Melasma And Other Facial Pigmentation: 3 Tips For Evening Out Your Complexion

If you have melasma or any other type of skin pigmentation, such as post-acne spots, then you may think your only fix is to slather on facial concealer or foundation every day in an attempt to hide it. You then worry that sweat or a rain shower will remove your makeup and reveal the secret you are hiding. You don't have to hide your skin any longer when you, instead, correct your pigmentation problem.

Here are three ways to help eliminate stubborn facial pigmentation and even out your skin tone, so you don't have to hide behind a face full of makeup.:

1. Look for These Ingredients in OTC Skin Products

If you tried one skin product that promised to even out your complexion with no results, it may just have been the wrong product for you. There are several ingredients available over-the-counter to help even out your skin tone, so try another if one did not work for you. 

Niacinamide is a member of the B-vitamin family, and it may also be labeled as Vitamin B-3 in OTC skin products. A 4-percent concentration has been shown in studies to help eliminate melasma and other skin pigmentation problems. Not only does niacinamide help fade pigmentation spots, but it also helps strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and even has anti-aging properties, so if this ingredient works for you, then you can use it daily for as long as you want, because it is so good for your skin. 

Hydroquinone is another ingredient that can help even out your complexion, and it is available OTC as 2-percent of a total product. This ingredient should only be used short-term until your skin is even-toned. Using it daily for longer than a few months is not typically recommended by dermatologists. 

2. Ask Your Dermatologist About These Products

If OTC solutions aren't strong enough for you, then don't worry, because your dermatologist can prescribe treatments that are stronger and work more quickly. One option is the same hydroquinone available over-the-counter, but instead in a 4-percent strength. Many dermatologists like to couple a hydroquinone cream with prescription tretinoin and have patients use them together as a potent melasma-fighting duo. 

Another prescription option for hyperpigmentation is an azelaic acid cream, which has recently been shown in studies to work just as well at fighting melasma as hydroquinone. This is a great option for anyone who has melasma along with acne or rosacea, because azelaic acid is also effective at fighting those skin conditions, as well. 

If either of those don't work, or you want an even faster solution, then you can also ask your dermatologist about chemical peels, such as glycolic or TCA peels, that banish pigmentation very quickly. 

If you have been hiding melasma or any other type of facial hyperpigmentation with a thick layer of makeup daily, then realize that you have many treatment options that can help you show your face again. For the best results, speak to a dermatologist about which solution is best for you. 

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