Melasma Dark Spots, & What To Do About Them

Discoloration (including melasma, sunspots, freckles) accounts for 90% of visible skin aging, and is a risk factor for cancer.

Dr. Shereene Idris, dermatologist, advises:

Beyond sunscreen

Melasma is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes darkened patches especially on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip; it’s worsened not just by UV rays as you probably guessed, but also by heat (including hot baths, hot showers, facial steaming, saunas, etc), stress, and hormonal imbalances.

So, with that in mind,

• Protect from UV and heat: use daily high-SPF sunscreen, UV visors, wide-brim hats (straw is, sadly, inadequate for this, as a lot of UV passes through), UPF clothing, and sunglasses; heat alone can trigger melasma, so stay cool and avoid saunas, steam, and hot yoga.
• Reapply sunscreen properly: she recommends dabbing sunscreen with a beauty blender over makeup for best coverage, saying that sprays are quick fixes but less protective.
• Maintain a strong skincare routine: use brightening ingredients (she suggests: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice root, niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol) to manage discoloration long term; hydroquinone is effective short term.
• Avoid unnecessary triggers: check medications, skip waxing in affected areas, and reduce stress where possible.
• Layer your protection: combine multiple methods—e.g. shade, cooling tools, sun-blocking clothing—for the best prevention and maintenance.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

You might also like:

Skin Care Down There (Incl. Butt Acne, Hyperpigmentation, & More) ← for related concerns in places that typically get less sun

Take care!