Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark, patchy pigmentation, typically on the face. It often appears on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose, and can range from light brown to dark brown in color. While melasma is harmless, it can affect confidence and is often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, or certain medications. Managing melasma can be challenging because it tends to recur, but with a personalized treatment plan, significant improvement is possible. Treatments may include topical therapies, professional skin treatments, and sun protection strategies. Early intervention and ongoing care are key to achieving a more even, radiant complexion and maintaining long-term results.

Who is an ideal candidate?

Anyone struggling with uneven pigmentation or dark patches caused by melasma may benefit from treatment. The best candidates are those seeking to improve skin tone and clarity, committed to following a personalized treatment plan, and willing to practice proper sun protection to maintain results. While melasma can affect anyone, treatments are especially effective for individuals with mild to moderate discoloration who are looking for noticeable, lasting improvement without aggressive interventions.

Preparing for your melasma treatment is simple but important for the best results. Avoid excessive sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your appointment. You may be advised to discontinue use of certain exfoliants or other intensive skin treatments. During your consultation, we’ll review your skin history and guide you on any additional steps to ensure your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored just for you.

Is there any downtime?

Most melasma treatments require little to no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities quickly. Some clients may experience mild redness or sensitivity for a short period, but these effects are typically temporary. We’ll provide personalized guidance on aftercare to ensure your skin heals smoothly and your results last.

Melasma treatments are generally gentle and well-tolerated. You may feel a mild warming or tingling sensation during certain procedures, but most patients describe the experience as comfortable. Any temporary sensitivity afterward is usually minimal and short-lived, making it easy to fit treatment into your regular routine.

How long does a treatment take?

Most melasma treatments are quick and convenient, typically lasting between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type and extent of the pigmentation. This means you can easily schedule a session without disrupting your day. During this time, we focus on targeting the affected areas while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

When will I notice results?

Results from melasma treatment vary depending on your skin type and the approach used, but many clients begin to see improvements within a few weeks. Pigmentation gradually fades over multiple sessions, with continued improvement as your personalized plan progresses. Consistent care and sun protection are key to achieving the best, long-lasting results.

Melasma

Understanding & Treating Melasma

Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes brown, grey-brown or darker patches to develop on the skin, most often on the face. It commonly appears on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin and may be influenced by sun exposure, hormones, genetics and heat. Because melasma can have multiple triggers, effective melasma treatment often requires a personalized approach.

Unlike some forms of sun-induced pigmentation, melasma can be persistent and may return after it improves. Melasma treatment therefore focuses not only on reducing visible pigmentation, but also on identifying triggers, protecting the skin and developing a long-term management plan.

At Ottawa Derm & Surgery Centre, melasma treatment is personalized based on your skin type, pigmentation and individual concerns. Depending on your skin, a treatment plan may incorporate medical-grade skincare, sun protection and carefully selected laser or energy-based treatments.

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Understand Your Melasma

Melasma is not the same as sun spots or other forms of hyperpigmentation. Hormonal changes, UV exposure, visible light, heat and genetics may all play a role, and triggers can vary from person to person. Understanding your pigmentation and potential triggers helps guide an appropriate treatment plan.

Personalized Treatments

There is no single treatment that is right for every case of melasma. Depending on your skin type and pigmentation, treatment may include medical-grade skincare and carefully selected in-clinic treatments such as PicoWay®. A combination approach may be recommended to gradually improve visible pigmentation while minimizing the risk of aggravating melasma.

Long-Term Management

Melasma is often a chronic, recurring condition. Daily sun protection, appropriate skincare and ongoing maintenance can be just as important as corrective treatment. A long-term approach can help manage pigmentation and maintain improvements over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes melasma?

Melasma develops when pigment-producing cells in the skin produce excess melanin. Its exact cause can be complex, and several factors may contribute, including genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes and heat.

Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, birth control or other hormonal influences can contribute to melasma in some people, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Sun exposure is another major trigger. Ultraviolet and visible light can stimulate pigment production, which may cause melasma to develop, darken or return after it has improved.

What is the best treatment for melasma?

There is no single best melasma treatment for everyone. The most appropriate approach depends on your skin type, the severity and pattern of pigmentation, potential triggers and how your skin has responded to previous treatments.

Melasma treatment often involves a combination of daily sun protection, targeted skincare and carefully selected in-clinic treatments. Depending on the individual, options at ODC may include medical-grade skincare, and treatments such as PicoWay®.

Because melasma can be aggravated by inappropriate or overly aggressive treatment, a gradual and individualized approach is important.

Can you permanently get rid of melasma?

Melasma can often be significantly improved, but it is generally considered a chronic condition rather than something that can always be permanently cured. Pigmentation may return after successful treatment, particularly following sun exposure, heat or hormonal changes.

For this reason, managing melasma usually involves both corrective treatment and ongoing prevention. Daily sun protection, targeted skincare and maintenance treatments may help keep pigmentation under control and reduce recurrence.

What is the difference between melasma, hyperpigmentation and sun spots?

Hyperpigmentation is a broad term for areas of skin that become darker because of increased melanin. Melasma and sun spots are both types of hyperpigmentation, but they develop differently.

Sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, are primarily associated with cumulative UV exposure and usually appear as individual, well-defined brown spots.

Melasma more often appears as patches of brown or grey-brown pigmentation, commonly across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Hormones, genetics, sun exposure and heat may all contribute.

The distinction is important because treatments commonly used for sun spots may not always be appropriate for melasma.

Is laser treatment safe for melasma?

Certain laser treatments may help improve melasma when they are selected carefully for the individual patient. However, melasma requires a more cautious approach than many other types of pigmentation because heat and inflammation can potentially stimulate pigment production and make the condition worse.

At ODC, technologies such as PicoWay® may be considered for appropriate patients as part of a broader melasma treatment plan. The choice of treatment depends on factors including skin type, pigmentation and previous treatment history.

Laser treatment should not be considered a stand-alone cure for melasma. Sun protection, skincare and long-term management remain important even when laser treatments are used.

Is MOXI® good for melasma?

MOXI® is a non-ablative fractional laser that may be used to improve melasma, uneven pigmentation and overall skin tone in appropriately selected patients.

Because melasma can respond unpredictably to heat and inflammation, treatment settings and patient selection are important. MOXI® may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan that includes sun protection and pigment-targeting skincare rather than being used as a stand-alone solution.

The best approach will depend on your skin type, the extent of your melasma and your individual triggers.

Can PicoWay® treat melasma?

PicoWay® may be used to treat melasma and other pigment concerns using very short pulses of laser energy to target pigment in the skin.

At ODC, PicoWay® is one of the treatment options that may be considered as part of an individualized melasma treatment plan. A series of treatments may be recommended depending on the area being treated, your skin and how the pigmentation responds.

Because melasma has a tendency to recur, treatment is typically combined with appropriate sun protection and skincare to help manage pigmentation over the longer term.

What skincare ingredients and products are best for melasma?

Medical-grade skincare can play an important role in managing melasma by helping to reduce the appearance of existing pigmentation and support long-term maintenance. Ingredients commonly used to target melasma and uneven pigmentation include vitamin C, hydroquinone, arbutin, retinol and other pigment-correcting ingredients.

Depending on your skin and treatment plan, products such as Vivier Serum 30, with 30% vitamin C; Vivier Radiance Serum, which combines vitamin C, arbutin and resorcinol; or Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum, which contains 2% hydroquinone and vitamin C, may be recommended. Hydroquinone-free options such as SkinMedica® Lytera® 2.0and ZO® Brightalive® Skin Brightener can also help target the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

The right products will depend on your skin type, the severity of your melasma and whether the goal is active pigment correction or long-term maintenance. Some ingredients, including hydroquinone and retinol, may not be appropriate for everyone and should be used as directed.

Because melasma is prone to recurrence, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is an essential part of any melasma skincare routine. UV exposure can stimulate pigment production and cause melasma to darken or return, making consistent sun protection important for both prevention and long-term maintenance. At ODC, we offer medical-grade sunscreens at cost to help make daily sun protection more accessible.

Does melasma get worse in the summer?

Melasma can become darker or more noticeable during the summer because increased exposure to sunlight can stimulate melanin production. Heat may also contribute to melasma in some individuals.

Consistent sun protection is therefore important throughout the year and especially during periods of increased sun exposure. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, seeking shade and using physical prot

Ready to Discuss Your Melasma?

Melasma can be complex, and the right treatment depends on your skin, pigmentation and individual triggers. Our team can assess your concerns and develop a personalized approach to help improve visible pigmentation and support long-term management.

Book a consultation at your preferred ODC location.