Melasma is characterized by brown, blue-gray, or tan patches, also regarded as skin discoloring. The skin condition is most commonly observed in women in the middle of their reproductive years. Melasma is a kind of facial pigmentation, and it’s essentially found in 3 different areas of the face: the cheekbones, the central part of the face, and the jawline.
Melasma may go away on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as pregnancy or a medication, causes melasma. When you deliver your baby or stop taking the medication, melasma can fade. Melasma can also last for years, or even a lifetime. While melasma cannot harm your body, it’s understandable that many people want to treat it.
There is no one best treatment for melasma. Often, the most effective treatment combines sun protection with medications that you apply to your skin — and sometimes a procedure.