Melasma Treatment in Chennai

What Does Melasma Look Like?

Melasma typically appears as brown, grey-brown or darker patches on areas of the face such as:

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Nose
• Upper lip
• Chin

It often appears relatively symmetrically on both sides of the face.

But not every dark patch is melasma.

Other forms of pigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can look similar.

That's why identifying the condition is the first step.

What Causes Melasma?

There isn't always one single cause.

Melasma can be influenced by a combination of factors, including:

• Sun exposure
• Visible light
• Hormonal influences
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Individual susceptibility
• Possibly stress and other triggers

For some people, hormonal changes may play an important role. For others, sunlight may be a major trigger.

This is one reason why two people with apparently similar pigmentation may need different treatment approaches.

Why Does the Sun Make Melasma Worse?

This is one of the most important parts of managing melasma.

Sun exposure can stimulate pigment production and make existing melasma darker.

But it's not only UV radiation that matters.

Visible light can also contribute to melasma, particularly in darker skin tones.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and notes that tinted sunscreens containing iron oxide can help protect against visible light.

So if you've been treating melasma but skipping sunscreen, your treatment may be fighting against an ongoing trigger.

Does Melasma Mean Your Skin Is Damaged?

Not necessarily.

Melasma isn't dangerous and doesn't harm your health.

But it can have a significant emotional impact, particularly when pigmentation is visible and persistent.

It's also important not to confuse melasma with simply having an “uneven skin tone.”

Melasma is a dermatological condition.

That means it deserves a diagnosis rather than an endless cycle of cosmetic products.

Why Does Melasma Keep Coming Back?

This is probably the question patients ask most often.

You treat it.

It improves.

Then it returns.

Unfortunately, recurrence is common with melasma.

Even after pigmentation improves, continued exposure to triggers can cause it to return.

This is why successful management isn't necessarily:

Treatment → pigmentation disappears → done.

It is more often:

Diagnosis → treatment → protection → maintenance → monitoring.

The AAD notes that melasma can persist for years and that treatment commonly combines sun protection with topical medication and, in some cases, procedures.

Is Melasma the Same as Acne Pigmentation?

No.

This distinction is important.

Acne pigmentation
Usually appears where previous acne or inflammation occurred.

Melasma
Typically appears as broader patches, often symmetrically across the face.

Sun-related spots
May appear as individual darker spots associated with cumulative sun exposure.

They may look similar at first glance, but they aren't necessarily treated the same way.

If you're treating the wrong condition, you may not see the results you're expecting.

What Can You Do at Home?

A simple routine can make a significant difference.

1. Use Sunscreen Every Day

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

If pigmentation or melasma is your primary concern, consider a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides for additional visible-light protection.

2. Don't Over-Exfoliate

Scrubbing or layering multiple strong active ingredients isn't necessarily going to make pigmentation disappear faster.

Irritation can make pigmentation harder to manage.

3. Keep Your Routine Consistent

Constantly switching between products makes it difficult to determine what's helping.

A dermatologist can help you create a routine appropriate for your skin and pigmentation.

What Treatments Are Available for Melasma?

There is no single best treatment for everyone with melasma.

A dermatologist may consider a combination of:

• Sun protection
• Topical prescription treatments
• Pigment-modulating ingredients
• Selected chemical peels
• Selected laser or light-based treatments
• Other treatments in appropriate patients

The choice depends on factors such as your skin tone, pigmentation pattern, depth of pigment, triggers and previous treatments.

The AAD specifically notes that melasma treatment should be tailored to the individual and may combine sun protection, medication and sometimes procedures.

Can Laser Treatment Cure Melasma?

This is where expectations matter.

Laser and light-based procedures may be considered for selected patients, but melasma isn't simply a pigment that can be permanently erased with a laser.

Some patients can experience worsening pigmentation or recurrence, which is why treatment selection and settings need careful consideration.

If you're considering a procedure, ask your dermatologist:

• What type of pigmentation do I have?
• Is this actually melasma?
• What are the risks for my skin tone?
• What happens if the pigmentation returns?
• What maintenance will I need?

A good treatment plan should answer these questions before the procedure begins.

How Long Does Melasma Treatment Take?

Don't expect overnight results.

Melasma can be stubborn, and improvement usually takes time.

The AAD notes that it can take several months to see meaningful results from treatment.

That doesn't mean treatment isn't working.

It means pigment biology doesn't always move at the speed of your skincare expectations.

Consistency matters.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Consider professional evaluation if:

• Facial pigmentation keeps returning
• Dark patches are spreading
• Over-the-counter products aren't helping
• Your skin becomes irritated by pigmentation products
• You're unsure whether you have melasma
• You're considering a peel or laser
• Pigmentation is affecting your confidence

A dermatologist can examine the pigmentation and determine whether it is melasma or another condition.

The Goal Isn't Just Lighter Skin

This is an important distinction.

The goal of melasma treatment shouldn't be to make your skin unnaturally lighter.

It should be to:

reduce unwanted pigmentation, even out the skin tone and maintain healthy skin.

That means treatment should be based on your skin—not on trying to change your natural complexion.

Managing Melasma in Chennai

Living in Chennai means regular exposure to strong sunlight, and outdoor heat can make consistent photoprotection particularly important.

If you are treating melasma, sunscreen should not be an occasional step reserved for beach days or holidays.

It needs to become part of your everyday routine.

At Dermipure Dermaclinic, skin and pigmentation concerns are assessed individually before treatment is recommended. The clinic offers dermatology and aesthetic care under the guidance of Dr. Sowmya Dogiparthi, MBBS, MD, with personalised treatment planning.

Frequently Asked Questions