It is built for sun damage and general discolouration, and that is how we position it. Melasma is a different problem — hormonally driven, deep, and prone to rebounding after anything that inflames the skin — and no single mask addresses it. If melasma is your concern the things that actually move it are rigorous daily mineral SPF with visible-light coverage, a considered prescription regimen, and patience; a brightening mask is a supporting player at best. Worth a consult rather than a purchase.

Once a week is the usual rhythm, which makes a box about six weeks. Each one is a single-use gel base plus a vitamin C booster, mixed at the time. Expect an immediate brightness that lasts a day or two, and a more gradual evenness in tone over the course of the box if you are also protecting from the sun daily. Without daily SPF, a brightening product is a treadmill — you will undo each mask before the next one.

Start with the original Spaoxy Gel. Bright Plus is formulated for normal to resilient skin — the vitamin C concentration that makes it effective on pigment is also what makes it more likely to sting on reactive skin. The plain formula gives you the same carboxy step without that. If the original sits well over a few uses, you can try Bright Plus afterwards. Do not start with it on skin that reacts to most things, and do not use it on a face that is still recovering.