Melasma 101
If you’ve ever noticed brown or grayish patches appearing on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip (especially during hormonal shifts,) you’re not alone. Melasma is a common skin condition that can feel frustrating, unpredictable, and stubborn. While it’s not harmful, it can have a real impact on how even your skin tone looks, and how confident you feel.
Let’s break down what melasma is, what causes it, and most importantly, how to treat it effectively.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma appears as patchy discoloration (typically brown or gray-brown) that most commonly shows up on the face. The condition is more common in women (especially those with medium to darker skin tones) and usually appears between the ages of 20 and 40. But, anyone can be affected.
While melasma isn’t dangerous, it is persistent. Many people notice that it darkens with sun exposure, heat, or hormonal changes. This is why melasma often worsens during pregnancy (sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”) or while taking birth control or other hormone-related medications.
What Triggers Melasma?
Melasma can be trigger by several factors, including:
Sun exposure: UV rays are a top trigger for melasma flare-ups. Even a little sun can undo progress if your skin isn’t protected.
Heat (not just sunlight): Hot yoga, steamy showers, and even cooking over a stovetop can contribute to melasma.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, birth control, and hormone therapy are all linked to the onset of melasma.
Genetics: If your family members have dealt with melasma, your risk may be higher to experience it yourself.
Skin tone: Medium to deeper skin tones tend to be more prone to melasma.
What Helps Improve Melasma?
There are effective ways to manage melasma — and even significantly reduce its appearance with the right combination of products and treatments.
1. Topical Ingredients That Work
Professional-grade skincare can make a major difference. Ingredients to look for include:
Tranexamic acid – targets skin discoloration at a deeper level
Thymodol – calms inflammation and helps reduce hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide – strengthens the skin barrier and improves tone
Kojic acid – gently lightens pigmentation
Glycolic acid – exfoliates to improve skin texture and allow other ingredients to work better
At Just Skin, we customize skincare routines that combine these ingredients to target melasma based on your personal skin needs.
2. Chemical Peels
In-office chemical peels can improve melasma by accelerating cell turnover and breaking up pigment. We typically recommend scheduling these during the cooler, winter months when sun exposure is easier to avoid.
3. Over-the-Counter Favorites
While prescription treatments can be powerful, there are also great OTC options that support brighter, more even-toned skin:
Eucerin Radiant Tone line – gentle and effective brightening products
La Roche-Posay MelaB line – designed specifically for discoloration
Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF – protects with sheer, tinted coverage
Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
No matter what treatment plan you choose, daily SPF is essential. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and don’t forget to reapply, especially if you’re outside or near windows.
Tinted mineral sunscreens are often a great choice for those managing melasma, as they provide added protection against visible light (another potential trigger for pigmentation).
Your Personalized Melasma Plan
Melasma is complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Just Skin Dermatology, we create personalized treatment plans to help reduce melasma, even out skin tone, and restore your confidence. Call us today at (615) 669-2393 to schedule your appointment and create a plan tailored specifically for your skin.