Those stubborn dark patches showing up on your face in your 30s? That's melasma, and you're not alone. Sun exposure, hormones, and genetics team up to create these frustrating marks. The good news: you can fade them with the right approach.
Depends on the cause, but with the right routine it almost always improves.
Melasma happens when your skin overproduces pigment in certain areas. Sun exposure is the biggest trigger, but hormones (hello, birth control and pregnancy) and your family history play huge roles too. It's your skin going into overdrive.
Skipping sunscreen daily? That's the #1 way to make melasma worse. Also avoid harsh scrubbing, which irritates skin and darkens spots more. Picking at your skin and ignoring prevention won't help either.
Many products sold as gentle contain fragrance. Look for parfum or fragrance in the ingredient list.
Start with daily SPF 30+ sunscreen—non-negotiable. Look for brightening products with gentle, skin-loving ingredients. Consider seeing a dermatologist about professional treatments. Consistency matters more than quick fixes here.
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