How to Treat Melasma at Home, According to Dermatologists

Those stubborn brown patches don't have to stick around forever. Dermatologists share the at-home ingredients and routine that can actually make a difference.

Notice those grayish or brown patches on your forehead, cheeks, or upper lip? Those are signs of a stubborn pigment disorder known as melasma. These spots are caused by sun exposure, heat, or hormones, and dermatologists say fall is a good time to start a treatment routine, when peak sun exposure is over.

"Melasma often runs in families and is more common in medium to deeper skin tones," says board-certified dermatologist Jessica Cheung. The spots are triggered by the sun and visible light, but inflammation, pollution, and even heat from things like hot yoga or cooking over a stove can contribute, according to dermatologist Annette Czernik.

To treat melasma at home, experts recommend a simple routine that involves gentle cleansing, an antioxidant like vitamin C, and a tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably SPF 30-50 and containing iron oxides, which help block visible and blue light. At night, use a retinoid, azelaic acid, or hydroquinone if prescribed, then a moisturizer.

Dermatologists warn against scrubbing or overexfoliating. "You can absolutely make melasma harder to manage by attacking the skin too aggressively," Czernik says.

The results take time, six to eight weeks for initial improvement, then several months for a more significant change. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most treatment plans combine daily sun protection with topical medication, and results generally take three to twelve months to appear.

If at-home treatment isn't working after a few months, consult a professional, who can shed more light on the diagnosis and suggest other treatment options like chemical peels or laser therapy.