Melasma is a common skin problem caused by brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, chin, nose bridge, forehead, and above the upper lip. It is more common in women than men. Pregnancy is a common cause of melasma. It also affects women taking oral contraceptives and hormones.

Melasma Treatment we recommend:

• A bleaching agent (eg, hydroquinone 4%). Do not apply bleaching agents to the normal surrounding skin as normal skin may also be bleached. Use hydroquinone under the supervision of a medical professional as side effects, such as darkening of the skin, may occur if taken for long periods.
• A combination cream formulation of hydroquinone 4%, fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, and tretinoin 0.05% (nightly for 8-24 weeks).
• Superficial chemical peels (application of an acid to remove the top layers of the skin) and microdermabrasion (a facial sanding technique).
• Creams such as azelaic acid and kojic acid.
• Laser therapy and an oral medication, tranexamic acid.

Melasma is hard to treat. To determine a treatment plan, We will have to first figure out what's possibly causing the melasma. Is it sunlight? Your birth control? Genetics? Your soap? Too much screen time?
Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment within a few months. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light.

Melasma is a harmless skin condition. It doesn't itch or hurt, and it doesn't become malignant. Expect it to get worse and/or reoccur if you don't take steps such as avoiding the sun and makeups and soaps that irritate your skin.

Aftercare tips include:

• Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen.
• Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer.
• Choose a method of birth control that doesn't include hormones.
• Use the treatment and management advice