Melasma

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes dark brown or grayish patches to appear on areas of the face such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It is more common in individuals with medium to darker skin tones and often becomes more noticeable with sun exposure or hormonal changes.

The condition occurs when your skin produces excess melanin — the natural pigment that gives skin its color. This overproduction results in uneven, patchy discoloration, typically on sun-exposed areas.

Causes of Melasma

Melasma is not contagious or painful, but it can be persistent and emotionally distressing. Common triggers include:

  • Pregnancy (often called the "mask of pregnancy")
  • Hormonal changes such as thyroid imbalances
  • Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation
  • Genetics or family history
  • Heat and infrared light (from cooking or hot weather)
  • Stress and lifestyle changes
  • Certain medications or birth control pills

Symptoms of Melasma

  • Dark or discolored patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead, upper lip, or chin
  • Evenly shaped patches that are brown or gray-brown in color
  • May also appear on the neck or forearms in rare cases
  • Increase in melanin and blood vessels in the affected area

Melasma Treatment at Skin Alive Clinic

Melasma cannot be permanently cured, but its appearance can be significantly reduced with consistent and expert care. At Skin Alive Clinic, we offer treatments tailored to your skin type, severity of pigmentation, and medical history.

Treatment Options

  • Topical creams to reduce melanin production
  • Chemical peels for exfoliation and pigment reduction
  • Oral medications to support skin health from within
  • Laser therapy to target deep pigmentation
  • Microneedling to boost collagen and repair pigmentation
  • Microdermabrasion for gentle resurfacing

We also provide guidance on sun protection and daily care to prevent melasma from worsening.

Importance of Sun Protection

Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), avoiding peak sun hours, and protecting your skin with hats or scarves are essential for managing melasma effectively.