SKIN CONCERN
Melasma
Melasma is a complex form of pigmentation that often appears as symmetrical patches of brown or grey-brown discolouration, commonly across the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
Influenced by hormones, UV exposure, heat and inflammation, melasma requires a careful, long-term approach focused on improving visible pigment while minimizing triggers that can cause it to return.
TREATING MELASMA AT WOODLAND
Recommended Treatments
Melasma is best managed with a long-term, individualized approach. Daily home care and sun protection form the foundation, with in-clinic treatments introduced carefully based on your skin, triggers and pattern of pigmentation.
Aerolase Neo Elite
Carefully target visible pigmentation.
Aerolase Neo Elite may be incorporated into an individualized melasma plan to address visible pigmentation while minimizing unnecessary irritation and inflammation.
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Targeted Home Care
The foundation of melasma management.
Daily pigment-regulating home care and consistent sun protection help manage visible discolouration and reduce the triggers that contribute to recurrence.
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A NOTE ABOUT LED + MELASMA
What about LED?
Photobiomodulation is an emerging area of melasma research. Certain wavelengths may help regulate pigment and inflammation, but response can vary with wavelength, dose and individual skin response.
Because visible light can also contribute to melasma, we consider LED selectively rather than recommending it routinely.
Read the Research →
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a complex pigmentary condition in which the skin's pigment-producing system becomes overactive. Unlike isolated sun spots, melasma is influenced by multiple signals within the skin and can be easily reactivated.
Melasma requires a different approach.
Treatments commonly used for other forms of pigmentation aren't always appropriate for melasma. Heat, inflammation and certain forms of light exposure can stimulate pigment production, meaning aggressive laser or IPL treatments may sometimes worsen melasma or contribute to recurrence.
At Woodland, melasma is treated conservatively, with an emphasis on daily pigment control, sun and light protection, minimizing inflammation and carefully selected in-clinic treatments.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Why does it happen?
Melasma develops when pigment-producing cells become overly responsive. Hormones, light, heat, inflammation and genetics can all play a role, which is why identifying and managing triggers is part of long-term control.
Sun & Visible Light
UV radiation is a major trigger for melasma, but visible light can also stimulate pigment production.
Hormonal Influence
Pregnancy, hormonal contraception and other changes can trigger melasma. This is one reason melasma is more common in women.
Heat & Inflammation
Heat & inflammation can stimulate pigment production pathways. These triggers may contribute to worsening or recurrence.
Skin type & genetics
It is particularly common in people with medium to deeper skin tones and in those with a family history of the condition.
Skin Irritation
Over-exfoliation, harsh products and repeated irritation can create inflammation that makes pigment more difficult to control.
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
What to expect
1
Starting treatment
We begin by identifying triggers, protecting the skin and establishing daily pigment control and sun protection.
2
As treatment progresses
With consistency, melasma may gradually fade and skin tone can become more even.
3
Longer term
Melasma can recur. Ongoing home care, sun protection and trigger management help maintain improvement.
