Melasma FAQ

What does Melasma look like?
Melasma will show itself as brown patches usually on the upper lip, cheekbones, or forehead. This discoloration can also be found on the sides of the neck, chin, nose, or any other sun-exposed areas of the face and body.

Are there any other names for melasma?
Melasma is also known as chloasma, or “mask of pregnancy”.

Who is most likely to be affected?
Melasma is most often seen in women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills. Menopause, hormonal imbalances, or ovarian disorders may also trigger the development of melasma. Sun exposure in the form of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) is a large factor contributing to the development of melasma, which makes anyone who spends extended time in direct sunlight vulnerable to melasma.

Are men at all susceptible to melasma?
Melasma is seen in men occasionally and can sometimes be found in persons without any of the predisposing factors mentioned.

Is there a general treatment regimen you suggest?
Sunscreen recommended whenever exposed to direct sunlight. Twice daily or at bedtime, use a skin bleaching cream containing hydroquinone, and a vitamin A derivative should be used nightly, or as tolerated.

Is there a permanent cure for melasma?
There is no perfect cure for melasma. Treatment with over-the-counter or prescription products and thorough protection from the sun are the best options to treat melasma.

What’s the most important thing to remember?
Sun protection is the most important factor in protecting yourself from the effects of melasma. Months of treatment can be undone by one day of unprotected sun exposure. Try Blue Lizard Sunscreen or M.D. Forté Aftercare Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30, which has high levels of zinc oxide for maximum protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Which bleaching products do you recommend?
Glytone Fading Lotion contains 2% hydroquinone, as does Exuviance Intense Lightening Complex, which also contains kojic acid. Both products will lessen the discoloration due to melasma or sun exposure.

I have melasma on my arms, shoulders, and neck. Are there different products for these areas?
The products used to treat melasma can be used on these areas, as well as the facial areas. Try Bionic Skin Lightening Cream SPF 15 by NeoStrata, which combines PHA, 2% hydroquinone, and sunscreen so that only one application twice daily is required.

Since my daughter’s birth I’ve suffered from heavy pigmentation above my lip. What is good for this area?
Try Bioglycolic Lightening Gel by Jan Marini Skin Research or Glytone Fading Lotion used twice daily will help. Make sure you use a broad spectrum sunscreen such as M.D. Forté Aftercare Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30. If you have sensitive skin, try Fade Away Gel by Cellex-C. This product has glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) and plant glycosides, which is good for those who are sensitive to hydroquinone. Optimal results may take four to six months and are dependent on careful sun avoidance, as well as your treatment.

I’m currently using Credentials Hydro-Q Fade Formula and Retin-A to control the melasma on my face. I need good sun protection that’s not greasy since I have oily skin. Is the SPF20 in the Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup sufficient protection for normal sun exposure during the day?

These products should give you the protection necessary if you’re not in the sun too long.

I’m Asian and have a dark complexion. Will my regimen be any different?
The treatments will be the same for your skin. Try Facial Cleanser II by M.D. Forté, which contains 15% Glycolic Compound (a pH-balanced mixture of glycolic acid, ammonium glycolate, purified water and higher-molecular-weight oligomers of glycolic acid). A sunscreen such as SolBar 50 Cream is good for darker complexions — and most important in the treatment of melasma.

I’m doing everything right. Why won’t this go away?
You may be doing everything possible to treat your melasma, but it takes time. Be patient and diligent in your treatment. If it persists, your dermatologist may prescribe either Differin or Tazorac to treat your melasma.

Have either hydroquinone or benzoyl peroxide been shown to cause cancer?
Neither hydroquinone nor benzoyl peroxide are carcinogens.

Does hydroquinone cause acne?
Fortunately, hydroquinone is not a common cause of acne.