Melasma Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brown or grayish patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip may be melasma, a common pigmentation condition that is often worsened by sun exposure and hormones. At HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA , our dermatology team uses prescription treatments, chemical peels, and a long-term maintenance plan to lighten melasma and help keep it from returning.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Melasma?
Melasma is a natural darkening of the skin caused by excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and causes it to tan. It appears as brown or grayish-brown patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, and chin. Because sunlight stimulates melanin production, sun exposure usually makes melasma worse, and the patches typically appear only on sun-exposed skin. Melasma can range from mild to severe.
Who Gets Melasma?
Melasma is common and occurs predominantly in women. It is especially prevalent in people with light brown or medium skin tones, including many Hispanic and Asian patients. Common contributing factors include:
- Sun and visible light exposure
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, often called the “mask of pregnancy”
- Birth control pills and hormone therapy
- Genetics and family history
- Heat exposure
- Certain skin care products that irritate the skin
Melasma is not dangerous and is not a sign of skin cancer, but it can be a source of frustration and self-consciousness. Sometimes it fades on its own, particularly after pregnancy, but if it does not, the patches can take a long time to lighten without treatment.
How Melasma Is Diagnosed
Your provider can usually diagnose melasma during a visual exam. In some cases, a special light helps show how deep the pigment sits in the skin, which influences which treatments will work best. It is important to rule out other causes of dark spots, such as sun damage, seborrheic keratosis, post-inflammatory darkening from acne or eczema, and, rarely, irregular pigmented lesions that require evaluation for melanoma.
Melasma Treatment Options
You don’t have to live with melasma. Oral and topical prescriptions, pigment-reducing chemical peels, and select over-the-counter products can be used alone or together to suppress melanin and fade dark patches. Tri-Luma® cream, a triple-combination prescription, can lighten moderate to severe melasma quickly. Your provider may also recommend hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, or tranexamic acid.
Advanced and In-Office Treatments
For melasma that does not respond fully to creams, our team may recommend in-office procedures. Superficial chemical peels can help remove pigmented cells, while carefully selected energy-based treatments may help some patients. Because heat and inflammation can worsen melasma, treatments such as an IPL photofacial or laser resurfacing must be chosen and performed cautiously, and they are not right for every patient. Your provider will tailor your plan to your skin type and pigment depth.
Keeping Melasma Under Control
Melasma tends to return, so long-term maintenance is essential. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, ideally a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxides that also blocks visible light, is the foundation of every treatment plan. Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors, avoid peak sun, and continue maintenance products as recommended. Our office carries custom-formulated sunscreens ideal for melasma-prone skin.
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Melasma FAQs
What causes melasma?
Melasma is caused by excess melanin production, triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or birth control, genetics, and heat.
Is melasma permanent?
Melasma can fade on its own, particularly after pregnancy, but it often persists without treatment. Even after successful treatment, it can return, so ongoing sun protection and maintenance are important.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Most patients respond best to a combination of prescription lightening creams, such as Tri-Luma, daily sun protection, and in some cases chemical peels.
Can lasers treat melasma?
Some energy-based treatments can help, but heat can also worsen melasma. These treatments must be chosen carefully, and your provider will advise whether they are appropriate for you.
Does sunscreen help melasma?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Tinted mineral sunscreens that contain iron oxides also protect against visible light, which can worsen melasma.
Is melasma the same as sun spots?
No. Sun spots are small, distinct brown spots caused by UV damage, while melasma usually appears as larger, symmetrical patches influenced by hormones and light.
Can men get melasma?
Yes. While melasma is much more common in women, men can develop it too, and treatment options are the same.
Restore a More Even Complexion
Stubborn dark patches can improve with the right plan. Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online to discuss melasma treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA .
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