Melasma is one of the most challenging pigmentation conditions to manage, and it is also one of the most common reasons people visit a skin clinic in Ahmedabad. It shows up as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the face, most often on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper lip. While completely harmless, melasma can be deeply distressing because it affects such a visible part of the body and tends to recur even after treatment.
What Causes Melasma
Melasma results from an overstimulation of melanocytes - the cells that produce skin pigment. The exact triggers are not fully understood, but three key factors consistently play a role: sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics.
UV radiation is the primary trigger and the main reason melasma worsens in summer. Even brief exposure to sunlight can darken existing patches and trigger new ones. This is why sun protection is not optional in melasma management - it is the foundation of any effective treatment plan.
Hormonal fluctuations are the second major driver. Melasma is sometimes called the "pregnancy mask" (or chloasma) because it commonly appears during pregnancy when oestrogen and progesterone levels rise significantly. It is also frequently seen in women taking oral contraceptive pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Thyroid dysfunction has also been associated with melasma in some cases.
Signs and Symptoms
Melasma presents as flat, irregular patches of brown or greyish-brown pigmentation, always on sun-exposed areas of the face. The patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the face. The forehead, upper cheeks, bridge of the nose, and upper lip are the most common locations. Unlike freckles, melasma patches are larger and more diffuse.
Wood's lamp examination and dermoscopy help determine whether the pigment sits in the superficial (epidermal) or deeper (dermal) skin layer, which significantly influences which treatments are appropriate. Deeper, dermal melasma is considerably harder to treat and more prone to relapse.
Our Approach at Lavish Aesthetique Clinic
As the best skin clinic in Satellite, our doctors approach melasma with a combination of patience, precision, and realistic goal-setting. Melasma is a chronic condition that can be managed very effectively but rarely disappears permanently without ongoing sun care. We are transparent about this from the outset.
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your pigmentation type and depth. We then build a layered plan that typically combines prescription-grade brightening agents applied at home, in-clinic chemical peels to resurface the skin and reduce surface pigment, and laser toning where appropriate. Not all lasers are suitable for melasma, and some can worsen it if used incorrectly - which is why doctor-led care at our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad is so important. Sun protection, often including physical blockers and a tinted SPF, is prescribed alongside every treatment.
Related Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can melasma be permanently cured? A: Melasma can be brought under very good control with the right treatment, but it is a chronic condition with a tendency to recur, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes. Most patients achieve significant lightening and maintain clear skin long-term with consistent sun protection and occasional maintenance treatments.
Q: Is laser treatment safe for melasma? A: Laser treatment can be effective for melasma but must be chosen and calibrated carefully. Certain laser types and energies can trigger a rebound flare called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which makes the condition worse. Our doctors at Lavish Aesthetique Clinic use laser toning protocols specifically suited to melasma on Indian skin.
Q: Will melasma come back after treatment? A: Melasma is known for its tendency to return, particularly with sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as a new pregnancy or a change in contraception), or stress. Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent relapse and protect your treatment results.
To find out which treatment is right for you, book a consultation at our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad.