It's important to address melasma from different angles and understand that it may get worse before it gets better.
Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
It's important to remember that it is a sign of progress and there's nothing to worry about unless you are seeking treatment. The temporary darkening of the hyperpigmentation spots or patches can be discouraging or embarrassing, but remember it is actually a sign that the treatment is working.
A board-certified dermatologist is your best option for melasma treatment, so your face appears even-toned and healthy. Sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics are three of the most common triggers of hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups.
The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid.
"The sun is the major exacerbating factor, whatever the underlying cause." Melasma can be caused or worsened by not only the sun's rays, but also heat and visible light. This means that even sunscreens that protect against skin cancer aren't enough to ward off melasma, says Dr. Kourosh.
Even with treatment, it can take a long time for your skin to return to normal. Epidermal PIH can last for 6 to 12 months or more. Dermal PIH can take years to fade, and spots may be permanent. There is also a chance new spots can show up, or that your PIH will come back again after fading.
Melasma appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the face. These patches have clear edges and often show up on both sides of the face in a similar pattern. Hyperpigmentation, however, can show up anywhere on the body as spots, patches, or widespread dark areas.
Skin can become more sensitive to UV radiation during hydroquinone treatment. Without rigorous sun protection, even minimal sun exposure can exacerbate melanin production. This can then cause darkening of the treated area.
Multiple options for topical treatment are available, of which hydroquinone (HQ) is the most commonly prescribed agent. Besides HQ, other topical agents for which varying degrees of evidence for clinical efficacy exist include azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, topical steroids, glycolic acid, mequinol, and arbutin.
As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.
Your skin is going through a regeneration process and you may feel like the purging process has kicked in and your pigmentation almost looks worse. Try to remember this is a temporary process and your skin is actually doing what it should be.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.
Dermal melasma is harder to treat. Mixed: Mixed melasma includes both the epidermal and the dermal type. The pigmentation is brown-grey in colour. Treating mixed melasma can be difficult but some improvement can be achieved.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Melasma on the face can occur as a result of many risk factors, from sun exposure to tanning beds to hormonal changes and genetics. The main culprit for the development of melasma is the overproduction of melanin by the melanocytes, which causes the development of hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels and laser and light therapy can irritate the skin, which can make melasma worse. If you have darker skin, make sure you see a doctor who has experience using these procedures on darker skin.
"Color correctors can help neutralize the discoloration," Antonis says. He recommends using peach or orange tones to counteract darkness. "Use a small amount of color corrector on the brown spots," he says. "You can apply it directly onto the spots or use a clean brush or your fingertips for precise application.