Key Takeaways
What you need to know
- Melasma is triggered by hormones, heat and visible light as well as UV.
- Gentle, low-heat treatments work better than aggressive lasers.
- Daily tinted mineral sunscreen is the single most important habit.
- Expect a maintenance plan rather than a one-time cure.
Melasma shows up as brownish-gray patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jawline. It is one of the most common reasons people contact our clinic, and one of the most frustrating, because many people have already tried creams, peels or even lasers that made it worse.
Why melasma is different from sun spots
Sun spots come from UV damage in one spot. Melasma is a pigment-cell overreaction driven by several triggers at once: hormones (pregnancy, birth control, hormone therapy), UV, visible light from the sun, and heat. Even a hot yoga class or a summer afternoon in the car can darken it. That is why treatments that work well for sun spots can backfire on melasma.
Treatments that help
- PICO laser toning. Very short pulses break up pigment with minimal heat, so the skin is less likely to rebound. Treatments are done in a series a few weeks apart.
- Medical-grade peels. Controlled peels designed for pigment can lift surface melanin when matched to your skin type.
- Prescription skincare. Pigment-regulating ingredients used at home between visits are often what makes results last.
- Oral or topical tranexamic acid. In appropriate patients, a clinician may recommend it as part of the plan.
Want refreshed, younger-looking skin?
From HydraFacials to laser resurfacing — our team will create a custom skin plan just for you.
What to avoid
High-heat treatments, aggressive resurfacing and harsh scrubs can trigger inflammation and darker pigment, especially in medium and olive skin tones. Skipping sunscreen for even a few days in summer can undo weeks of progress.
The habit that matters most
Use a tinted mineral sunscreen every day. The iron oxides in tinted formulas block visible light, which plain sunscreen does not. Reapply when outdoors, and add a wide-brim hat in Utah's high-altitude sun.
What results look like
Most patients see noticeable lightening over a series of treatments, with the best results when in-office treatment and home care are combined. Because melasma can return with sun, heat or hormone changes, we build a simple maintenance plan into every treatment plan.
Part of our Pigmentation & Skin Clarity guide. For the complete picture, including treatment options, costs and FAQs, read Pigmentation & Skin Clarity: The Complete Utah County Guide.
The Bottom Line
Melasma is stubborn, but it is treatable. Here's how we approach it, which lasers are safe, and the daily habits that keep it from coming back.
Dr. Steven Cherrington, DO
Dr. Steven Cherrington is a Board-Certified Osteopathic Physician and Medical Director at Renova Wellness. With over 15 years of experience in regenerative and aesthetic medicine, Dr. Cherrington specializes in helping patients achieve natural, lasting results through evidence-based treatments.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
