If dark, splotchy patches on your face just wont fade away, you might be dealing with a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma affects nearly 5 million Americans , most of whom are women, and is commonly triggered by hormones and sun exposure. It doesnt pose any health risks.

The condition can be improved with the right regimen, although you might never totally even out your complexion. Treating melasma improperly, however, can worsen the situation and some skin lighteners on the market can be dangerous.

To sift through the safe treatment options, HuffPost asked dermatologists for tips on how to tame melasma flare-ups, especially as we head into the peak sun season.

What is melasma?

Characterized by smudgy brown discoloration of the skin, melasma appears when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin, go into overdrive. Its different from other forms of hyperpigmentation, like what is left behind scars and acne, said Jeremy Fenton , a board-certified dermatologist.

Melasma most commonly appears on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks, and women are more prone to the condition than men. Individuals with darker skin are especially at risk, though its unclear why.

Melasma can come and go, particularly worsening during times of increased estrogen, such as pregnancy, said Marisa Garshick , a board-certified dermatologist.

Sunlight can darken melasma dramatically, and just sitting by a window for a few minutes can trigger it. Its extremely sensitive to light, Fenton said.

Garshick added that theres some evidence that blue light can aggravate melasma, so she said finding a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and blue light protection is ideal.