Melasma Treatment: Effective Options and What Actually Works

When melasma, a common skin condition causing brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the face. Also known as chloasma, it’s not dangerous—but it can be frustrating because it doesn’t go away on its own. It shows up mostly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin, and it’s more common in women, especially during pregnancy, while on birth control, or as you get older. Sun exposure makes it worse, and even a little bit of UV light can trigger a flare-up months after it seemed gone.

What you need to know is that hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent used as the first-line treatment for melasma works for many people, but it’s not the only option. Topical retinoids, azelaic acid, and kojic acid are also commonly prescribed, often mixed together for better results. But here’s the catch: no cream works if you’re not wearing sunscreen every single day. Not just any sunscreen—something with SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and reapplied every few hours if you’re outside. Many people skip this step, then wonder why their treatment isn’t working.

chemical peels, a procedure where a solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers and reduce pigmentation and laser therapy, a targeted light treatment that breaks up excess pigment in the skin are options too, but they’re not for everyone. These can sometimes make melasma worse if not done right, especially in darker skin tones. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a dermatologist who’s seen your skin type before. Most cases respond best to a mix of topical treatments, strict sun protection, and patience—it takes months, not weeks.

The posts below cover real strategies people use, from how to pick the right sunscreen to what happens when you combine treatments, why some creams stop working over time, and how to avoid common mistakes that make melasma stick around. You’ll find practical advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to stay consistent without getting overwhelmed. No fluff. Just what helps—and what doesn’t.