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MELASMA TREATMENTS
HOW IS MELASMA TREATED?
Because melasma is a recurring condition, treatment focuses on gently regulating pigment production while reducing the factors that trigger it. Light exposure, heat, hormonal shifts, and inflammation can all stimulate pigment-producing cells, which is why treatment works to stabilise these pathways.
Once pigment activity is better controlled, the focus shifts to gradually reducing visible discolouration and maintaining skin clarity. This typically involves a considered combination of prescription care, carefully staged clinical therapies, and consistent daily sun protection.
At Victorian Dermal Group, melasma treatment is always tailored and introduced progressively, prioritising skin stability to reduce the risk of rebound pigmentation.
Products & services
- Consultation
- Referral support
- LED therapy
- Laser treatments
- Chemical peels
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
In many cases, medical management forms the foundation of melasma treatment, particularly when hormonal influences or deeper pigmentation are involved. Prescription therapies may be used to suppress overactive melanocytes and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
TOPICAL TREATMENTS
Prescription topical treatments are specialised creams or serums designed to gradually lighten visible discolouration and support long-term pigment control.
Depending on your presentation, options may include:
- Hydroquinone-based formulations
- Azelaic acid
- Retinoids
- Compounded pigment-regulating creams
These treatments work by interrupting melanin synthesis and encouraging controlled skin renewal. Because melasma-affected skin can be reactive, they are introduced progressively and monitored closely to minimise irritation and reduce the risk of rebound darkening.
ORAL MEDICATIONS
In selected cases, oral medication may be considered as part of a comprehensive melasma treatment plan, particularly when pigmentation is persistent or influenced by hormonal and vascular factors.
Low-dose oral tranexamic acid may be prescribed under medical supervision. It works by moderating vascular and inflammatory signals that can stimulate melanocyte activity and contribute to ongoing discolouration.
A GP or dermatologist will assess whether oral treatment is appropriate and guide how it integrates within your broader management plan.
CLINICAL MELASMA TREATMENTS
Once melanin activity is more settled, clinical melasma treatments can be introduced to gradually reduce visible discolouration and refine overall skin tone.
Many in-clinic therapies use carefully controlled light, heat, or exfoliation to target excess pigment within the skin. While these same factors can trigger melasma in everyday settings, the difference lies in precision. When delivered at appropriate settings and introduced progressively, they can help regulate excess melanin without overstimulating the skin.
SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR MELASMA-PRONE SKIN
Consistent skincare is an important part of managing melasma and maintaining results from treatment.
Because melasma-prone skin is sensitive to light and inflammation, a personalised routine typically includes broad-spectrum SPF, antioxidant support, and pigment-regulating ingredients to help maintain clearer, more even-looking skin.
YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here, our dermal clinicians have answered some of your most commonly asked questions about professional melasma treatment and care. For personalised guidance, you’re always welcome to contact the clinic.
A pico laser (short for picosecond laser) delivers ultra-short pulses of energy into the skin. These pulses are measured in trillionths of a second, allowing the laser to target pigment with high precision and minimal heat spread to surrounding tissue. It can reach different layers depending on the depth of the pigment.
Pico laser works by fragmenting excess melanin into very small particles, which the body gradually clears through natural processes.
Because melasma-prone skin can be reactive to heat and inflammation, treatment is delivered at carefully calibrated, conservative settings and introduced progressively as part of a broader management plan.
Melasma that develops during pregnancy is driven by hormonal changes and increased pigment sensitivity.
During pregnancy, treatment options are intentionally conservative. The focus is on strict sun protection, gentle skincare, and pregnancy-safe topical ingredients such as azelaic acid, where appropriate. Most prescription medications, oral treatments, and energy-based procedures are postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In many cases, melasma may soften once hormone levels stabilise. If pigmentation persists, a more comprehensive treatment plan can be considered post-pregnancy.
Azelaic acid is commonly used in melasma care and is available in both high-quality over-the-counter products and stronger prescription formulations.
Professional azelaic acid products, such as Dermaceutic’s Dual+ serum, combine azelaic acid with niacinamide and other supportive ingredients to help calm inflammation, regulate pigment activity, and improve overall skin tone when used consistently.
Prescription-strength azelaic acid contains a higher concentration and may be recommended when pigmentation is more pronounced or has not responded to gentler care.
There isn’t one single “best” serum for melasma, as the right choice depends on pigment depth, skin sensitivity, and how reactive your skin is. Most melasma routines combine antioxidant protection, pigment-regulating ingredients, and daily sun defence.
For example:
- Vitamin C serums such as Synergie Effa C or Dermaceutic TriVita C30 help support antioxidant protection and brighten uneven tone.
- Retinoids, including Dermaceutic Activ Retinol or Mela Cream (depending on tolerance), encourage controlled renewal and pigment regulation.
- Gentler AHAs, such as Dermaceutic Turn Over or Light Ceutic, may be introduced at night to support gradual exfoliation when appropriate.
- Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable in melasma treatment. Mineral formulations such as Synergie UberZinc or high-protection options like Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control are commonly recommended to help shield the skin from both UV and visible light.
The most important factor is consistency and selecting products that complement any prescription or in-clinic treatment you may be undergoing. A personalised plan helps ensure your skincare supports stability rather than overstimulating the skin.
The best treatment for melasma depends on several factors, particularly the type of melasma (epidermal, dermal, or mixed), how deeply the pigment sits within the skin, and the area being treated.
For more superficial (epidermal) melasma, topical prescription therapy and selected peels may be sufficient. Deeper or mixed melasma often requires a more layered approach, combining medical management with carefully calibrated laser treatments introduced gradually.
The treatment area also matters. For example, melasma around the lips is often more delicate and reactive, so therapy is typically introduced more conservatively than on the cheeks or forehead.
Because melasma behaves differently from other forms of hyperpigmentation, treatment planning focuses not only on lightening visible discolouration, but also on stabilising the pathways that cause it to return. A personalised assessment helps determine which combination of approaches is most appropriate for your skin.
Sun protection is one of the most important parts of managing melasma. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation is well known to trigger pigmentation, research now shows that visible light can also activate pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and contribute to persistent darkening in melasma-prone skin.
Mineral sunscreens, like Synergie Skin’s UberZinc, containing zinc oxide, provide broad protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. When combined with iron oxides, which are commonly found in tinted formulations, they can also help reduce the effects of visible light on the skin.
Because melasma can react to multiple wavelengths of light, we often recommend tinted mineral sunscreens as part of long-term melasma management, helping reduce pigment activation and support more stable results.