Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser
Advice for Melasma Patients
A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.
Last reviewed: July 2026
The advice
- Melasma is a chronic pigment condition driven by sun, heat and hormones; the goal is control and gradual lightening — relapse is common if protection is neglected.
- Sunscreen is half the treatment: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, preferably tinted (iron oxides) to also block visible light — daily, reapplied every 2–3 hours outdoors, with a hat or umbrella.
- Heat itself is a trigger: avoid sauna, steam rooms and prolonged closeness to cooking heat.
- Use the prescribed lightening cream exactly as directed; some agents (like hydroquinone) are used for limited periods under supervision.
- Never use unknown "whitening mixes" from markets or online — many contain steroids or mercury and severely damage the skin.
- Tell your gynaecologist you have melasma — some hormonal contraceptives worsen it.
- Chemical peels and laser can help but need great caution in darker skin (types IV–VI) with an experienced doctor — the wrong laser worsens pigmentation.
- Melasma of pregnancy often improves on its own after delivery.
See also the full treatment page: Melasma treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.
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