I have melisma and dermis have told me just to use sunscreen-- they haven't even suggested lightening cream....

Are you pregnant? If you're getting it because you're pregnant, it might go away when you're no longer pregnant. Mine did. (My friend, though, has it and she's never been pregnant.)

I have melasma too. I saw a dermatologist and have used lightening cream and even had a medium depth chemical peel (very painful by the way). I still have it but it is slightly less noticeable. I'm just learning to live with it. I also avoid sun at all costs!!!! Best wishes to you!

lightening cream, from derm. Also, tons of sunscreen. It's hormonal, so it gets worse during pregnancy.

I noticed last summer that i have some darkening above my upper lip. It's visible only in certain light. It bothers me but I've read online it's common in women of childbearing age. Has anyone treated this successfully? I am planning to make a derm appt, but I want some background on how expensive, complicated and likely to succeed the treatment is.