How long does it take for dark spots on the face to fade away?

Melasma is a very common skin disorder characterized by dark patches of skin on the face. It is common in pregnant women and women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy and often fades over several months after pregnancy or after stopping hormone medication, according to MedlinePlus.

If melasma does not go away on its own or the woman does not wish to cease taking hormone medication, there are several treatment options available, notes MedlinePlus. These include creams containing a combination of tretinoin, hydroquinone, kojic acid and azelaic acid; chemical peels; topical steroid creams; and, in severe cases, laser treatments.