Melasma: Visible-Light Photoprotection Is the Base No Supplement or Laser Can Replace

Summary

Melasma is driven by visible light as well as ultraviolet — not UV alone — layered on hormonal triggers (pregnancy, combined oral contraceptives), which is why strict broad-spectrum photoprotection that actually blocks visible light (a tinted, iron-oxide sunscreen) is the non-negotiable base without which every topical and procedure underperforms; on top of that base the proven adjuncts are topicals (hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, and the fixed triple-combination cream) used on a maintenance footing, procedures are cautious-and-conservative because aggressive lasers can rebound and dar