A white jar of Hi, Finch Glow Getter Brightening Even Skin Tone Pads with a silver lid, placed on a light gray background.

Melasma: Causes, Prevention, and the Best Treatments for Clearer Skin

Kasey Bennett

Melasma is one of the most common skin concerns we treat at Hi, Finch—especially among women. If you’ve noticed stubborn brown or grayish patches on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, you’re not alone. The great news? With the right combination of prevention, skincare, and treatments, we can help improve the appearance of melasma and get your skin looking more even-toned and radiant.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that appears as dark patches on the skin, most often on the face. It’s more common in women—particularly those with medium to deep skin tones—and is often triggered by:

  • Sun exposure

  • Hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control)

  • Heat and inflammation

Once melasma appears, it tends to stick around unless treated consistently and carefully.

Prevention: The First Step in Managing Melasma

Prevention is key when it comes to melasma. Sun protection is your first line of defense:

  • Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day—yes, even indoors, since UV rays can penetrate windows.

  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors or exposed to bright light.

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to physically shield your skin from the sun.

Our top sunscreen picks at Hi, Finch are:

Both formulas offer mineral-based, broad-spectrum protection without a white cast.

Skincare for Melasma

The right skincare routine makes a big difference in keeping melasma under control. At Hi, Finch, we often recommend:

  • Tretinoin (Retinoids): Boosts skin cell turnover, helping to shed pigmented cells while smoothing texture and softening fine lines.

  • Hi, Finch Glow Getter Pads: A daily brightening treatment that targets discoloration and supports overall skin health.

Glow Getter Pads contain:

  • Kojic Acid + Arbutin – fade dark spots

  • Hexylresorcinol – helps even skin tone

  • Vitamin C, Silymarin, and Emblica – antioxidant protection

  • Hyaluronic Acid – hydrates and plumps

They’re fragrance-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free—safe for daily use, even for sensitive skin.

Professional Treatments for Melasma

In-office treatments can significantly boost results when paired with a good at-home routine:

  • Microneedling: Creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen, improve texture, and allow brightening ingredients to penetrate deeper. It also helps break up stubborn pigment so the skin looks more even over time.

  • Chemical Peels: Mild to moderate peels, like the VI Peel Precision Plus, help break up pigment and renew the skin’s surface for a clearer, more radiant complexion.

The Bottom Line

Melasma can be stubborn, but it’s manageable with consistency and the right plan. Combining daily sun protection, targeted skincare, and professional treatments like microneedling and chemical peels can help fade discoloration and keep new pigment from forming.

If you’re struggling with melasma, our cosmetic dermatology nurse practitioners can create a customized treatment plan tailored to your skin and lifestyle.

✨ Book your consultation today—and let’s start working toward brighter, more even skin.

 

Efficacy and tolerability of chemical peeling as a single agent for melasma in dark-skinned patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials

 

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