Facial Melasma: Cosmetic Coverage and Wellbeing

Cosmetic coverage is optional

Foundation or concealer can temporarily change the appearance of facial pigmentation. It does not treat melasma or establish that a mark is melasma. You can choose coverage, leave your skin uncovered or seek advice about its appearance; none of these choices guarantees how you will feel about it.

Choose for comfort

Look for makeup your skin tolerates and remove it gently. A 'non-comedogenic', natural or sensitive-skin label does not guarantee that a product will not irritate you. Stop a cosmetic that causes burning or persistent irritation and seek advice if symptoms continue.

Makeup does not replace a protection plan

Sun protection is an important part of caring for melasma-prone skin. Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and follow the product's application and reapplication directions, alongside shade and protective clothing. Visible light can also contribute to melasma; a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may be useful. SPF alone does not describe visible-light protection, and no sunscreen guarantees that pigmentation will not return.

When to seek assessment

Have uncertain, new or changing pigmentation assessed before trying to fade it. Do not assume that an itchy or painful patch is ordinary melasma. Medicines and procedures require individual consideration; a makeup recommendation does not establish suitability for either.

Living with recurrence

Melasma can persist or recur and can affect confidence. If it is troubling you, a healthcare professional can discuss the concern and appropriate support. Do not change hormone treatment or use a prescription lightener from a general page in pursuit of a guaranteed clear complexion.

Scope

This information concerns cosmetic skincare and questions to raise with a healthcare professional. It does not diagnose pigmentation, prescribe treatment or establish that Dr Sknn offers a medical melasma service. A medicine or procedure should not be selected from an online description alone.