Melasma has many names... "chloasma", "mask of pregnancy" or "the pill's pigmentation". Melasma is characterized by tan patches of irregular pigmentation found on the cheeks, chin, forehead and neck. Although it commonly occurs for no good reason (idiopathic), causes include pregnancy, birth control medication, sun exposure, genetics, and rarely, pituitary disorders. For this reason, a dermatologist should evaluate melasma patients.

Treatment is directed at lightening the discolorations. Effective products, such as Glyderm lotion, MD Forte lotion and Skinstore.com's Renew, make use of glycolic acid to effectively lighten pigment irregularities. It appears that when any of these products are used in conjunction with bleaching agents, such as Skinstore.com's Fade or MD Forte bleaching gel, results are more likely. Sunscreen, such as Skinstore.com' s Protect or Glyderm Super Sunblock 25, should always be used for patients with melasma as sun exposure may worsen the condition. In some cases of melasma, however, the pigment may be so deep that even topical glycolics combined with bleaching agents may be ineffective.

In those cases where melasma persists despite topical glycolics and bleaching agents, then the most helpful way to cosmetically treat it is with cosmetic cover ups. The best products on the market are Dermablend cosmetics. These products have been recommended by dermatologists for many years because they are easy to apply and are excellent for matching skin tones to hide pigment irregularities. Dermablend is available at SkinStore.com.