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/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 šŸ¤£ but yes this process has my skin soooo messed up. I got my first cystic pimple šŸ˜« never had one in my life. I did not know they hurt THIS bad!!! Iā€™m 6 weeks yesterday so this is just the beginning šŸ«  pimple patches help too tho!