I'm worried because my freckles are getting darker.

Hello. At some point, when I looked in the mirror, I noticed faint stain-like spots near both of my cheekbones.

At first, I just brushed it off, thinking it was due to a slight sunburn, but as time passed, I could see the affected area expanding and the color becoming increasingly dull and dark.

I heard that once melasma appears, it never goes away with home care, but I still tried my best to make it work. I really diligently applied every type of product, from whitening essences and Vitamin C products to functional brightening creams. I even reapplied a thick layer of sunscreen whenever I went out, but honestly, there hasn't been much change on the melasma that has already taken root.

I'm looking into treatments, and many people recommend lasers.

I am wondering how many toning laser sessions are usually required to see noticeable lightening, and if there is any pain during treatment or potential side effects later on.