Melasma Makeover: Practical At-Home Regimens to Fade Spots
Melasma is a chronic pigment condition triggered by UV light, hormones, and heat that can recur and is slow to fade. The Cut’s guide recommends starting an at-home routine in fall: gentle cleansing, morning vitamin C or a pigment-correcting serum, and a broad-spectrum SPF with iron oxides; at night, a retinoid or non-hydroquinone option such as azelaic or kojic acid, plus a barrier-supporting moisturizer. Hydroquinone is prescription-only and not suitable for everyone; other OTC options can help. Expect initial improvement in about 6–8 weeks, with fuller fading over months and ongoing sun protection to prevent relapse. If home regimens stall after several months, a dermatologist may suggest gentle peels, microneedling, or non-ablative lasers, sometimes in combination with tranexamic acid, glutathione, or exosome therapies.
