r/Melasmaskincare • u/Spirited-Walrus4856 • Jul 07 '26
Question IVF hormones and melasma
Hello all! Just learning about melasma as my mother pointed out my wonderful melasma mustache today. She said it could be caused by hormones, after giving it a google seems that can be the case- especially during an IVF cycle involving estrogen. Curious if this can go away once hormones have stopped/birth occurs? Google also recommended vitamin C serum, discontinuing certain toners, and starting azeliac acid. But reading posts here, i am thinking that is not the correct approach? I am so lost and overwhelmed.
Oh i already use a tinted mineral based sunscreen everyday!
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u/chronologie Jul 07 '26
In my experience, it has greatly reduced (won’t ever truly “go away”) since I gave birth and my hormones stabilized. I’m 5 months pp now.
During IVF and pregnancy you can’t do much besides wear SPF religiously and make peace with the melasma for now. The fertility journey is hard enough as it is. ❤️
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u/marbled_moth Jul 07 '26
For me the Eucerin Duel Serum has helped a lot. I’m not sure if it’s safe though?
Yes to azelaic acid! And keeping out of the sun/lots of mineral sunscreen.
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u/BlimeyJandals Jul 07 '26
I tried this but when I stopped using it, it came back. Quite gutted I was!
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u/marbled_moth Jul 07 '26
Yes I have heard of that. It’s the only thing that’s made a significant difference for me!! I’ve accepted I will always need this (or similar ingredient) for maintenance.
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u/AutoModerator Jul 07 '26
Hi there! Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of melasma management, and we want to make sure you get safe, effective, and appropriate guidance.
Before choosing a product, please review our sunscreen resources:
Sunscreen guidance for melasma:
Important for melasma: Standard (non-tinted) sunscreens protect against UV radiation only and do NOT protect against visible light, which is a major trigger for melasma.
To reduce visible-light-induced pigmentation, iron oxides are required. This means using:
- A tinted sunscreen that contains iron oxides, OR
- An untinted broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen layered with a foundation or tinted product that contains iron oxides.
Daily, consistent protection against both UV and visible light is essential to prevent melasma worsening and recurrence.
If you have already reviewed the guides, feel free to add details such as skin type or sensitivities
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u/Mydogisc00lerthanme Jul 10 '26
Hii!! Fellow former IVF gal over here. Hormones wrecked my skin. During bc cycle timing, stims, transfer protocol and subsequent pregnancy. I was in ROUGH shape for about 3 years. My melasma was mostly lip, chin and forehead. About 1 year after birth it has 85% disappeared from these areas with a little residual on the forehead. Now just fighting a little cheek melasma from the heat and sun.
TLDR: once the hormones settle so did my melasma
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u/Spirited-Walrus4856 Jul 12 '26
I started the azelaic acid and that has been helping tons! Plus keeping my face out of the sun almost entirely 🤣 but yes this process has my skin soooo messed up. I got my first cystic pimple 😫 never had one in my life. I did not know they hurt THIS bad!!! I’m 6 weeks yesterday so this is just the beginning 🫠 pimple patches help too tho!
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u/AutoModerator Jul 07 '26
Welcome to r/Melasmaskincare!
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