Skin & Aesthetics

Melasma: why sun protection is the whole treatment

Melasma is chronic and relapsing. Understanding light exposure is what separates lasting results from repeated disappointment.

By Dr Amara Patel · 5 min read · Reviewed by Dr Amara Patel, Consultant Dermatologist

Melasma: why sun protection is the whole treatment

Melasma is triggered by ultraviolet light, visible light and heat, which is why treatment plans that ignore daily protection consistently relapse.

A tinted mineral sunscreen containing iron oxides blocks visible light in a way that clear chemical sunscreens do not. Reapplication matters as much as the initial application.

Prescription topicals and carefully selected procedures can accelerate clearance, but maintenance is lifelong.

MelasmaPigmentation Treatments

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