Melasma Treatments
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Okan Morkoç
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches on the skin, primarily affecting the face, neck, and forearms. It occurs due to excessive melanin production, often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, pregnancy (also called “the mask of pregnancy”), and certain medications. While melasma is harmless, it can impact self-confidence and may require targeted treatments to fade pigmentation and even out skin tone.
How Does Melasma Treatment Work?
Melasma treatments focus on reducing melanin production, lightening hyperpigmented areas, and preventing new pigment formation. The most effective treatment methods include:
Topical Treatments
- Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production, gradually fading dark spots.
- Retinoids: Enhance skin cell turnover, helping to shed pigmented skin cells.
- Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, and Azelaic Acid: Brighten skin and reduce melanin synthesis.
Chemical Peels
- Utilize alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to exfoliate the top skin layers.
- Improves melasma by removing pigmented cells and stimulating new skin growth.
- Best suited for superficial melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Laser Treatments
- Fractional lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) target melanin deposits within the skin.
- Breaks down pigmentation and promotes an even skin tone.
- Effective for deeper melasma, but must be used cautiously to avoid skin irritation.
Microneedling
- Creates micro-channels in the skin, enhancing the penetration of lightening agents and promoting collagen production.
- Helps reduce pigmentation and improve skin texture.
Oral Medications
- Tranexamic Acid: An oral treatment that inhibits melanin synthesis, particularly effective for hormonally induced melasma.
Treatment Process and Expected Results
Consultation & Skin Assessment
- A dermatologist evaluates your skin, identifies melasma type, and designs a custom treatment plan.
Treatment Sessions
- Topical Treatments: Daily application of prescribed creams for several weeks to months.
- Chemical Peels & Microneedling: Performed in sessions, usually 4-6 treatments, spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
- Laser Therapy: 3-5 sessions may be needed, depending on melasma severity.
- Oral Medications: Taken under medical supervision, often combined with topical treatments.
Post-Treatment Care
- Strict sun protection is crucial: Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily.
- Avoid direct sunlight, wear hats, and use physical barriers like umbrellas when outdoors.
- Gentle skincare routine to prevent irritation and maintain treatment results.
Results Timeline
- Topical Treatments show improvement in 8-12 weeks.
- Chemical Peels & Microneedling may take 1-3 months to see visible changes.
- Laser Treatments provide gradual improvement over several weeks.
Benefits of Fractional Laser Treatment
- Lightens dark spots and uneven pigmentation, resulting in brighter skin.
- Reduces melanin production, preventing future pigmentation.
- Minimally invasive procedures with little to no downtime.
- Improves overall skin texture and boosts collagen production.
- Safe and effective options for all skin types when performed by professionals.
While melasma can be significantly lightened, it is chronic and may reappear with sun exposure or hormonal changes.
Combining treatments, such as topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy, provides faster and more effective results.
Most treatments involve minimal discomfort, with numbing creams available for procedures like microneedling and lasers.
Typically 4-6 sessions for chemical peels and microneedling, while laser treatments may require 3-5 sessions.
Tranexamic Acid is effective for hormonally induced melasma, often used alongside topical treatments.