Melasma – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a common pigment disorder that causes brown or grey-brown patches on the face — often on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip. It’s sometimes known as the “mask of pregnancy” because it frequently appears with hormonal changes, but anyone can develop it.
Key Features:
- Symmetrical pigmentation (both sides of the face)
- Can affect all skin tones, but more common in darker skin types
- Often triggered or worsened by sun exposure, hormones, genetics and heat.
what causes melasma?
Melasma occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) become over-active. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, key triggers include:
- Sun exposure: UV and visible light stimulate melanin production.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, contraceptives or hormone therapy may increase risk.
- Genetics: A family history raises likelihood.
- Heat & light exposure: Heat and blue light can worsen pigmentation.
Managing melasma effectively often requires a combination of treatments tailored to individual needs. In addition, it can be effectively managed through various professional treatments.
Symptoms
Typical signs of melasma include:
- Flat, irregular brown or grey-brown patches
- Appearing on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip
- Usually symmetrical
- May wax and wane with triggers like sunlight or hormones.
Melasma Treatments at HSA Dermal Clinic - Richmond
At HSA Dermal Clinic, we tailor every treatment plan for melasma to your skin type, depth of pigmentation and lifestyle such as:
- Medical-Grade Topical
- IPL & Laser-Based Options
- Chemical Peels
- Microneedling
- Sun Protection & Maintenance
While many cases improve with consistent care, it’s important to know there is currently no permanent cure, and recurrence can happen — especially if triggers aren’t managed.
HSA Dermal Clinic provides an extensive range of uniquely effective and accessible treatments for this common skin condition. For more information or to arrange an obligation-free consultation with one of our experts, get in touch with the HSA Dermal Clinic team at Richmond upon Thames today.
Understanding pigmentation is essential for effective treatment, and our clinic has extensive experience in treating pigmentation.