There are many causes of unwanted skin pigmentation. One of the most well-known pigmentation concerns is melasma, a condition in which patients develop patchy areas of darkness on the face and sometimes on nearby areas of the body. Melasma is best treated with a medical approach under the guidance of a specialist dermatologist.
There are many causes of unwanted skin pigmentation. One of the most common pigmentation concerns is melasma, a condition where patients develop patchy areas of darker skin on the face and sometimes on nearby areas of the body. Melasma is best managed with a medical approach under the guidance of a specialist dermatologist.
Melasma usually appears as brown patches on areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. It most often arises on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip and chin, but it can also affect the arms and back. Women are more likely to develop melasma than men, and people who tan easily or naturally have a darker skin tone are also more prone to it.
Although melasma does not affect physical health, it can be a source of embarrassment or anxiety about appearance. For those seeking treatment for melasma in Melbourne, specialist dermatologist-led care provides the safest and most effective results.
Melasma is categorised into three primary types
A dermatologist may use a specialised light called a Wood’s lamp to determine the location of the pigment and the type of melasma.
Melasma is a challenging condition to treat. The optimal treatment approach will depend on the type of melasma you have and your skin type. Often, a combination of treatments are required, rotating through topical/injection/oral medications, chemical peels and laser treatment.
Melasma and other pigmentation concerns are often linked to chronic sun exposure. In Australia, where UV levels are among the highest in the world, sun damage doesn’t just cause uneven pigmentation, it also increases the risk of skin cancer.
That’s why our dermatologists take a comprehensive approach: addressing pigmentation with evidence-based treatments, while also supporting your long-term skin health. As part of your care, we recommend regular dermatologist-led skin checks , ideally once a year, to detect and manage early signs of sun damage and skin cancer.
The cause of melasma is unknown, but several contributing factors have been identified. The darkening of the skin is due to overproduction of pigment (melanin) by pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). This can be a result of a genetic predisposition and/or a trigger, such as:
A dermatologist diagnoses melasma after examining the colour and pattern of the pigmentation. In some cases, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possible causes of increased pigmentation. Pigmentation that involves a more extensive area of the body may require additional assessment, as it can be an indication of another pigmentary disorder or an underlying medical condition.
Melasma is a recurrent condition that requires ongoing maintenance therapy. To manage the condition at home, the dermatologists who consult at Northside Dermatology recommend:
Melasma may fade on its own. This is most likely to happen when a trigger causing the melasma, such as a pregnancy or oral contraceptive, is no longer present. In other cases, melasma can last a lifetime. If treatment is undertaken, melasma is generally slow to respond and the results are often limited to partial improvements. Epidermal melasma has a better prognosis than dermal or mixed melasma. All types can return and require continuing treatment to be managed successfully.
Though it can be stubborn, many people with melasma have a good outcome under a dermatologist’s care. Call Northside Dermatology on 03 8582 8688 to book a consultation.
Melasma is a challenging condition to treat. The optimal treatment approach will depend on the type of melasma you have and your skin type. Often, a combination of treatments are required, rotating through topical/injection/oral medications, chemical peels and laser treatment.
Topical treatments for melasma include:
Other treatments for melasma include:
Melasma is a chronic condition. While treatment can significantly reduce pigmentation, it often recurs. Ongoing management with sun protection and dermatologist-led care is usually required.
Yes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, use of the oral contraceptive pill, or hormone therapy can trigger or worsen melasma. This is why it is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.”
Melasma causes patterned brown or grey-brown patches on sun-exposed skin, most commonly the face. Other pigmentation, such as freckles, age spots or post-inflammatory pigmentation, has different causes and treatment approaches.
Lasers can be used in selected cases, but they must be applied with caution. At low energy settings and under specialist supervision, they may assist in treatment, but they are not first-line therapy.
It is important to avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning, harsh skin products and unsupervised use of bleaching creams. These can all worsen pigmentation.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) is essential. Sunscreen helps prevent melasma from worsening and reduces the risk of recurrence after treatment.
Visible improvement usually takes several weeks to months, depending on the treatment plan and how strictly sun protection measures are followed.
Melasma most often affects women, people with darker skin types, those with a family history of pigmentation disorders, and anyone with high sun exposure.
Take control of unwanted pigmentation with a personalised melasma treatment program designed by our dermatologists. Whether you’re experiencing patchy pigmentation, sun-induced darkening, or recurrent flare-ups, we combine evidence-based medical therapies with carefully selected technologies, such as prescription creams, oral medications, and dermatologist-supervised laser treatments, to help you achieve a clearer, more even skin tone.
Partner with a dermatologist who understands your skin at every stage. From prevention to advanced treatments, we’ll create a tailored plan that keeps your skin healthy, confident and cared for — now and in the years ahead.
Northside Dermatology operates in state-of-the-art facilities in Fitzroy North and Reservoir. All treatments are performed by trained doctors or specialist dermatologists, ensuring your skin is in the safest hands.
