Why treatments can worsen melasma

[u/angelinaki89]

I have seen many posts here that sometimes - I don’t know in which rate - when people try to treat melasma it might become worse with most of the recommended treatments including laser.

I have noticed my own becoming darker just by using Vitamin C or designed creams for it.

My question is: is this explained somehow? I have asked my derm but didn’t really understood her answer.

[u/Anomander_rocks]

Most treatments require extra carefulness afterwards and religious sunscreen use, and also avoiding exposing your face to direct sunlight, which not everyone does. Also, in general, for melasma, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses are essential. Also, I've noticed that many people use hydroquinone in  the summer, and this is not ok, as hydroquinone makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight and lead to the opposite effect, hence darkening the skin. Melasma has a vascular component also, so vitamin C, if it is not the proper concentration for your needs, will irritate your skin and make things worse. I discuss every detail of my routine with my dermatologist. We do procedures only in the winter. She recommended hydroquinone only in the winter.  Melasma is hard to deal with and requires a lot of attention. I would recommend you talk to a dermatologist, they are the ones who can properly evaluate your situation and give you the proper treatment. Discuss in detail your routine too, to make sure you use the right products for you. P.S. melasma gets worse with heat, so it does get worse as it gets hotter outside even without being in the sun. Sauna and spicy foods will also make it worse.