My melasma has gotten worse since I started spending more time outdoors this spring.

As the weather warmed up, my outdoor activities increased significantly, and perhaps that was the problem, as the pigmentation on my cheeks became noticeably worse.

I've always had a few freckles, but they were barely visible during the winter. Since spring arrived and I've been going out more often on weekends, they definitely seem to have darkened. Even though I apply sunscreen meticulously, seeing them appear like this makes me unsure if my UV protection wasn't sufficient, or if I just have a tendency for pigmentation to flare up at this time of year. I've tried whitening products, but they didn't seem to have much effect on the pigmentation that had already surfaced.

I am looking into laser treatment because I think it would be best to manage it before it gets darker, but I am wondering if laser treatment is effective on melasma that has already darkened. I would also like to know if thorough sun protection after the procedure can help prevent recurrence to some extent.

I've heard that I should avoid laser treatments in the spring and summer, so I wanted to ask if it is okay to get it done at this time.