Can melasma be cured permanently?

Melasma can fade a lot, but it tends to come back with sun, heat and hormonal changes. Think of it as something you control with daily sunblock and maintenance treatment, not something you cure once.

Which melasma cream is safe in pregnancy?

Azelaic acid is generally considered the safest option in pregnancy, and niacinamide is also commonly used. Avoid retinol, hydroquinone and oral tranexamic acid, and check with your doctor before starting anything.

Is hydroquinone safe for melasma?

Hydroquinone works well but should only be used under a dermatologist's supervision, usually for a few months at a time. Long, unsupervised use can cause a permanent blue-grey discolouration called ochronosis.

Do tranexamic acid tablets work for melasma?

Oral tranexamic acid can help stubborn melasma, but it's a prescription medicine that affects blood clotting. Only take it if a doctor prescribes it after checking your medical history.

Chaiyan ka ilaj kya hai?

For melasma (chaiyan), use a cream with tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin or niacinamide at night, and a tinted SPF 50 sunblock every morning. Results take 8 to 12 weeks. See a dermatologist if there's no improvement after three months.

Best Cream for Melasma in Pakistan 2026 (With Prices)

Melasma (chaiyan or jhaiyan) is the brown or grey-brown patching that usually appears on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and nose. It's very common on South Asian skin, especially in women, and is triggered by sun, heat, hormones (pregnancy and birth control pills) and genetics. Pakistan's strong sun makes it worse for most of the year.

The honest truth: melasma is one of the hardest pigment problems to treat. But with the right cream and strict sun protection, most people see a real difference in two to three months.

Is it melasma or something else?

Melasma: symmetrical, blotchy patches on both cheeks, the forehead or upper lip. Often darker in summer.
Dark spots (sun spots or acne marks): separate, well-defined spots, often where you've had pimples.
Tanning: an overall darkening of sun-exposed skin.

If you're not sure, a dermatologist can tell with a quick exam. Our guide to removing pigmentation at home covers dark spots and tanning.

What is the best cream for melasma in Pakistan?

Prices are the lowest prices we found at brand websites and Pakistani retailers on 3 November 2026 and change often. This guide is not a substitute for a dermatologist; melasma that doesn't improve in three months should be checked.

Which melasma treatment should you choose?

Which melasma treatment should you choose?. Prices in Pakistani rupees.
Product	Key ingredient	Price	Skin type	Our verdict
Elluvi Hydra Glow Cream (50ml)	Alpha arbutin 2%, niacinamide 5%, retinol 0.3%	Rs 1,449	Normal, dry, combination	Best budget night cream for pigmentation
Healers Pharma 5% Tranexamic Acid + 4% Niacinamide Serum (30ml)	Tranexamic acid 5%, niacinamide 4%	Rs 2,150	All	Targeted melasma serum
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%	Azelaic acid 10%	Rs 3,450	Sensitive, acne-prone	Best option during pregnancy (ask your doctor)
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA (30ml)	Alpha arbutin 2%	Rs 4,088	All	Simple add-on for dark patches
Elluvi Hydra Glow Serum (30ml)	Niacinamide 10%, zinc PCA 1%	Rs 1,149	Oily, combination	Gentle daytime pigment fighter
Jenpharm Spectra Block Aqua Fluid SPF 60 PA+++	Broad-spectrum sunblock	Rs 1,498	All	Non-negotiable every morning

Elluvi Hydra Glow Cream (Rs 1,449) is our pick for most readers because it combines three pigment fighters with good evidence in one affordable night cream from a Lahore brand. Start two to three nights a week because of the retinol, and build up slowly. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, choose azelaic acid instead.

For a gentler daytime option, Elluvi's Hydra Glow Serum (10% niacinamide, Rs 1,149) works well under sunblock in the morning.

Which ingredients work for melasma?

Ingredient	How it helps	Notes
Tranexamic acid	Calms the triggers that switch on pigment cells	Popular in Pakistan; topical is gentle
Azelaic acid	Slows overactive pigment cells	Safest choice in pregnancy
Alpha arbutin	Slows pigment production	Gentler alternative to hydroquinone
Niacinamide	Stops pigment reaching the surface	Suits oily skin, very gentle
Retinol	Sheds pigmented cells faster	Not in pregnancy; start slowly
Hydroquinone	Strongest pigment blocker	Only under a dermatologist

Combining two ingredients usually works better than one: for example, a tranexamic acid or niacinamide serum in the morning and an arbutin or azelaic acid cream at night.

Why is sunblock the most important melasma treatment?

Melasma reacts to sunlight, heat and even visible light from the sun. Without daily protection, any cream is fighting a losing battle.

Use broad-spectrum SPF 50 with PA+++ or higher every morning, all year.
Choose a tinted sunblock when you can. The iron oxides in tinted formulas block visible light, which plays a big role in melasma on brown skin.
Reapply every two to three hours outdoors, and wear a wide-brimmed hat or dupatta in strong sun.

See our list of the best sunblocks in Pakistan.

What should you avoid?

Unlabelled "formula" and whitening creams. Many contain steroids or mercury, which can make melasma much worse in the long run. Read our guide to safe brightening creams.
Harsh scrubs, lemon and home bleaches. Irritation darkens melasma.
Heat. Steam rooms, hot yoga and cooking over a hot stove can trigger it. Rinse your face with cool water afterwards.

When should you see a dermatologist?

See a dermatologist if your melasma hasn't improved after three months of consistent use, if it's spreading, or if you want stronger options. They can prescribe triple-combination creams with hydroquinone, oral tranexamic acid, or in-clinic peels, and check that it really is melasma.

How we chose these products

We chose ingredients with published evidence for melasma and compared products sold in Pakistan by formula, strength and current price. This guide is research-based; see our editorial policy.

Best Creams for Melasma and Pigmentation in Pakistan 2026