How to treat melasma on the face

In general, melasma on the face may be caused by genetic factors, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hormonal changes, medications, or chronic hepatitis. Treatment options include general care, medication, laser therapy, chemical peels with fruit acids, and hyaluronic acid whitening injections, all of which should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

If one or both parents have melasma, their offspring are more likely to develop it. Genetic factors may influence the distribution and activity of melanocytes in the skin, leading to the appearance of facial melasma. Maintaining a balanced diet and supplementing with vitamins C and E in daily life is recommended. Additionally, laser treatment can be performed under the guidance of a professional physician. This method uses high-intensity light beams at specific wavelengths absorbed by skin pigments, breaking down accumulated pigment particles and promoting their elimination through basal layer metabolism. The reference cost ranges from 200 to 5,000 yuan per session, with visible improvement typically occurring within 2–4 weeks. However, side effects such as redness, swelling, and pain may occur.

2. UV Radiation

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays causes the skin to produce excess melanin as a protective mechanism, resulting in pigment deposition and the formation of melasma. In daily life, sun protection measures such as sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended. Chemical peeling with fruit acids under professional medical supervision is also advised. This treatment uses fruit acids to exfoliate the skin’s outer layer and accelerate epidermal cell turnover, thereby reducing melasma. The reference cost is 1,000–3,000 yuan per session, with improvement usually seen within 1–2 months. Possible side effects include skin sensitivity, redness, swelling, and allergic reactions.

3. Hormonal Changes

Women experiencing pregnancy or menstrual irregularities undergo significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen levels. These changes can stimulate melanocytes, increasing pigment deposition and causing melasma. Lifestyle adjustments and emotional stability are beneficial. Hyaluronic acid whitening injections under professional medical guidance may also help. These injections deliver nutrients into the skin to repair the skin barrier, hydrate, and nourish, achieving a brightening and spot-fading effect. The reference cost is 2,000–3,000 yuan per session, with results often visible within one week. Potential side effects include mild redness, swelling, infection, or allergic reactions.

4. Medications

Certain medications—such as long-term oral contraceptives, antihypertensives, and hypoglycemic agents—can alter hormone levels or interfere with melanin metabolism, potentially triggering melasma. Other drug-related side effects may also occur. Consult a physician to adjust or switch medications as needed.

5. Chronic Hepatitis

Hepatitis impairs liver function, disrupting metabolic and detoxification processes in the body and leading to abnormal pigment metabolism, which may manifest as facial melasma. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, liver area pain, and jaundice. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, silybin capsules, or biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate drops for treatment.

It is recommended to seek treatment at a reputable medical facility under the supervision of a qualified physician to ensure effectiveness and safety. Daily precautions should include sun protection, a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and E, emotional stability, and avoiding inappropriate medication use to prevent and improve melasma.