing
Evagloss
Evagloss Dark Spot Corrector Serum with Kojic Acid
This none-hydroquinone Dark Spot Corrector Serum works deeply in the skin to reduce dark spots, uneven tones on the face and body. It can be used generously on all parts of the face and body including but not limited to the inner thighs, armpit/underarm, private & sensitive areas, knees, elbows, neck, and more.
*At the time of publishing
Sun Visor Hat Cap UV Protection
Rated at UPF 50+, this visor blocks over 99.9% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Fully cover your face to protect it from the elements while blocking harmful UV rays. Tinted lens allows you to see clearly without squinting in sunny weather.
*At the time of publishing
EltaMD
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen with iron oxides
Tinted Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid, Broad Spectrum Hydrating Sunscreen, Non Greasy, Sheer, Mineral-Based protects against the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
*At the time of publishing
