Skin condition
Melasma
A plain-English guide from Dr. Auston Eckert — why melasma shows up, what genuinely fades it, and what makes it worse.
What's actually going on
Melasma is a common type of pigmentation — symmetrical brownish patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip — driven by a mix of sun, heat, and hormones. It's stubborn and tends to return, so it responds best to a patient, consistent, sun-smart approach rather than a quick fix.
What tends to help
- Daily, diligent sun protection — the single biggest lever
- A steady routine rather than aggressive bursts
- Evidence-based ingredients matched to your skin
- Treating the triggers, not just the patches
What I'd skip
- Harsh 'brightening' products that irritate and worsen it
- Skipping sun protection on cloudy days
- Expecting overnight results
Patches that won't fade?
Start a visit and I'll assess your pigment and your triggers, then build a plan — which may include prescription options, including compounded formulas tailored to your skin.
Start a visitA simple supporting routine
Gentle, cosmetic basics that complement your routine. These support healthy-looking skin — they aren't a treatment for melasma. Treatment, where it's needed, comes from your visit.
Gentle Cleanser
Fragrance-free and non-stripping. Cleanses without the tight, squeaky feeling.