Melasma is a chronic pigment condition that causes brown or grey-brown patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead, nose bridge and upper lip. It can be controlled well, but it returns easily with sun, heat and hormonal change. At Charisma, doctors build a staged plan: diagnose the type, reduce the pigment safely, then keep it from coming back.
Why Choose Charisma for Melasma Treatment
- Depth assessment before treatment — Wood’s lamp and skin analysis show whether pigment is epidermal, dermal or mixed.
- Medical and device options together — prescription creams, oral tranexamic acid, peels, injectables and lasers under one plan.
- Melasma-safe laser settings — PICO and gentle fractional lasers used at settings that avoid heat-triggered rebound.
- Internal factor checks — hormone, thyroid and nutrient screening when the history points to them.
- Relapse prevention — maintenance schedules built for year-round UAE sun.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma happens when pigment cells (melanocytes) become overactive and release too much melanin. It is more common in women and in medium to darker skin types. Triggers include ultraviolet and visible light, heat, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, hormonal treatments, genetics and some medications. Melasma is not harmful, but it is persistent and can affect confidence.
Types of Melasma
- Epidermal — pigment in the top layer of skin, with sharp, brown borders. Responds best to treatment.
- Dermal — deeper, bluish-grey pigment with blurred edges. Slower to improve.
- Mixed — the most common type, with both layers involved.
How Melasma Is Diagnosed: Wood’s Lamp Assessment
Your doctor examines the skin under a Wood’s lamp, which makes epidermal pigment look darker and more defined while dermal pigment does not change much. Together with a dermatoscope and skin analysis, this helps predict how the melasma will respond and which treatments to start with. Blood tests may be advised if thyroid or hormonal issues are suspected.
Who Needs Melasma Treatment?
- Patches that keep returning — despite sunscreen and over-the-counter creams.
- Melasma after pregnancy or the pill — pigment that stayed after hormones settled.
- Mixed pigmentation — melasma together with sun spots or post-acne marks.
- Patients who tried laser elsewhere — and saw the pigment darken afterwards.
Topical and Oral Treatments
- Triple combination cream — hydroquinone, a retinoid and a mild steroid, used for limited periods under supervision.
- Non-hydroquinone creams — azelaic acid, kojic acid, cysteamine, niacinamide and tranexamic acid for maintenance.
- Oral tranexamic acid — a prescription option for moderate to severe melasma, after screening for clotting risk.
In-Clinic Melasma Treatments at Charisma
- Medical peels — Cosmelan and other depigmenting peels for epidermal melasma.
- PICO laser — very short pulses that break up pigment with little heat.
- Gentle fractional and MOXI-type lasers — to improve tone and texture at low settings.
- Lightening injections — Innovyal Lightening Action and similar boosters with tranexamic acid.
- Mesotherapy and PRP — to support skin repair and brightness.
- IV glutathione and vitamin C — as a supportive option in selected patients.
Step-by-Step Treatment Plan
- Assessment — Wood’s lamp, photos and medical history.
- Skin preparation — 2 to 4 weeks of prescribed home care to calm melanocytes.
- Active phase — peels, laser or injectables in a series, usually every 2 to 4 weeks.
- Review — photos are compared and the plan adjusted.
- Maintenance — home care and periodic sessions to prevent relapse.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
- Start sun protection early — broad-spectrum SPF 50 with iron oxides, which also block visible light.
- Stop irritants — avoid scrubs and strong acids before peels and laser.
- Share hormone history — tell your doctor about contraception, pregnancy plans or HRT.
Preventing Melasma Relapse in the UAE Sun
- Tinted mineral sunscreen — reapplied every 2 to 3 hours outdoors.
- Physical protection — wide-brimmed hats and shade during midday hours.
- Heat control — limit saunas, hot yoga and long sessions over cooking heat, which can darken melasma.
- Maintenance sessions — a light peel or booster every few months, especially before summer.
Melasma in Pregnancy: What Is Safe?
Melasma often appears during pregnancy. Most active treatments, including hydroquinone, retinoids, oral tranexamic acid and laser, are postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. During this time the focus is on sun protection and gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare such as azelaic acid, after doctor approval.
Melasma Treatment in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Charisma treats melasma at its Dubai and Abu Dhabi clinics with doctors who manage both the medical and device sides of care. Plans take into account local factors such as year-round UV, heat and indoor dryness from air-conditioning.
Melasma Treatment Cost in Dubai
Cost depends on the methods used, the number of sessions and whether home-care products and oral medication are included. A doctor gives you a full plan and price after the assessment.
FAQs
Is melasma treatment permanent?
Melasma can be cleared or reduced a lot, but it is a chronic condition. Maintenance and sun protection keep results.
How long until I see results?
Most patients see lightening within 6 to 8 weeks. Dermal melasma takes longer.
Can laser make melasma worse?
Aggressive heat-based lasers can. That is why settings and device choice matter.
Can melasma come back?
Yes, especially with sun, heat or hormonal changes. A maintenance plan lowers the risk.
Is melasma linked to other health conditions?
Usually not, but thyroid disease and hormonal imbalance can be associated. Your doctor may suggest tests.