Melasma, an acquired-chronic hyperpigmentation disorder, is identified as one of the most psychologically hurting and difficult to treat kinds of skin hyperpigmentation, which causes the significant quality of life impairments. 

Local application, oral medication, physical laser therapy and program combination therapy are employed to treat melasma. However, routine treatment can cause damage to skin barrier function, leading to adverse reactions like erythema, pruritus, post-inflammatory pigmentation and even scar. 

Skin care products include numerous active ingredients, which are recommended by cosmetic dermatologists due to their high safety, good tolerance and potential to improve the damaged skin barrier. Employing skin care products alone or in combination with routine treatment can improve the curative effect of melasma, diminish side effects and recurrence rate, and also enhance patient satisfaction. 

Medical skin care products, sunscreens, whitening products, moisturizing products, combination of skin care products and conventional treatment/drug therapy/laser therapy/chemotherapy are now crucial elements in melasma management. Evidence favors the different roles of various types of medical skin care products in preventing and treating melasma; however, more research is needed to fill the unexplained voids regarding the same. 

Further, cosmetic dermatologists must select appropriate skin care products and treatment programs based on the skin type, condition and patients expectations.

Source: Wang Y, Zhao J, Jiang L, et al. The application of skin care product in melasma treatment. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:1165-71.