Help with Melasma

[Anonymous]

The derm prescribed hydroquinone but I've read it is banned in a lot of countries and is a carcinogen. Besides using a pure physical blocker sunscreen, how did you treat/manage the discoloration and how long did it take? Can you recommend a specific product for makeup and fading topical treatment? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Folic acid supplement. It will take a little while to be effective but will clear it up to a great extent.

Melasma, as you know, is often called the "mask of pregnancy" and can also be caused by some birth control pills - both of which alter hormonal balance apparently increasing the need for folic acid.