Melasma is darkened areas of pigmentation on the skin that surfaces with hormonal changes or sun exposure. These patches of skin can range in color from blue to gray to brown and even resemble clusters of freckles.1 Melasma is most commonly seen on the face and can be frustrating for patients. Melasma has been difficult to treat in years past, often returning after a patient has spent time in the sun.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a very common skin condition that causes discolored or dark patches of skin on the face, neck, chest, hands, and forearms. If melasma is caused by hormonal changes associated with a medication like birth control or a condition like pregnancy, it may clear on its own. When caused by sun damage, melasma can last for many years or never resolve without treatment. While melasma isn’t dangerous, it can be unsightly, and many patients come to us seeking a way to correct the uneven skin tone caused by the condition.2
How To Treat Melasma
In the past, there have been several ways to target and treat the skin discoloration caused by melasma. We’ve found that combining two advanced modalities is the most effective approach to achieving dramatic and lasting results. The MD Beauty Labs protocol to correct melasma involves one session of HALO followed by a regimen of tranexamic acid.
HALO
HALO is a phenomenal laser technology that uses not just one but two combined wavelengths—ablative and non-ablative—to treat troublesome areas on the skin. It particularly targets skin texture and discolorations, helping to rid the skin of stubborn fine lines, large pores, and discoloration, including sun damage, age spots, and melasma. As a hybrid fractional laser, HALO has proved to be one of the leading technologies in the industry for skin resurfacing with minimal downtime. Our melasma specialists have determined that one HALO treatment followed by a tranexamic acid application can increase the dramatic improvements this laser can achieve.
Tranexamic Acid
Melasma occurs when our skin cells, specifically melanocytes, have overactive pigment production. Tranexamic acid decreases this pigment production on the cellular level and helps reduce the appearance of discoloration.
When combined with HALO, tranexamic acid allows us to take melasma treatments one step further. The HALO laser treatment is followed one week later with an application of tranexamic acid, and the patient is provided with an at-home tranexamic acid regimen to apply at home daily for two weeks.
Schedule A Consultation For Melasma Treatment
If you’ve struggled with Melasma and are looking for an advanced and effective treatment, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our melasma experts can assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and determine the best treatment plan to achieve your goals.
FAQs About Melasma Treatment
Is tranexamic acid safe?
Yes, tranexamic acid is safe, and unlike skin-lightening treatments like hydroquinone, it is safe to be used for a longer period of time and is safe to combine with your regular skincare routine.
Who gets melasma?
Melasma can affect men and women of all ages and skin tones; however, the skin condition is more common in women.
Will my melasma treatment results be permanent?
No, your skin will still be subject to changes caused by the natural process of aging and sun exposure. You can enhance and extend your results with an optimal skincare regimen that includes a brightening serum and an SPF of 35 or higher.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Melasma. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21454-melasma. Accessed August 15, 2022.
2 AAD. Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment. Available: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-treatment. Accessed August 15, 2022.
The Medical Professionals at MD Beauty Labs have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.