Melasma Treatment

Melasma Treatment - Pigmentation

Melasma is a common pigmentation condition that causes brown, tan or grey-brown patches, most often on the face.

It frequently appears symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jawline and can become more noticeable with sun exposure, hormonal changes, heat and other individual triggers.

Melasma behaves differently from isolated freckles, sun spots or age spots. It is often recurrent and can be aggravated by excessive inflammation or inappropriate treatment. For this reason, management usually focuses on careful assessment, consistent sun protection, appropriate home skincare and selected professional treatments rather than trying to remove pigment aggressively in a single session.

At Face and Body Adelaide, melasma concerns are assessed individually. Your practitioner considers the pattern of pigmentation, skin type, triggers, medical and hormonal history, previous treatments, current skincare and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation before discussing a management plan.

Malasma

What Does Melasma Look Like?

  • Brown or grey-brown facial patches
  • Symmetrical pigmentation on both cheeks
  • Pigmentation across the forehead
  • Upper-lip pigmentation
  • Pigmentation along the jawline
  • Patches that become more noticeable after sun or heat exposure

What Causes or Triggers Melasma?

Melasma is multifactorial. Ultraviolet exposure is an important trigger, and visible light may also contribute in susceptible individuals. Hormonal influences, pregnancy, some medicines, genetics, heat and inflammation may also play a role.

Hormonal Influences & Pregnancy

Melasma may develop or become more noticeable during pregnancy or periods of hormonal change. It is sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’. Pigmentation may improve after pregnancy in some people but can persist or recur.

Sun & Visible Light

Sun exposure can stimulate pigmentation and is a major factor in melasma recurrence. Consistent broad-spectrum sun protection is therefore a core part of management, even when professional treatment is being undertaken.

Heat and Inflammation

Some people report worsening with heat or inflammatory skin reactions. Because melasma-prone skin can be reactive, aggressive procedures that create excessive inflammation may increase the risk of rebound pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation & Age Spots

Melasma is not the same as isolated sun spots or age spots. If your main concern is discrete brown spots, freckles or broader sun-related pigmentation rather than symmetrical melasma, our Hyperpigmentation & Age Spots page explains those concerns and their management in more detail.

Management Options for Melasma

There is no single treatment suitable for everyone with melasma. A staged plan is often more appropriate because the condition can recur and may respond poorly to overly aggressive treatment.

Cosmelan Peel

Cosmelan is a professional depigmentation programme that may be considered for selected people with melasma or other pigmentation concerns. It generally combines an in-clinic phase with a structured home-care programme.
Suitability depends on skin type, skin condition, medical history, current products and ability to follow aftercare. Redness, dryness, peeling, sensitivity and irritation can occur, particularly during active phases of treatment.

Chemical Peels

Selected superficial chemical peels may be considered as part of a melasma management plan for some skin types. The type and strength of peel should be chosen carefully to minimise unnecessary inflammation and the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Home Skincare & Pigment Management

Home skincare is a major component of melasma management. Depending on individual assessment, a practitioner may discuss gentle cleansing, moisturising, antioxidants, selected non-prescription brightening ingredients and other supportive skincare.
Some people with melasma may also have medical or prescription treatment options. Where relevant, these can be discussed privately with an appropriately qualified health practitioner following clinical assessment. Prescription-only medicines are not promoted on this public webpage.

Sun Protection

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing and sensible sun avoidance are important because ultraviolet exposure can reactivate pigmentation. For some people, tinted sunscreen containing visible-light protection may also be discussed as part of an individual skincare plan.

What About Laser, IPL or Energy-Based Treatments?

Laser and light-based procedures require particular caution in melasma because heat and inflammation can sometimes aggravate pigmentation. They are not automatically the first choice for every person with melasma.

If an energy-based treatment is being considered, the practitioner should assess skin type, pigmentation pattern, previous reactions, recent sun exposure and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conservative treatment selection and realistic expectations are important.

Why Melasma Often Requires Long-Term Management

Melasma has a tendency to recur. Even after visible improvement, ongoing sun exposure, hormonal influences or other triggers may cause pigmentation to become more noticeable again. Maintenance skincare and photoprotection are therefore often as important as the initial treatment phase.
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Our Personalised Approach

At Face and Body Adelaide, melasma management begins with assessment rather than a standard laser or peel package. The aim is to identify the likely pigmentation pattern, reduce avoidable triggers and select an approach that balances potential benefit with the risk of irritation or rebound pigmentation.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

  • Distribution and pattern of pigmentation
  • Skin type and sensitivity
  • Pregnancy or hormonal history where relevant
  • Sun and heat exposure
  • Current skincare and active ingredients
  • Previous pigmentation treatments
  • History of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Relevant medical history and medicines
  • Your concerns, priorities and expectations

Risks & Considerations

Melasma can worsen after irritation, inflammation or excessive sun exposure. Depending on the treatment selected, temporary redness, dryness, peeling, sensitivity or pigment darkening can occur. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation is possible with some procedures.

A particular degree of improvement or permanent clearance cannot be guaranteed. Recurrence is common, and ongoing maintenance may be required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single best treatment for everyone. The appropriate plan depends on whether acne is mainly comedonal, inflammatory, hormonal-pattern, severe or associated with scarring

Yes. Acne can persist into adulthood or begin for the first time in adults. Adult breakouts commonly affect the lower face, chin and jawline, although patterns vary.
Yes. Acne can persist into adulthood or begin for the first time in adults. Adult breakouts commonly affect the lower face, chin and jawline, although patterns vary.
Yes. Acne can persist into adulthood or begin for the first time in adults. Adult breakouts commonly affect the lower face, chin and jawline, although patterns vary.
Yes. Acne can persist into adulthood or begin for the first time in adults. Adult breakouts commonly affect the lower face, chin and jawline, although patterns vary.
Yes. Acne can persist into adulthood or begin for the first time in adults. Adult breakouts commonly affect the lower face, chin and jawline, although patterns vary.
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Melasma Consultation in Adelaide

If you are concerned about symmetrical facial pigmentation, cheek pigmentation, upper-lip pigmentation or recurring melasma, a consultation can help distinguish melasma from other pigmentation concerns and determine an appropriate management plan.

At Face and Body Adelaide, management is individualised and may include Cosmelan, selected chemical peels, home skincare, strict photoprotection, medical discussion or another appropriate pathway depending on assessment.