Melasma describes patches of brown or grey-brown pigmentation appearing symmetrically on sun-exposed skin — predominantly the face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin). It is significantly more common in women, particularly during pregnancy ('chloasma' or 'mask of pregnancy'), with hormonal contraceptive use, and in those with darker skin tones. The melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in affected areas become hyperreactive to UV light, hormonal stimulation, and visible light, producing excess melanin.

What lifestyle changes can help with melasma?

Daily SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, applied regardless of cloud cover. Hats and sun avoidance reduce exposure. Review hormonal contraceptive contributing factors.

What integrative approaches support melasma?

Sun protection has very strong evidence as cornerstone treatment. Topical hydroquinone has strong evidence. Triple combination creams (hydroquinone, retinoid, corticosteroid) have strong evidence. Chemical peels have moderate evidence.

When should I seek professional support for melasma?

Seek dermatology assessment for severe melasma or cases not responding to topical treatments. Combination approaches produce the best results.

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Melasma

Patches of darker pigmentation on the skin surface, commonly appearing on the face, linked to hormonal changes, sun exposure, or post-inflammatory darkening.

Understand what may be causing this

Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review26 March 2026Moderate Evidence

Quick answer

Patches of darker pigmentation on the skin surface, commonly appearing on the face, linked to hormonal changes, sun exposure, or post-inflammatory darkening.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

People describe symmetrical brown patches on the face that worsen in summer and during pregnancy, which may lighten somewhat in winter but never fully clear without treatment.

What is Melasma?

Patches of darker pigmentation on the skin surface, commonly appearing on the face, linked to hormonal changes, sun exposure, or post-inflammatory darkening.

Approaches Commonly Explored

Commonly explored for conditions related to Melasma, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.

Integrates across:Alternative

How to use these approaches

🛡 Stabilise— Immediate relief

⚖️ Regulate— System balancing

🌱 Resolve— Root cause

✦ Sustain— Long-term

Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.

Inflammatory Mechanism

Systemic or neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation.

Organic Facials

AlternativeEmerging

Not sure what this means for you?

Ask Vidi to help you understand Melasma and find what may be most relevant for your situation.

Self-care

What You Can Do Now

Self-directed strategies that may support Melasma alongside professional care.

Daily SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, applied regardless of cloud cover

Ready to find support for Melasma?

Connect with holistic and complementary practitioners who specialise in this area.

Find support tailored to your experience

Melasma

Do any of these feel familiar?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Organic Facials

What You Can Do Now

Ready to find support for Melasma?

This symptom is often connected to

Hyperpigmentation

Ask Vidi about Melasma

About Melasma

Integrative Approaches & Evidence

When to Seek Support

Frequently Asked Questions

References