Melasma is hereditary. And although you can’t change your genes, you can take precautions to protect your skin and keep melasma from worsening. Sun and birth control pills are two of the main stimulators of melasma. Sunscreens containing zinc and titanium are very important to protect the skin with a physical barrier that offers superior protection. Broad-brimmed hats (rather than baseball caps) are also important to offer another layer of protection from the sun. Lastly, prescription bleaching creams and physician-grade skincare targeting melasma can be used to improve areas that are dark. A few of our favorite skincare products to help melasma are: