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How Long Will It Take Melasma to Fade Once I Stop Taking Birth Control?

I have never had any problems with melasma before until I started back on bc for accutane. I am 27, have been off both accutane & bc for 2 months, and it still has not faded away! Will this be permanent or something that will fade, but still come back later on?

Doctor Answers 2

Melasma control with Melarase and stopping birth control pills

July 1st, 2013
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Melasma often does not resolve once birth control pills are stopped. I would begin treatment with the Melarase skin lightening creams prior to stopping your birth control. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
July 1st, 2013

Melasma control with Melarase and stopping birth control pills

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Melasma often does not resolve once birth control pills are stopped. I would begin treatment with the Melarase skin lightening creams prior to stopping your birth control. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Will melasma fade when birth control is discontinued?

December 29th, 2012
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This question is difficult to answer as sometimes melasma resolves when birth contol is stopped and sometimes it does not. Make sure you use a sunscreen with an spf of 30 or higher daily and avoid strong sun. You might also want to try a hydroquinone product, chemical peels and or a skin brightener. I recommend a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.
Dina D. Strachan, MD

Dina D. Strachan, MD
New York Dermatologist
3.3 out of 5 stars 10 reviews

December 29th, 2012

Will melasma fade when birth control is discontinued?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
This question is difficult to answer as sometimes melasma resolves when birth contol is stopped and sometimes it does not. Make sure you use a sunscreen with an spf of 30 or higher daily and avoid strong sun. You might also want to try a hydroquinone product, chemical peels and or a skin brightener. I recommend a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Dina D. Strachan, MD
New York Dermatologist

*Treatment results may vary

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.