Reduce dark spots, pigmentation: 6 tips to keep melasma under control this monsoon season

How to cure melasma: Opt for a gentle cleanser, and use moisturisers with calming ingredients like cica, panthenol or oat extract (Image: Pexels)

It’s easy to think the sun’s gone on holiday when the skies turn grey and the streets glisten with rain. But for anyone dealing with melasma, the monsoon isn’t the break it seems. The clouds may be thick, the breeze cool, but the UV rays? They’re still very much around, bouncing off puddles, slipping through windows, dancing behind the rain.

Melasma is tricky, says Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO, Deconstruct. “One day your skin feels calm, the next there’s a new patch where you thought you had things under control. And while it’s not dangerous, it has a way of lingering, of settling in, and of pulling at your confidence in quiet, frustrating ways,” she says.

Nevertheless, with the right care and just a little patience, you can give your skin the kind of love it truly needs. “Not rushed. Not aggressive. Just steady, daily attention that keeps those shadows from returning,” she says.

Also read | Acne, eczema, psoriasis and more: Causes, symptoms and treatment tips for 13 common skin problems

Causes of melasma flare up when it rains

Melasma is a mix of hormones and genetics. Even heat and inflammation. “But the biggest troublemaker is sunlight, especially the sneaky kind that finds its way in on cloudy, drizzly afternoons. You might not feel it on your skin, but your melanin, the pigment that gives you your skin tone, certainly does,” Adapureddy says.

When exposed to UV light, melanin production speeds up. It’s your skin’s way of defending itself. “But sometimes, that protective pigment piles up in certain places, leaving uneven brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. Additionally, humidity can mess with your skin barrier, making it more sensitive to light and heat,” she adds.

Adapureddy shares 6 ways to manage melasma this rainy season

• Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you’re indoors: It’s not enough to dab it on once and forget. “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ and make it part of your morning ritual, like brushing your teeth. Even if you’re home all day, even if it’s raining, sunlight filters through. Reapply every few hours, especially if your windows are wide open or you’re out running errands between showers,” Adapureddy says.

• Bring back your shade essentials: Yes, even during the rains. A wide-brimmed hat, a cotton scarf, or oversized sunglasses can do more than complete your look, they offer extra protection when UV rays bounce off surfaces. Just find pieces you love, and make them part of your monsoon style.

• Treat your skin with kindness: This isn’t the season for harsh scrubs or strong acids. “Melasma responds better to a soothing touch. Opt for a gentle cleanser, and use moisturisers with calming ingredients like cica, panthenol or oat extract. Let your skin breathe. Let it rest,” Adapureddy says.

• Use ingredients that work deeply: Add a few trustworthy products to your skincare shelf, those with Vitamin C, niacinamide, and liquorice root. “They don’t work overnight, but over time, they help fade pigmentation, reduce inflammation, and brighten dullness,” she says.

• Nourish from the inside: What you eat matters just as much. Water, of course. But also berries, leafy greens, walnuts, flaxseeds, anything that’s rich in antioxidants. “These fight the internal stress and inflammation that often show up on your skin. Think of it as feeding your face without touching it,” she shares.

• Stick with it, even when it feels slow: Melasma isn’t impatient, and neither should you be. “It fades in its own time, often without making a big announcement. If you’ve found a routine that suits your skin, keep at it. Don’t jump from product to product, hoping for magic. Real healing is rarely fast, but it’s always worth it,” Adapureddy says.