30-day skincare plan for melasma
Thirty days is long enough to see direction, not a finish line. This plan for melasma moves from baseline to review in four short stages.
Week 1: baseline
Scan cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Cut the routine to vitamin C, moisturizer and SPF. Switch to a tinted mineral SPF 50 and reapply every two hours outdoors.
Week 2: first active
Introduce tranexamic acid on two nights. Keep notes on how skin feels, not just how it looks.
Week 3: steady state
Hold the routine. If skin is comfortable, add one night of tranexamic acid; if not, stay at two. Avoid waxing affected areas and high-heat facials without protection.
Week 4: review
Compare week-one and week-four scans of cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Decide: keep, adjust or swap in azelaic acid.
Remember that three months before shifts are visible, and maintenance continues year-round; day 30 is a checkpoint.
When melasma pushes back
Most setbacks are predictable. Here is what to do about each.
A quick self-audit
Answer honestly before adding or swapping a product. Most plateaus are explained by one of these.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see results for melasma in 30 days?
You may see comfort and early changes; full results usually need three months before shifts are visible, and maintenance continues year-round.
What if I miss a few days?
Resume where you left off; do not double up on actives to catch up.