Melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and nose. It is driven by hormones and sun, it affects women more than men, and it is very common in Indian skin. Melasma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. The most effective plan combines strict daily sun protection, a gentle routine with pigment-targeting ingredients, and medical advice from a dermatologist for stubborn patches. It improves slowly, it can come back after sun or hormonal changes, and aggressive treatments can make it worse. This page explains what triggers melasma, how it differs from other pigmentation, and how to care for it day to day.

Compound your routine with our Dark Spot Control Duo

What is melasma?

Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation where melanocytes in the skin overproduce pigment in response to triggers. It appears as symmetrical, uneven brown or grey-brown patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jaw. It is not harmful and not contagious, but it can affect confidence and is stubborn.

What causes melasma?

  • Sun and UV: the strongest trigger. Visible light and heat can also worsen it
  • Hormones: pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy, PCOS and thyroid changes
  • Genetics: it often runs in families, and is more common in medium to dark skin
  • Skin irritation: harsh products, waxing or aggressive procedures
  • Heat: cooking, hot environments and long outdoor hours
  • Stress and poor sleep may play a role

How is melasma different from other dark spots?

Melasma forms larger, symmetrical patches with blurry edges and is linked to hormones and sun. Sun spots and post-acne marks are smaller and well defined. A dermatologist can tell them apart, and the care differs, so if you are not sure, get it checked. For other types, read our dark spots guide and pigmentation guide.

How is melasma treated?

Melasma is managed, not cured. Treatment works best when it is layered and patient.

  1. Sun protection every day. This is the foundation. Use 4 to 5 pumps of Pigment Defender Sunscreen, reapply every 3 to 4 hours outdoors, and add a hat and shade.
  2. Use a gentle, pigment-targeting routine. Ingredients such as tranexamic acid, kojic acid derivatives, licorice, niacinamide, vitamin C and mild acids are commonly used.
  3. Avoid triggers: heat, harsh scrubs, waxing on the face and unprotected sun.
  4. See a dermatologist for prescription creams, peels or other procedures, which should only be done by a doctor in melasma because heat or irritation can worsen it.
  5. Be patient. Expect 8 to 12 weeks before judging results, and months for full improvement.

What is the best skincare routine for melasma?

Morning: gentle cleanse, antioxidant, sunscreen. Night: gentle cleanse, a pigment-targeting product, moisturiser. Introduce one product at a time, patch test, and keep the barrier calm, because irritation can make melasma darker.

Problem and solution: melasma care with The Compound Way

If this is your problem What helps How The Compound Way fits in
Melasma worsens in the sun Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with high PA Pigment Defender Sunscreen: SPF 50+, PPD 33, PA++++, no white cast
You need a night routine for patches Pigment-targeting actives, introduced slowly Pigment Corrector Kit: Pigment Emulsifier (tranexamic acid, kojic dipalmitate, licorice, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide, lactic acid) and a Booster Serum (glycolic acid) two nights a week
You want the night routine and sunscreen together Brightening plus protection Dark Spot Control Duo
Skin is reactive and irritation darkens the patches Barrier support alongside brightening Dark Spot Repair + Barrier Support Duo: PolyActiv10 Serum with the Pigment Corrector Kit
You want the whole routine Antioxidant, brightening and sun protection The Full Compound Effect
Stinging or redness with actives Pause, calm, then reintroduce Read our sensitive skin guide
Melasma with PCOS or hormonal changes Medical review for the underlying cause See our PCOS page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is melasma and what does it look like?
Melasma is a pigmentation condition that causes symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and nose. It is harmless, but it can be stubborn.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
There is no single best treatment. Results come from daily sun protection, a gentle pigment-targeting routine and, where needed, medical treatment from a dermatologist. Our Dark Spot Control Duo pairs the Pigment Corrector Kit with Pigment Defender Sunscreen.
Can melasma be cured?
No. Melasma can be improved and managed, but it can return with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Be wary of anyone promising a permanent cure.
How long does melasma take to fade?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks to see a change and several months for more improvement. It fades more slowly than a tan or post-acne mark.
What medical treatments are used for melasma?
A dermatologist may prescribe creams, oral medicines or procedures such as peels, depending on your skin and health. These are not for self-use. Ask your dermatologist which is right for you, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Does sunscreen help melasma?
Yes. It is the most important step, because UV and visible light worsen melasma. Use Pigment Defender Sunscreen daily and reapply. See our sun protection guide.
What skincare should I use for melasma?
Sunscreen, a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant and a pigment-targeting night product. The Pigment Corrector Kit uses tranexamic acid, kojic dipalmitate, licorice, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide and lactic acid. Patch test, and introduce it slowly.
Does melasma go away after pregnancy?
Sometimes it fades on its own after delivery, but it may persist. Ask your doctor before using any active while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is melasma related to PCOS or hormones?
Hormonal changes can trigger it, including pregnancy, pills and conditions such as PCOS or thyroid problems. See our PCOS page.
Can melasma get worse with treatment?
Yes, if the skin is irritated or exposed to heat. Harsh scrubs, strong peels and some lasers can make it darker. Choose a gentle routine and see our sensitive skin guide.
What is the difference between melasma and dark spots?
Melasma is larger, symmetrical and hormone-linked. Dark spots are smaller, well-defined marks from sun or acne. See our dark spots guide and pigmentation guide.
When should I see a dermatologist for melasma?
See one if you are unsure it is melasma, if patches are spreading or worsening, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or if home care has not helped after 8 to 12 weeks.