Melasma, or Dark Patches Across the Cheeks or Forehead That Won’t Fade?
Melasma is one of the most challenging pigmentation concerns, and one of the most misunderstood. Many clients come to our Chorley clinic feeling frustrated, embarrassed or defeated by brown or greyish patches that don’t respond to standard pigmentation products.
Melasma behaves very differently from other types of pigmentation, which is why one-size-fits-all treatments often make it worse.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a chronic, hormone-triggered pigmentation condition that typically appears on:
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Upper lip
- Nose
- Chin
- Jawline
It presents as flat, blotchy, brown or grey patches and often worsens with heat, hormones and UV exposure.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma is driven by multiple internal and external factors:
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraceptives, peri-menopause)
- Heat exposure (sun, exercise, cooking, saunas)
- UV exposure
- Genetics
- Stress
- Inflammation
- Incorrect skincare
- Over-exfoliation
Unlike sun spots, melasma is not caused by UV alone, heat and hormones play a major role.
Why Melasma Is Difficult to Treat
Melasma sits deeper in the skin, meaning:
- Strong lasers often make it worse
- Harsh exfoliation increases inflammation
- Heat triggers pigmentation rebounding
- Improper homecare prolongs flare-ups
Melasma requires gentle, controlled, long-term management, not aggressive treatments.
Consultation: Understanding Your Melasma Type
We assess:
- Whether your melasma is epidermal, dermal or mixed
- Hormonal influences
- Heat-related triggers
- Post-pregnancy or peri-menopause onset
- Your current routine
- Sensitivity levels
- Patch pattern and depth
This ensures your treatment plan is melasma-safe and effective.
Melasma-Safe Chemical Peels
We use gentle, controlled peels designed to:
- Reduce surface pigmentation
- Brighten the complexion
- Improve cell turnover
- Fade patchy tone
- Support pigment control
These formulations target melanin without irritating or overheating the skin.
Polynucleotides for Inflammation & Skin Repair
Polynucleotides are ideal for melasma because they:
- Reduce inflammation (a major melasma trigger)
- Improve skin repair
- Strengthen the barrier
- Support long-term stability
- Reduce the likelihood of rebound pigmentation
They complement peels and homecare beautifully.
HydroFacial (Pigmentation Protocol)
This brightening treatment:
- Removes dull, pigmented cells
- Infuses antioxidant-rich serums
- Hydrates the skin
- Improves radiance
- Creates a more even tone
It is gentle and melasma-safe when performed with the correct serum selection.
Microneedling / PureDerma; Used With Caution
Microneedling and RF microneedling can improve melasma, but only in properly selected cases, and only when inflammation is controlled.
They may help:
- Improve skin texture
- Brighten stubborn pigmentation
- Strengthen collagen
We assess suitability carefully, as heat-based devices can worsen certain melasma types.
Medical-Grade Skincare (Critical for Melasma Control)
Homecare is the most important part of melasma management.
We focus on:
- Pigment inhibitors
- Antioxidants
- Barrier support
- SPF (daily, mandatory)
- Reduced heat exposure in routine
- Retinol (when appropriate)
AlumierMD’s systems for pigmentation are among the safest and most effective for melasma-prone skin.
Melasma Triggers We Help You Manage
You will learn how to avoid triggers such as:
- Sun exposure
- Heat from exercise, cooking or hot showers
- Active skincare overuse
- Inflammation
- Stress
- Hormonal shifts
- Irritating ingredients
Trigger management is essential for long-term success.
The Skin Gym Plan for Melasma
Your personalised approach may include:
- Monthly peels
- HydroFacials
- A polynucleotide programme
- Homecare pigment inhibitors
- Barrier repair
- Long-term maintenance
- Seasonal adjustments
Melasma doesn’t vanish overnight — but with discipline and the right guidance, it can be controlled beautifully.
Book Your Melasma Consultation in Chorley
Melasma can be stubborn, emotional and confusing — but you don’t have to manage it alone.
We help you brighten, stabilise and safely improve pigmentation with a personalised plan.
Book your melasma consultation at Mollie Elise Aesthetics today and begin your long-term skin transformation.