Melasma

Melasma Treatment

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes patches of darker pigmentation, most often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. It's driven by a mix of hormones, sun exposure, and genetics  which is why surface-level treatments alone rarely keep it away for good.

At IV League, we approach melasma as a step-by-step process, not a one-time fix. The goal isn't just to fade what you can see  it's to calm the pigment-producing cells underneath so the discolouration doesn't keep coming back.

Our Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Hydroquinone

We start with a prescription-grade hydroquinone protocol to lift existing pigment and quiet down overactive melanocytes (the cells producing the excess colour). This is the foundation of the treatment  your skin needs to be prepped and the pigment needs to be inhibited before we move on to anything more aggressive.

Benefits of pairing hydroquinone with a naturopath

Because melasma is so often tied to hormones, gut health, stress, and inflammation, we work in conjunction with a naturopath to address what's happening internally and to begin the hydroquinone topically. This combined approach lets us:

• Identify and support the hormonal or inflammatory triggers behind your melasma
• Optimize liver and gut function, which play a key role in hormone metabolism and skin pigmentation
• Build a personalized supplement and lifestyle plan to reduce flare ups
• Get longer-lasting results than topical treatment alone can deliver

Treating melasma from the inside and the outside at the same time means we're not just chasing pigment - we're tackling the reason it's showing up in the first place.

Step 2: Laser

Once the hydroquinone has done its job preparing the skin and inhibiting active pigment, we move on to laser treatment. Layering laser after the hydroquinone step ensures that all of the pigment is properly inhibited, so we can target what remains safely and effectively without triggering rebound pigmentation.

This sequencing is what makes the difference. Lasering melasma too early - before the pigment is calmed - is one of the most common reasons treatments fail or come back worse. By following the steps in order, we set your skin up for the cleanest, most lasting result possible.

Ready to Start?

Book a consultation with our team and we'll build a melasma plan tailored to your skin, your history, and your goals.