Your skin contains cells called melanocytes that produce color. When these cells are “over-stimulated” by hormones (like during pregnancy or while taking birth control) or by the sun’s heat and light, they produce too much pigment. While many cases fade on their own after pregnancy or after stopping certain medications, others can be stubborn.

Now, there are more ways than ever to even out your skin tone. Treatment often starts with a high-quality tinted sunscreen—which protects against the visible light that standard sunscreens miss. We may also prescribe brightening creams or suggest  laser treatments to help lift the pigment. Because melasma can look like other more serious skin issues, always have an evaluation with Restoration Dermatology to confirm the diagnosis first.