Everything you need to know about ~melasma~

Melasma is that sneaky, blotchy hyperpigmentation that loves to camp out on your cheeks, upper lip, and forehead…especially if you’ve got gorgeous brown skin like ours. The good news? With the right routine, you can send it packing. Here’s your quick‑and‑dirty guide:

1. Sun & Light Protection = Non‑Negotiable

• Tinted mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+ & iron oxide) every single morning. Yes, even if you’ll “just be in the car”

• Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors

• Add a wide‑brim hat + UV‑blocking shades for bonus points

• Remember, visible light (phones, laptops!) can deepen melasma, so that tint matters

2. Know Your Triggers

• Hormones: Pregnancy, birth‑control pills, or hormone therapy can flare melasma

• Heat: Hot yoga, saunas, steamy kitchens—keep temps comfy when possible

• Irritation: Harsh scrubs, over‑exfoliation, and picking = inflammation = darker patches

3. In‑Office Game‑Changers

• Chemical peels (glycolic, salicylic, mandelic)—go slow, every 4–6 weeks

• Microneedling with tranexamic acid—gentler for deeper skin tones

• Low‑energy picosecond or Q‑switch lasers—ONLY with a dermatologist

4. Shiv’s Simple AM/PM Routine

AM

1. Gentle cleanse

2. Antioxidant serum (think vitamin C + ferulic acid)

3. Tinted mineral SPF 50

4. Optional: Lightweight non‑comedogenic makeup

PM

1. Double cleanse

2. Target serum (tranexamic / cysteamine / azelaic)

3. Retinoid sandwich (moisturizer ‑ retinoid ‑ moisturizer)

4. Rich moisturizer to seal

5. Lifestyle & Diet Hacks

• Load up on antioxidant‑rich foods (berries, leafy greens, green tea)

• Manage stress—cortisol spikes can worsen pigment

• Stick to non‑comedogenic, fragrance‑free skincare to avoid irritation

My Fave Products:

• La Roche‑Posay Anthelios Tinted SPF 50 – sheer, no white cast

• SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF – antioxidant boost

• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% – budget‑friendly brightener

• ELTA MD UV Elements Tinted SPF 50 – iron‑oxide tinted fave

• Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum – dark spot corrector

Sip your chai, stick to the routine, and remember: melasma fades slooowly—consistency > perfection. If you’re not seeing improvement after 3–4 months, check in with your dermatologist :)