Dark Spot Melasma Treatment: What to Know

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Sunlight and visible light can deepen pigment, while hormonal changes and skin irritation may contribute. The colour can fade and return, so treatment aims to reduce pigment activity and prevent re-darkening rather than promise a single permanent fix.

A clinician should confirm melasma before treatment because other causes of uneven tone can look similar. Review pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicines, sensitive skin, recent irritation, and prior procedures during the consultation.

Use broad-spectrum light protection, shade, and gentle skin care every day. A clinician may recommend a prescription or non-prescription pigment treatment, depending on your skin and medical history. Options such as [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/) require careful selection because irritation can make pigmentation more noticeable.

Introduce one change at a time, follow aftercare, and stop a product that causes marked burning, swelling, blistering, or worsening discolouration. Progress is judged by colour, texture, and recurrence over follow-up visits.

Arrange review if a patch changes quickly, bleeds, becomes painful, forms a sore, or looks unlike the surrounding melasma. Seek advice before using strong lightening products during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or after a reaction to a cosmetic or procedure.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, which light-protection plan suits your routine, how long to try the initial treatment, what irritation looks like, and which procedure is safest for your skin type and current pigmentation.