MELASMA

Melasma Program

Comprehensive, evidence-based management for melasma — combining safe topicals, procedure-based options, and long-term maintenance to reduce pigmentation and prevent recurrence.

Pregnancy-safe plans Fitzpatrick-guided
Insert illustrative image here (4:3)

Who develops melasma?

  • Often seen in women of reproductive age but can affect men
  • Triggered by hormones, sun exposure, genetics, and certain cosmetics/medications
  • Typically symmetric patches on cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin

Program goals

  • Reduce visible pigmentation and even skin tone
  • Minimize recurrence by addressing triggers and maintenance
  • Use pigment-safe, long-term strategies tailored to skin type

Expected timeline

4–8 weeks: early improvement with correct topicals and sun avoidance
3–6 months: meaningful reduction with combined in-clinic procedures and maintenance

Medical Topicals

  • Triple combination creams (as appropriate and monitored)
  • Azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid (topical)
  • Vitamin C and antioxidant serums for adjunctive support

All topicals are selected according to pregnancy status and skin sensitivity; hydroquinone used selectively with specialist oversight.

Procedures (selected carefully)

  • Superficial chemical peels (mandelic, glycolic) for epidermal melasma
  • Low-fluence Q-switched or picosecond lasers in experienced hands for select cases
  • Microneedling + tranexamic acid serums in some profiles

Procedures are customized and conservative to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; patient selection is key.

Sun protection & adjuncts

  • Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+, physical sunscreens recommended
  • Sunhat, limited peak sun exposure, and pigment-safe makeup
  • Oral tranexamic acid is considered in refractory cases with specialist review

How to prepare

  • Start sunscreen daily at least 2 weeks before procedures
  • Disclose hormonal therapies and pregnancy/breastfeeding status
  • Avoid aggressive exfoliants 3–7 days before treatments

Aftercare

  • Continue maintenance topicals as directed
  • Strict photoprotection to prevent relapse
  • Return visits at 4–8 week intervals initially for monitoring

Before & After

Use consenting patient photos to show realistic expectations. Note: melasma often requires ongoing maintenance.

Is melasma curable?

Melasma is typically chronic — treatable and controllable but may require long-term maintenance to prevent recurrence.

Can pregnant patients be treated?

Pregnancy-safe options like azelaic acid and strict sunscreen are used; stronger agents are deferred until after pregnancy or breastfeeding unless approved by your doctor.

What causes relapse?

Sun exposure, hormones, and certain topical/medications can trigger relapse. Maintenance and trigger control reduce recurrence risk.

Related stories