Does melasma get darker before it fades?

Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious.

Does hyperpigmentation darker before fading?

“People think it's going to fade—which it will do—but it won't do that without scrubbing away the cells and working on it. And sometimes it'll get darker before it gets lighter,” As with the night, it seems. When thinking about hyperpigmentation, it's best to break it down into two categories: prevention and treatment.

Does hyperpigmentation look worse before it gets better?

Yes. Active treatment accelerates cell turnover, pulling pigmented cells to the surface at a faster rate. This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, which can create a temporary darkening of the spots. The darkening means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away.

How long does melasma take to fade?

Melasma may go away on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as pregnancy or a medication, causes melasma. When you deliver your baby or stop taking the medication, melasma can fade. Melasma can also last for years, or even a lifetime.

Why is my hyperpigmentation getting darker?

What causes hyperpigmentation? Skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is made by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker.

Tips for Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, and Melasma

Why is my hyperpigmentation not fading?

Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.

What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Hyperpigmentation refers to any discoloration of the skin — be it an acne scar, sun damage, freckles, age spots, or a condition like melasma. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but it typically stems from different causes, which means we have to treat it a little differently.

What color cancels out melasma?

Peach or pink color concealers are highly effective in hiding hyperpigmented spots for light to medium skin tone. And, deeper orange or red color concealers can cover the dark spots for people with a darker complexion.

How do you break up a melasma?

The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid.

Why is my melasma getting darker?

Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious.

When does hyperpigmentation start to fade?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

Do dark spots get darker before lighter?

Additionally, some spots may look darker before they lighten; this is because they gradually rise to the skin's surface as you continue to exfoliate. But stick with it, and you'll eventually see brighter, firmer, more radiant skin!

Does hydroquinone make spots darker first?

Hydroquinone is an organic compound that is highly effective in skin lightening. They have a whitening effect and treat hyperpigmentation on the skin. However, if used incorrectly, hydroquinone compounds can still make skin darkening and hyperpigmentation more severe and lasting.

Why does my hyperpigmentation take so long to fade?

Fading Over Time

The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the spot is compared to the surrounding skin. The bigger the contrast between the dark area and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to fade. PIH doesn't always fade away on its own.

How do you speed up hyperpigmentation fading?

Why is it so hard to get rid of melasma?

Because the condition is fueled primarily by sunlight and female hormones, there's no true way to cut off the stimulus for melasma. In other words, you may get encouraging results from a gentle chemical peel, but they're likely to be short-lived. Eventually, nature will regain the upper hand.

Do and don'ts of melasma?

Do's and Don'ts

Avoid excessive sun exposure. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and seek shade when outside. Wear sunscreen daily with an SPF greater than 45 and remember to reapply.

How do you treat stubborn melasma?

Triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroid) remains the most effective treatment for melasma, as well as hydroquinone alone. Chemical peels and laser- and light-based devices have mixed results. Oral tranexamic acid is a promising new treatment for moderate and severe recurrent melasma.

What is the fastest treatment for melasma?

Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. It works by lightening the color of the skin patches. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored or uneven.

Does melasma keep spreading?

Answer: Melasma Spread

All evidence points to hormonal changes that trigger it, but the exact way in which it starts and spreads is unknown. For this reason, no one can give you an answer as to why it's spreading.

Does drinking water help melasma?

Drink enough water

Pooja suggests drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily to fight pigmentation effectively. Drinking enough water will also help you ensure better skin health and keep dehydration at bay.

What are 3 different types of melasma?

Historically, melasma has been classified as having three histologic variants: epidermal, dermal, and mixed [1].

How do you know if hyperpigmentation is permanent?

Dark spots appear when the skin cells produce too much melanin. Hyperpigmentation acne may fade over time, but if the original spots were deep, it may be permanent. Although some topical and surgical therapies can speed up the fading process, it can take several months to years.