Self‐applied topical interventions for melasma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of data from randomized, investigator‐blinded clinical trials

Melasma is a frequent dermatological condition. Although its relevance as a skin condition is primarily cosmetic, it may affect the patients’ well‐being and quality of life. A broad range of treatment options is available, making it challenging to choose the most appropriate treatment. To summarise and critically appraise evidence from investigator‐blinded RCTs on the efficacy and safety of self‐applied topical interventions for melasma. The present study findings indicate that TCC and its individual components HQ and tretinoin effectively lighten melasma. Besides these established self‐applied treatment options, the authors identified further medical and promising cosmetic and herbal product treatment approaches. Furthermore, evidence suggests that using broad‐spectrum sunscreen covering both the visible and UV‐light spectrum enhances the treatment efficacy of HQ. However, with primarily small RCTs comparing treatments directly, using a broad range of outcomes, further research is needed to determine which treatment is most effective.