Photo: Courtesy of retailers Melasma, a common form of skin discoloration that typically appears as dark-brown patches on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip, can be exceedingly frustrating to get rid of. It affects both men and women , but according to Derma di Colore founder Dr. Carlos A. Charles, it “is more prevalent in women with darker skin tones that tan easily, but it can be seen across most skin complexions.
$38 Buy at Amazon Buy $38 Buy at Amazon Buy Glytone Dark Spot Corrector Hydroquinone is an FDA-approved skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting the skin’s pigment-producing cells. Four of our experts named it as an extremely effective way to treat melasma flare-ups — especially via products that combine hydroquinone with other active ingredients like exfoliating acids. Glytone Dark Spot Corrector, which came recommended by Dr.
$154 Buy at Dermstore Buy SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum This moisturizer, recommended by Robach, uses the combined power of skin brighteners niacinamide and tranexamic acid to fade discoloration. “SkinMedica Lytera is a moisturizer that has antioxidants that will help skin even out and can be used in women that are pregnant,” she says. Dr. Nancy Samolitis, the co-founder and medical director of Facile Dermatology + Boutique in L.A., also likes it for soothing melasma eruptions.