Will Melasma Fade on Its Own Once the Cause is Corrected?

Question

I was diagnosed with melasma about 2 years ago. Now that we figured out the cause, my doctor says it should now fade away on its own, so long as I wear sunblock daily. Can I expect total clearance of my melasma? How long will it take to fade away? It's already faded some in the past 6 months. I'm 35 years old.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, even
if you were diagnosed with melasma and your doctor pinpointed a trigger
(medication, hormonal fluctuation, etc.), scientists and doctors still do not
understand the exact cause of it. Melasma also tends to be cyclical — though
sometimes it comes and goes with no trigger or warning. Melasma tends to fade
in the winter but return in the summer, so there’s no guarantee for your
melasma fading. The dark patches of melasma result
from increased melanin production below the
skin’s surface. Sunscreen to protect your skin against UV light
is an important preventative measure than can decrease your need for melasma
treatment. However, you may want to discuss topical solutions and laser
treatment option with a dermatologist if you want it fade more than it does on
its own.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma and age spots can be due to hormones, aging, sun exposure, thyroid dysfunction, and genetics. Treatments range from IPL to laser therapy; but pigmentation may recur if not complemented with topical creams to stabilize the pigment cells. 
  
I would suggest starting with Melarase Brightening Kit with Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, and Melarase PM to help stabilize pigmentation and reduce recurrence. Once started, an active protocol that includes Covalent peels, IPL, fractional laser, and microneedling can further remove pigmentation,. .
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

Melasma can spontaneously clear up. This is uncommon. In most cases, Melasma is a chronic condition with frequent relapses. This can be true regardless of the treatment options employed. Wearing sunscree on a daily basis (and reapplying it frequently) is an important step in controlling your Melasma, regardless of whether or not you are undergoing any other treatments at the same time. In some patients I have seen with mild cases, sunscreen was all that they needed to control their Melasma. Unfortunately, no-one can predict if yours will fade away 100%.

Will Melasma Fade on Its Own Once the Cause is Corrected?

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Will Melasma Fade on Its Own Once the Cause is Corrected?

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