Get same-day melasma treatment online

Book an affordable video visit with a provider to get treatment for dark spots and pigmentation. Any prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for same-day pickup.

Convenient video appointment
24/7 availability
Same-day prescription to treat melasma, if appropriate
No insurance necessary
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Why wait for great skin & hair? We've got options.

Pay per visit or subscribe to Skincare Rx for $59/mo. and get all of the following:

  • Material Check Circle IconSame-day prescriptions & refills
  • Material Check Circle IconOngoing care from a dedicated provider
  • Material Check Circle IconVideo visits & unlimited messaging
Learn more

Get melasma treatment in 3 simple steps.

1. Pick a providerBrowse provider reviews, same-day time slots, and upfront prices as low as $37 before you book.
2. Meet with your providerTalk through your melasma symptoms and treatment options during a face-to-face video call with a board-certified dermatologist or provider of your choice.
Get a prescriptionIf medication is prescribed as part of your melasma treatment plan, your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Online visits for melasma, available today

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About Melasma treatment

Melasma is a common, painless skin condition that causes dark, discolored patches (hyperpigmentation) to appear on the skin. This discoloration is usually brown or grayish-brown and tends to develop on the face and other parts of the body that get a lot of sun. These areas include:

  • Cheeks
  • Forehead
  • Jawline
  • Bridge of the nose
  • Upper lip
  • Neck
  • Forearms

Melasma occurs when melanocytes – the skin cells that produce melanin - produce too much melanin, which causes discoloration.

The exact cause of melasma hasn’t been determined, but research shows that sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics can all drive increased melanin production. While it can affect anyone, melasma is more common in women – especially those with darker skin types or those undergoing hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause or birth control pills.

It’s important to note that melasma is not the same as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a type of hyperpigmentation caused by skin trauma from burns, scrapes, bites or acne scarring. If you’re not sure what’s causing your skin discoloration, a provider on Sesame can help provide a diagnosis and treatment options.

The best treatment for melasma can depend on a range of factors. During your Sesame appointment, you can speak with your provider about the best melasma treatment for you.
  • Tretinoin: Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a type of retinoid medication. Retinoids work by causing your skin cells to turn over quickly, which can reduce hyperpigmentation over time.
  • Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone (Eldoquin) is a skin-lightening medication that can help reduce dark spots and patches.
  • Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid (Azelex) is a topical treatment that can help reduce dark spots and patches caused by melasma.
  • Fluocinolone/tretinoin/hydroquinone: This triple-combination treatment, also sold under the brand name Tri-Luma, uses three different medications to treat different symptoms of melasma.
  • Steroids: Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed for the treatment of melasma, but are only recommended for short-term use due to side effects like skin-thinning.
  • Laser treatment: Laser therapy can reduce the appearance of pigmentation from melasma by targeting melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) and destroying them.
  • Chemical peels: These treatments remove the outer layer of skin, which can help improve skin discoloration over time.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products: Your provider may recommend OTC products with skin-lightening ingredients such as tranexamic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid or niacinamide for your melasma. They may also suggest a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen for increased sun protection.

Save more with Sesame,
insured or not.

If you're uninsured...

  • Get melasma treatment at a low, upfront price
  • Skip the lines at the clinic
  • Know what you’re paying without any hidden fees

If you're insured...

  • Our prices are often cheaper than your co-pay
  • Avoid long wait times for in-network providers
  • Generic melasma medications are covered by most insurance plans

Pay with Credit Card, HSA or FSA

FAQs

Have more questions about melasma?

Medically reviewed by:Dr. Jillian Foglesong-Stabile

Melasma occurs when skin cells produce too much melanin as a result of hormonal changes, exposure to UV rays or genetics. This can cause brown or gray patches to occur on the skin. Melasma is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy" because of how prevalent it is in pregnant women.

If you’re unsure what’s triggering your melasma, book an in-person or online skin consult with a licensed healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and come up with a personalized treatment plan.

Melasma can be managed with a range of treatments, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products and laser therapy. You can also help prevent melasma by using sun protection measures, such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from ultraviolet rays.

To find out which melasma treatment is best for you, talk with a licensed medical provider. They can offer personalized medical advice catered to your needs and prescribe medication if appropriate.

Yes. If deemed clinically appropriate, an online doctor or provider on Sesame can prescribe medication and other treatments for melasma symptoms like pigmentation, dark spots, and brown or gray patches. Any melasma prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup.

Sesame also offers convenient, online melasma management through Skincare Rx, a $59 monthly subscription that includes video consults with a provider of your choice, messaging & prescriptions for melasma medication if necessary.

No. Sesame does not accept insurance to keep prices low and transparent – the upfront price you see next to your provider’s name is the price you pay!

However, you can pay for your online visit using your Health Savings Account (HSA) card or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card if you have one.

If you do have insurance and are prescribed medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan.

You will also receive a prescription savings card from Sesame if medication is prescribed. The prescription savings card is often cheaper than a co-pay on your prescription, so we recommend comparing your insurance co-pay to the savings card price before filling your prescription.

Yes! Sesame is available to all patients regardless of insurance status. Simply browse Sesame providers, select a price and an appointment time slot that works for you, and get the care you need without hidden fees or surprise bills.

If medication is prescribed during your appointment, you will also receive a prescription discount card that you can show to your pharmacist when you pick up your medication for even more savings.

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