Evening skincare routine for melasma: step by step
The evening routine for melasma has one job: clean off the day, deliver one treatment (tranexamic or azelaic serum) and rebuild the barrier.
The sequence
gentle cleanse → tranexamic or azelaic serum → barrier moisturizer.
Active nights and recovery nights
Use tranexamic or azelaic serum on two or three nights, spaced apart. On the others, cleanse gently and use only barrier cream.
If symmetrical patches on cheeks flares after an active night, extend the gap to every third night.
Avoid at night
Waxing affected areas and high-heat facials without protection tend to undo evening progress — leave them out for the first month.
Put it on the calendar
Mornings stay identical; evenings alternate between tranexamic or azelaic serum nights and recovery nights.
Six questions to ask yourself
Answer honestly before adding or swapping a product. Most plateaus are explained by one of these.
Strengths, timing and clashes at a glance
If a label matches any of these, you already know the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an active every night for melasma?
No. Two or three nights is typically enough and kinder to the barrier.
What if my skin stings at night?
Rinse, apply plain moisturizer, and skip the active until skin is calm.