Melasma: Understanding Its Causes, Triggers, and Proven Treatment Options

Melasma is a stubborn and often frustrating skin condition marked by patchy hyperpigmentation, typically appearing on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. It’s more common in women, especially those with deeper skin tones, and is often triggered by sun exposure, heat, hormonal changes, and inflammation.

If you’ve dealt with melasma, you know it doesn’t respond well to any brightening product. Some ingredients and treatments can make it worse. That’s why we take a pigment-safe, inflammation-reducing approach when recommending products to our clients.

Melasma Causes and Triggers

While the exact cause of melasma isn’t fully understood, several key factors are known to contribute to its development. These include a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental triggers like UV exposure and heat. 

Common melasma triggers include:

• Sun Exposure: Use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide daily to shield your skin.
• Heat: Avoid heat-based treatments, chemical sunscreens, and harsh exfoliants.
• Hormonal Changes: Use pigment-safe topicals that target discoloration without irritation.
• Skin Inflammation: Over-exfoliating or using harsh products can inflame the skin and cause flare-ups.

Understanding these causes and triggers is crucial to creating an effective, pigment-safe treatment plan that minimizes irritation and supports healthy skin healing.

How To Treat Melasma The Right Way

Melasma is chronic, but with the right regimen, you can significantly reduce its appearance and prevent flare-ups. We recommend a three-step approach - protect, calm, and correct. 

Protect, Calm, and Correct.

• Protect: Use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide daily to shield your skin.
• Calm: Avoid heat-based treatments, chemical sunscreens, and harsh exfoliants.
• Correct: Use pigment-safe topicals that target discoloration without irritation.

Our Top Pigment-Safe Topicals 

These products help fade discoloration, improve skin tone, and protect against future flare-ups:

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF This award-winning antioxidant serum is a staple in our melasma protocols. It combines phloretin, vitamin C, and ferulic acid to help brighten skin, neutralize free radicals, and prevent oxidative stress that can trigger pigmentation.   Why we love it: Contains 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) for safe brightening Fights sun-induced pigmentation without irritating the skin Lightweight and ideal for oily or combination skin types   Think of it as your morning defense shield against environmental triggers.
Skinbetter Even Tone Correcting Serum This serum was formulated with melanin suppression in mind. It’s non-hydroquinone, non-retinol, and non-acid based, which makes it safe for long-term use—even on sensitive or melasma-prone skin.   Why we love it: Visibly brightens the skin and evens out tone over time Reduces the appearance of brown patches without causing inflammation Perfect for those who've experienced flare-ups from harsher treatments   Even Tone is a go-to for clients seeking a gentle yet powerful pigment-corrector.
Epicutis Arctigenin Brightening Treatment Melasma doesn’t just need pigment suppression—it also needs inflammation management. The Arctigenin Brightening Treatment does both. It’s powered by Arctigenin, a botanical compound known for its anti-inflammatory, skin-calming, and brightening properties.   Why we love it: Targets hyperpigmentation while actively calming the skin Support the skin barrier and reduce oxidative stress Pairs with professional treatments or post-procedure care   It’s one of the cleanest formulas that delivers clinical results without risking irritation.

Need a Custom Melasma Protocol?

Contact us or Book a consultation — we’d love to guide you through what’s best for your skin.