Is it better to start melasma treatment before it gets darker?

I've been really worried lately because every time I look in the mirror, I feel like my freckles are getting a little darker.

At first, it looked like a small dot, so I didn't pay much attention to it, but as time went by, the area seemed to get a bit wider, and it wasn't even easy to cover up with makeup.

So I am looking into melasma treatment, but I suddenly wondered if it is right to start now or if I could wait and see a little longer.

For those of you who have received melasma treatment, at what stage did your condition begin? I am curious whether you started after the melasma had worsened, or if you were satisfied because you managed it in the early stages.

I'm getting more confused because some say that the sooner you start treating melasma, the easier it is to manage, while others say it varies from person to person.

I am also curious if you changed your daily habits significantly while receiving melasma treatment. I would like to know if you took care of UV protection even indoors, in addition to using sunscreen, and if you used a hat or parasol.

Please tell me honestly whether you would have started melasma treatment sooner if you had the chance to do so again, or if you think now is the right time. I would appreciate hearing about your experience!