Most products that promise to “fade dark spots” only treat what’s visible on the surface. Serums, brightening creams, and peels may lighten the top layer of skin temporarily, but they rarely reach the deeper pigment where melasma actually forms.
That’s why so many women see results fade after a few weeks — the discoloration returns because the root cause was never addressed.
And while laser treatments might sound more powerful, dermatologists warn that they can be especially risky for melanin-rich skin.
The intense heat from lasers can actually trigger more pigmentation, leaving behind patchy or uneven tone — sometimes worse than before.
Even when lasers appear to work, the results are often short-lived, with new patches resurfacing within months.
In short: surface products fade, lasers can inflame, and neither provide a lasting solution for deep pigmentation like melasma.