Turn up the brightness! Celebrity skincare pro Vanessa Lee of The Things We Do shared the surprising ways you might be triggering melasma — and how to prevent it. 

The medical aesthetic provider, who keeps Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, and Gabrielle Union, glowing, tells ET that certain nutritious foods might be doing more harm than good if you’re prone to dark spots. 

“In Chinese medicine, melasma is often linked to internal imbalances, particularly related to digestion and circulation. A common, but overlooked trigger is eating too many cold, raw foods like smoothies, salads, and iced drinks. These can weaken the spleen and stomach qi, leading to dampness and stagnation in the body, which manifests as discoloration on the face,” she explains.

Other healthy habits that could actually be self-sabotaging? “Elevated body temperature, even when you’re not in direct sun is a lesser-known culprit that is just as impactful. … Saunas, hot yoga, or intense workouts can raise internal heat, which stimulates melanocyte activity and darkens pigment,” the skin guru notes.

If the damage has already been done, don’t sweat it — in more ways than one — thanks to the PicoSure Pro device at Lee’s studio at The Row in Los Angeles, California. 

How it works: “The laser uses ultra-short bursts of energy, called acoustic or pressure waves, to fragment pigment deep in the skin without generating heat or injuring the surface. Unlike lasers or microneedling that rely on controlled injury and skin resurfacing, this method keeps the skin barrier intact.”

“I had it done personally and was amazed by how quickly my sunspots faded, how smooth my skin looked, and how there was absolutely no downtime,” the founder explains. 

In addition to the getting the treatment done, Lee suggests making subtle changes to your everyday routine for a radiant complexion.

“To prevent heat-induced melasma, use a portable fan or our gel-bead cooling mask and high frequency wand. … For melasma flare-ups within, add variety to your diet with warm, cooked foods and incorporate ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, or lightly cooked greens to help support healthy blood flow and balance.”

Finally, make sure your skin is protected at all times with both proper products and accessories. 

“Makeup with built-in sun protection, like blush and lip gloss, makes sun care easier and more seamless, so it becomes a habit, not a hassle,” the cosmetic RN shares.

“Wearing UV blocking sunglasses is also just as important. … UV exposure around the eyes doesn’t just damage vision, it can also intensify pigmentation in the surrounding skin,” she adds. 

And don’t skimp on the rest of your body.

“The neck, chest, and hands are sun-exposed daily and are often the first to show signs of aging and discoloration. … Sun gloves, especially while driving, are a must to prevent pigmentation,” the certified Eastern face reader notes. 

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