Can melasma be prevented?

You cannot prevent melasma in every case, but there are measures 
you can take that may help reduce your risk of developing it.

Minimizing your exposure to sunlight 
can help prevent further darkening of existing melasma as well as the formation of new patches. Most dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen every day. Look for one that offers broad-spectrum protection (that means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays), and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.

Even the level of sun exposure you 
can get from sitting next to a window can be enough to trigger melasma if your skin is unprotected, so it's critical to wear sunscreen every day, regardless of whether or not you plan on being outdoors.

Melasma treatment options are
available for a variety of skin types and tones, but only your doctor can help you decide which treatment option is right for your skin. If you think you have melasma, start by making an appointment.