If you’ve noticed discoloration on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip that seems to worsen after sun exposure, you may be dealing with melasma. This complex skin condition isn’t harmful to your health, but its high visibility and stubborn persistence can understandably make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Despite its prevalence, melasma isn’t easy to treat with over-the-counter products. It’s often resistant to creams, even with tried-and-true ingredients, such as hydroquinone.
VITAHL Medical Aesthetics can help. We take a comprehensive approach to treating melasma that combines advanced technologies with medical-grade skincare to help you achieve a clearer complexion that lasts.
Melasma is a common condition of hyperpigmentation associated with dark, blotchy patches on the face. It is most likely to appear in areas that receive significant sun exposure, such as your cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Melasma can also develop on your neck, arms or elsewhere on your body, although this is less common.
Although this may sound similar to sun spots or age spots, melasma is different in both presentation and management. Melasma appears in larger patches and often affects both sides of the face in a somewhat similar pattern. These patches range in color from light brown to bluish-gray, depending on how deep the pigment is located in your skin.
Melasma is categorized as “epidermal” or “dermal” based on whether the dark spots occur superficially in the skin or deeper down within. Dermal and epidermal melasma are treated differently, so it is important to seek the advice of our skincare clinicians and determine the route of treatment that will produce the best and safest results.
While it can affect anyone, melasma is significantly more common in women, particularly those with darker skin tones. Approximately 50% of people with the condition have family members who also have it, indicating genetic predisposition may be a major factor.
Melasma can be triggered or worsened by:
Melasma is so common during pregnancy that it is nicknamed the “mask of pregnancy.” According to data from the National Library of Medicine, it is present in 15% to 50% of pregnant patients. The condition sometimes fades or resolves on its own after birth.
Experience has taught us that successful melasma treatment requires patience and persistence. Because it behaves differently than other forms of hyperpigmentation, it’s critical to address both the visible symptoms and the underlying triggers of the condition
Our expert clinicians take a multifaceted approach that combines in-office treatments with proper skin care and preventive measures. Rather than promising quick fixes, we focus on delivering steady, sustainable improvements that help prevent the fight the pigmentation. We work closely with you to understand your lifestyle, identify potential triggers and develop a treatment strategy that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.
At VITAHL Medical Aesthetics, we offer only proven treatments for melasma. Our clinicians often combine different approaches for optimal results, designing a bespoke treatment plan based on your skin type, the depth of your melasma and various lifestyle factors.
Chemical peels remain one of the most reliable treatments for melasma. Through a process of controlled exfoliation, a chemical peel helps lift away pigmented cells while encouraging healthy cell turnover.
Our medical-grade peels can be adjusted in strength and composition to match your skin’s needs and tolerance. Our clinicians will carefully select an option that targets your pigmentation without causing the inflammation that can sometimes trigger melasma flares. Our goal is to achieve progressive improvement without excessive downtime.
PICO Genesis is a nonablative laser that emits short, intense pulses. These pulses shatter pigmentation into small pieces that can be processed and eliminated by your body.
Compared to other laser treatments that generate heat, PICO Genesis is more comfortable, requires less downtime and is safe for all skin tones. Patients with mild pigmentation irregularities notice a significant improvement in their skin tone after just one or two treatments. For more severe pigmentation, a series of up to six treatments may be needed.
Microneedling creates tiny injuries or “micro-channels” in the skin. This process stimulates natural collagen production and cellular renewal, while helping your skin better absorb the brightening ingredients in your skincare routine.
Microneedling can help break up pigmentation while improving your overall skin texture and tone. The lack of heat generated during the treatment makes it particularly suitable for melasma-prone skin. We recommend it in combination with topical skin lightening products for the most powerful effect.
The right skincare routine is essential for managing melasma and maintaining the results of your in-office treatments. We proudly offer skincare products from some of the world’s most respected brands, including iS Clinical, SkinBetter, Elta MD
and SkinMedica.
One of our favorite products for melasma is iS Clinical’s Brightening Complex. This innovative formula offers a safe and effective alternative to hydroquinone. With a blend of proprietary brightening ingredients and botanicals, including Norwegian kelp, bearberry extracts, antioxidants and fruit acids, the Brightening Complex targets dark spots through multiple pathways.
Part of managing melasma is changing the way you care for your skin each day. Even brief sun exposure can trigger or worsen melasma, so we recommend a thorough approach to sun protection
Beyond sun protection, we also suggest avoiding excessive or prolonged heat exposure, choosing gentle skin care products and practices that don’t irritate your skin, and learning to identify and manage your personal melasma triggers.
At VITAHL Medical Aesthetics, we understand the impact that melasma can have on your confidence, and we’re here to help you achieve the even, radiant complexion you deserve.
The first step is a consultation with one of our experienced clinicians. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your skin and create a treatment strategy designed just for you. We’ll continue to be your partner throughout your skin-clearing journey, adjusting your plan as needed to ensure you get the best results possible.
To start your melasma treatment at VITAHL Medical Aesthetics in Denver, Colorado, call us at 303-388-7380 or click here to book your appointment.
