Melasma and Hormonal Pigmentation

Understanding melasma and how it can be managed

Melasma usually appears as flat, brown or grey-brown patches across the face, commonly affecting the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin.

Unlike an isolated age spot or a mark left by acne, melasma is influenced by pigment activity within the skin. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, sunlight, visible light and heat may all affect how noticeable it becomes.

At The Chelmsford Skin Clinic, we focus on consistent skincare, daily protection and carefully selected professional treatments. Our principal treatment options are the AlumierMD Radiant TXA chemical peel and Dermapen 4 with a Meso-Glide containing tranexamic acid.

  • Free skin consultation

  • AlumierMD professional skincare

  • Radiant TXA chemical peels

  • Dermapen with tranexamic-acid Meso-Glide

  • Sun and visible-light protection guidance

  • Ongoing support for pigment management

Book Your Free Skin Consultation

How Melasma Appears

Melasma creates areas of pigmentation that are darker than the surrounding skin but remain flat and smooth.

It commonly develops:

  • Across both cheeks

  • On the forehead

  • Above the upper lip

  • Along the nose

  • Across the chin or jawline

The patches are often symmetrical and may become more noticeable at particular times of the year.

Melasma can affect every skin tone but is particularly common in medium and deeper complexions, where the skin naturally has a more active pigment response.

What Influences Melasma?

There is rarely one single cause. Melasma may be influenced by a combination of:

  • Pregnancy

  • Hormonal contraception

  • Hormonal medication

  • Other hormonal changes

  • Sun and ultraviolet exposure

  • Visible light

  • Heat

  • Genetics and family history

  • Skin irritation or inflammation

Some people first notice melasma during pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy”. For others, it appears without one clear trigger.

These influences help explain why melasma can improve and later become more visible again.

Melasma or Another Type of Pigmentation?

Melasma can look similar to sun damage, age spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation, but these concerns develop differently.

Melasma usually appears as broader, symmetrical patches and is commonly influenced by hormones and light.

Sun damage and age spots tend to form as more isolated areas on frequently exposed skin.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation develops after acne, irritation, injury or another inflammatory skin concern.

The distinction matters because an individual age spot may suit a targeted treatment, while melasma requires a wider approach involving skincare, daily protection and controlled professional treatment.

Visit our Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone page to explore other common forms of pigmentation.

Managing Melasma

Melasma is best approached as an ongoing pigment concern rather than something treated through one appointment.

A considered approach usually involves:

  1. Identifying influences that make the pigmentation more noticeable

  2. Establishing consistent skincare and daily protection

  3. Introducing professional treatments gradually

  4. Maintaining the skin after visible improvement

Treating the skin too aggressively can create inflammation and aggravate pigmentation. The aim is to achieve controlled improvement while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Daily Sun and Light Protection

Daily protection is central to managing melasma.

Ultraviolet and visible light can deepen existing patches and stimulate pigmentation to become more noticeable again.

Helpful measures include:

  • Applying broad-spectrum SPF every day

  • Choosing high UVA protection

  • Reapplying sunscreen when outdoors

  • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat in stronger sunlight

  • Avoiding intentional tanning and sunbeds

  • Seeking shade during periods of intense sun

Tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may provide additional protection against visible light.

Sun protection is not simply an aftercare instruction—it works alongside every other part of melasma treatment.

Professional Skincare

The products used between appointments can support gradual improvement and help maintain the progress achieved through professional treatment.

We can review your existing routine and advise on:

  • Gentle cleansing

  • Supporting the skin barrier

  • Brightening ingredients

  • Antioxidant support

  • Controlled skin renewal

  • Daily sun and visible-light protection

  • Avoiding combinations that unnecessarily irritate the skin

Where appropriate, we can provide access to AlumierMD professional skincare.

There is no expectation that every product must be replaced. Recommendations are based on what your skin needs and what can be used consistently.

Explore AlumierMD Professional Skincare

AlumierMD Radiant TXA Chemical Peel

Radiant TXA is an AlumierMD professional peel developed for discolouration and uneven skin tone.

Its key pigment-focused ingredient is tranexamic acid, commonly shortened to TXA. Tranexamic acid helps reduce signalling involved in excess pigment production.

The peel also contains lactic acid and white shiitake mushroom to support controlled surface renewal, brightness and a more even-looking complexion.

Radiant TXA may help improve:

  • Melasma-related discolouration

  • Uneven pigmentation

  • Dullness

  • Overall clarity and brightness

  • Surface texture

A course may be recommended to develop improvement progressively, supported by appropriate preparation, aftercare and daily SPF.

Explore AlumierMD Chemical Peels

Dermapen 4 with Tranexamic-Acid Meso-Glide

Dermapen 4 may be considered when melasma appears alongside uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines or post-acne scarring.

The treatment creates controlled microchannels within the skin and is performed using a professional Meso-Glide containing tranexamic acid.

Tranexamic acid provides the pigment-focused active ingredient, helping to reduce processes associated with excess melanin production. The controlled microchannels created by Dermapen support delivery of the professional formulation while the microneedling treatment also encourages skin renewal and collagen production.

Treatment depth and technique are adjusted according to the skin, the distribution of the pigmentation and any additional concerns being addressed.

All Dermapen treatments are performed by Chloe, an advanced skin practitioner with more than ten years of clinical experience. Her results have been recognised by DermapenWorld and used within international practitioner training.

Explore Dermapen with Meso-Glide

Which Treatment May Be More Relevant?

Radiant TXA Chemical Peel

May be considered where melasma and uneven discolouration are the principal concerns.

Dermapen with Tranexamic-Acid Meso-Glide

May be considered where pigmentation appears alongside changes in texture, enlarged pores, fine lines or scarring.

AlumierMD Professional Skincare

Supports either treatment and remains important for managing pigmentation between appointments.

Some clients may begin with one treatment, while others may benefit from carefully alternating professional treatments. The starting point depends on the condition, sensitivity and texture of the skin.

Melasma During Pregnancy

Melasma may first develop or become more visible during pregnancy.

Professional chemical peels and Dermapen are not performed during pregnancy. At this stage, the focus remains on gentle skincare, barrier support and appropriate daily sun protection.

The pigmentation may change after pregnancy, when professional treatment options can be discussed.

Free Melasma Consultation

A free consultation allows us to assess the distribution of the pigmentation, discuss possible influences and review your current skincare.

We can then explain whether AlumierMD professional skincare, Radiant TXA chemical peels, Dermapen with a tranexamic-acid Meso-Glide or a combination may be appropriate.

There is no obligation to begin treatment or purchase skincare.

Book Your Free Skin Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid is an active ingredient used within professional pigmentation treatments and skincare. It helps reduce signalling involved in excess pigment production and supports a more even-looking skin tone.

Which treatment is best for melasma?

Radiant TXA chemical peels may be relevant where pigmentation is the main concern. Dermapen with a tranexamic-acid Meso-Glide may be considered when pigmentation appears alongside uneven texture, pores, fine lines or scarring.

Is SPF necessary throughout the year?

Yes. Consistent broad-spectrum protection helps prevent existing pigmentation from deepening and supports the improvement achieved through skincare and professional treatments.

Can skincare help melasma?

Professional skincare can support gradual improvement and ongoing management, particularly when combined with daily sun and visible-light protection.

Can I have treatment during pregnancy?

Professional chemical peels and Dermapen are not performed during pregnancy. Gentle skincare, barrier support and appropriate sun protection remain the focus.

Can melasma become visible again?

Hormonal changes, sunlight, visible light and heat can make melasma more noticeable again. Continued skincare and daily protection remain important after professional treatment.