What Is Melasma?
Melasma appears as symmetrical, blotchy brown or greyish-brown patches, most often across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Unlike freckles or sun spots, melasma tends to be larger, more diffuse and patchy rather than made up of distinct small spots. It’s especially common in women and is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy” (chloasma), though it can affect anyone.
Melasma behaves differently to other forms of pigmentation — it’s more hormonally driven, more prone to flaring with heat and sun, and can be more stubborn to treat. If your pigmentation is more about sun spots or age spots rather than broad, symmetrical patches, our Pigmentation & Sun Damage page may be a better starting point.
What Causes It?
- Hormonal changes — pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy are common triggers
- Sun and heat exposure — UV light (and even visible light and heat) significantly worsens melasma
- Genetics — a family history of melasma increases your likelihood of developing it
- Skin type — more common and more persistent in medium-to-deeper skin tones
How We Assess It at Cosmetic Skin Co
Melasma needs a considered, patient approach — overly aggressive treatment can trigger rebound pigmentation and make things worse. At your consultation, Lisa will assess the depth and pattern of your melasma, talk through hormonal and sun-exposure triggers, and build a conservative, progressive plan rather than a one-off fix.
Recommended Treatments
- Pigmentation Spot Treatment — Pigmentation Spot Treatment — Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser; wavelength and settings are carefully tailored for melasma to reduce the risk of rebound pigmentation.
- Skin Peels — Skin Peels — gentle chemical exfoliation can help even tone when appropriate for your skin; always assessed first, as peels aren’t right for every melasma presentation.
- Laser & IPL Facial — Laser & IPL Facial — can support overall skin tone as part of a broader plan, used cautiously alongside melasma-specific care.
Melasma responds best to a cautious, ongoing plan rather than a single intensive treatment — your consultation is where we work out what’s genuinely safe and effective for your skin.
Recommended Skincare
- Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Lisa’s own go-to, used with every client in clinic; ultra-fine reusable microfibre pads that gently lift makeup and daily grime without irritating melasma-prone skin.
- Dermaceutic Mela Cream — Dermaceutic Mela Cream — formulated specifically for pigment spots; regulates pigment production and helps harmonise an uneven complexion.
- Barrier B — Barrier B — 10% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid serum that supports and protects the skin barrier, important for melasma-prone skin.
- Kakadu Plum Sunscreen SPF50+ — Kakadu Plum Sunscreen SPF50+ — daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential for melasma; sun (and heat) exposure is one of the biggest triggers for flare-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can melasma be completely removed?
Melasma is best thought of as managed rather than cured — it can be significantly faded and controlled, but it’s prone to returning, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes.
Will my melasma come back?
It can, particularly if triggers like sun exposure, heat or hormonal changes continue. Daily SPF and a maintenance skincare routine make a real difference.
Is laser treatment safe for melasma?
Some laser and light treatments can worsen melasma if not carefully chosen, which is why we assess your skin closely and select settings specifically suited to melasma.
Can I treat melasma while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Some treatments and skincare ingredients aren’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Let us know at your consultation so we can recommend safe options.
Can I have melasma treatment in summer?
Yes — summer treatments can still go ahead, as long as your skin is well prepped beforehand and you continue to follow your post-treatment care instructions.
Book a Consultation
Ready to talk about your melasma? Book a free skin consultation with Lisa and get a treatment plan tailored to your skin.