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.
Melasma Isn’t Like Other Pigmentation — and Order Matters
Melasma behaves differently from sunspots or post-acne marks. It’s hormonally driven, sensitive to heat as well as sun, and prone to coming back — so treating it like ordinary pigmentation is exactly how it goes wrong. Jumping straight to laser is one of the most common reasons melasma fails or rebounds worse, because heat and aggression can stimulate the very cells you’re trying to calm. That’s why our approach follows a deliberate order: calm and inhibit the pigment first, then treat what remains. The realistic goal with melasma is control and fading, managed over time — not a one-and-done cure. Not sure whether your pigmentation is melasma or something else? See our overview of hyperpigmentation types →
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is a chronic condition, so it’s best thought of as something we manage and fade rather than permanently cure. With the right sequenced approach and ongoing maintenance, it can be significantly improved and kept under control — but because the triggers (hormones, sun, heat) don’t disappear, maintenance is part of keeping results.
Why can’t I just get laser for it?
Because melasma is heat- and hormone-sensitive, laser done too early — before the pigment is calmed — can trigger rebound pigmentation and make it worse. That’s why we inhibit and settle the pigment first, then use laser to treat what remains. The order is what protects your result.
Why do you involve a naturopath?
Melasma is often tied to hormones, gut health, stress, and inflammation. Working alongside a naturopath lets us address those internal drivers — not just the pigment on the surface — which tends to give longer-lasting results than topical treatment alone.
What triggers melasma flare-ups?
The most common triggers are sun exposure, heat, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy or hormonal medications, along with inflammation. Managing these — especially sun and heat — is a big part of keeping melasma calm between treatments.
How important is sunscreen for melasma?
Extremely. UV and even visible light and heat are major drivers of melasma, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen — reapplied through the day, and often a tinted or mineral formula — is one of the most important parts of both treating it and preventing it from returning.
Is treatment safe for deeper skin tones?
Melasma is common in medium and deeper skin tones, and those skin types need a careful, conservative approach because aggressive treatment can worsen pigmentation. Our sequenced, pigment-first method is designed with exactly this in mind, and your plan is tailored to your skin at your consultation.
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.
Book your melasma consultation today.
Disclaimer
Individual results may vary. A consultation is required to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.