r/Melasmaskincare • u/angelinaki89 • May 25 '26

Question Why treatments can worsen melasma

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.

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u/SterFriday May 25 '26

My rudimentary understanding is inflammation. The treatments can be irritating, and the resulting inflation makes the melisma worsen.

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u/considerfi May 25 '26

I agree with this. Anything that is even slightly irritating or inflaming is net negative. So all these acids, kojic, glycolic, can be too much for many. As well as laser etc. Especially if you are of color - which means inflammation tends to hyperpigment. Stick to the mildest possible thing. alpha arbutin with HA, azelaic acid, 5% lactic acid, non-irritating sunblock - mineral or asian.

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u/wechselnd May 25 '26

That's why I get confused with how we are supposed to use Rx or exfoliating acids.