12 Best Creams For Melasma in 2024

Melasma, also known as Chloasma, is a skin-darkening condition that mostly affects women. This skin-darkening effect can also be seen in men but is equally predominant in any person who overexposes their skin to the harmful sun's rays, ionizing radiation, or hormonal medication. In the best skin lightening creams for Melasma, dark spots appear on the skin, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and sometimes on the chin.

Dark patches may also appear on the neck and the arms. Melasma is not a harmful condition, nor does it spread to other parts of the body, as seen in the case of Psoriasis and Dermatitis Atopic. It is especially seen in pregnant women, possibly due to a surge of emotion in expecting mothers. It also commonly appears in young adults exposed to the daily sun without any sunscreen protection.

Melasma can be self-diagnosed, and its treatment usually involves applying topical creams or removing the top most, pigmented layers of the skin by more clinical procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion. In this blog, we have combined the 12 best creams for Melasma in India that contain constituents known to penetrate the deep layers of the skin and bring about skin lightening and brightening in unique ways. Read along to know more about the best skin-lightening cream for Melasma.

What is Melasma?

Melasma causes brown facial patches, often due to hormonal changes in pregnancy or sun exposure, and affects women much more than men.

Chemical constituents of a typical anti-melasma cream

A few typical constituents are commonly found in anti-melasma creams for their unique properties. These are,

1. Hydroquinone (HQ)-It is a depigmenting agent used to treat melasma. It reduces the darkening of the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin. A 2-5% solution of HQ, when used over 5 weeks, shows significant skin lightening. Since HQ also causes skin irritation and acne, use it with caution. Hydroquinone cream for melasma is available in the Indian market.
2. Azelaic Acid- It is an anti-acne, depigmenting agent and also inhibits tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is the enzyme that is responsible for producing melanin in cells. Inhibiting tyrosinase, therefore, inhibits melanin production.
3. Kojic acid- It is a potent antioxidant that brings about a skin glow and is a tyrosinase inhibitor.
4. Glycolic acid- It improves the skin's texture and makes it more smooth. It is also a potent tyrosinase inhibitor and reduces melanin formation.
5. Tranexamic acid (TX)- It has recently gained popularity over HQ since it brightens the skin, reduces melanin formation, and protects skin from UVB rays without causing skin irritation and acne.
6. Arbutin- It is an inhibitor of melanin production and is also an anti-inflammatory, thereby soothing the skin and useful for sensitive skin.
7. Miscellaneous- Antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, curcuminoids (extracted from Turmeric), aloe vera, and almonds are all used in conjunction with the chemicals mentioned above to brighten the skin tone.

Also Read: 12 Natural Remedies For Dry Skin in Winter

12 Best Skin Lightening Creams For Melasma

Following are the few best creams for Melasma that can be applied to the skin to reduce the production of melanin, a substance in your body:

1. Fixderma Skarfix-TX cream

FixdermaSkarfix cream contains TX, kojic acid, and Vit C that collectively reduce the melanin in the skin cells and leave an even tone. The cream is non-comedogenic, contains no steroid component, and can be used by all skin types.

Also Read: What is Medication-assisted Treatment(MAT)?

2. MelloDerm-HQ anti-melasma cream

Mello Derm-HQ anti melasma cream contains 2% HQ that effectively lightens the dark patches and creates an even skin tone in 5-6 weeks of continuous application. This cream for melasma treatment can also fade spots such as freckles, dark spots, and under-eye darkness. The preparation is nongreasy and can be used by oily skin types.

3. Re'equil skin radiance cream

Re'equil skin radiance cream restores evenness in the skin tone with the natural extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium and aloe vera. Along with Vit E, this unique natural blend keeps your skin smooth and hydrated and protects your skin from UV damage.

4. GK Clear Skin

GK Clear skin cream contains glycolic acid, Kojic acid, and curcumin compounds that brighten skin cells with regular use. It also contains Vit E and Allantoin, promoting healthy skin on the face. This cream is safe to use for all skin types.

Also Read: 19 best Foundation For Oily skin face

5. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24-night facial serum

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 night serum contains retinoids that are penetration enhancers and are usually combined with melanin inhibitors. It penetrates the deep layers of the skin and lightens the skin tone. This is one of the most effective & best creams for Melasma in India.

6. No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced day cream SPF 30

No7 cream contains Avobenzone and peptides that inhibit melanin production. It also contains antioxidants that reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face. The SPF 30 protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

7. Ambi Fade cream

Ambi fade anti-melasma cream contains 2%HQ, vitamin E, and lactic acid. It is a gentle exfoliator and softens skin. Vit E enhances skin cells and gives you healthier-looking cells.

8. The Ordinary Azelaic acid suspension

The Ordinary Azelaic acid suspention contains Azelaic acid, which is most beneficial in pregnant women who are advised not to use retinol during pregnancy. A simple cream with 2% Azelaic acid is more than enough to treat skin-darkening issues.

9. The Derma Co. 2% Kojic acid face cream

The Derma Co cream contains 2% Kojic acid, Vitamin C, and tetrahydro curcuminoids which naturally brighten the skin with regular use. It works best on acne-prone skin. Massage the cream gently on your skin and watch your skin become even-toned and clear of any signs of acne. Try the best pigmentation cream recommended by dermatologist.

10. Minimalist 2% Tranexamic acid cream

Minimalist cream is an anti-melasma cream because of TX and mandelic acid and is also a sunscreen because of the presence of Hyaluronic acid, which reflects the sun's rays when it hits your skin. The best skin lightening cream for Melasma also contains Hydroxyphenyl propionic acid (HPA), which protects your skin from UVB rays and reduces melanin production. All skin types can use this cream.

Also, Read the 10 Best Refreshing Toners for Oily Skin

11. Promax-TX cream

Promax-TX cream is an anti-melasma cream that contains TX, Arbutin, Kojic acid, and ginseng extract that reduces signs of aging, reduces wrinkles, and even treats acne scars. It lightens dark patches and evens the skin tone with regular use. All skin types can use the preparation.

12. Alpha skin care dual action skin lightening cream

Alpha skin care dual-action skin cream is a skin-lightening cream that contains 2% HQ and 10% glycolic acid. These two components work harmoniously to brighten skin tone and can treat Melasma within 6 weeks of continuous use. This preparation may cause slight skin irritation because of the presence of HQ.

Tips To Avoid Melasma

There is no definite cause for the appearance of Melasma. Hence, a good way to keep this skin-darkening condition at bay is by:

• Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or more.
• If you have sensitive skin, cover your arms and face with a shield or a scarf when moving out into the sun.
• Contact your doctor if you suspect these dark patches will appear soon after using birth control or other hormonal medication.

Also Read: Blackhead Removal Tools

Conclusion

Melasma is not uncommon and commonly appears in pregnant women and young adults. The condition may also disappear, in time, in the same way that it appears. However, if you are conscious of your skin and looks, try out the various creams that promise skin lightening when used daily. The best melasma cream have constituents that work wonders, but like every other skin treatment medication, these creams must also be applied over months to exact their benefits. Until then, learn to love the skin you're in. Always use the best skin-lightening creams for melasma.

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