Melasma treatment in London

Melasma - also known as ‘chloasma’ or ‘pregnancy mask’ - occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for our skin colour. This produces characteristic brown or brown-grey patches with mottled pigmentation on the surface of your skin. 

It’s a harmless, non-cancerous condition, but we understand how it can be unsettling when your appearance has been affected. It’s good to know that melasma simply resolves over time in many cases. But if it persists, we have a team of Consultant Dermatologists who are experts in managing and treating melasma. 

The pigmentation from melasma usually appears on your face, in irregular patches that occur symmetrically on both sides. These mottled areas of skin are not raised, itchy or painful, and are not contagious. 

Areas of melasma are flat and can affect the following areas: 

• Forehead
• Upper lip
• Nose
• Chin

 If other areas of your skin have been exposed to the sun, such as your forearms or neck, you may develop pigmentation there, too. 

You are more likely to develop melasma if you have dark skin or tan easily. It’s also extremely common among pregnant women. In fact, the British Association of Dermatologists estimates that around 50% of women develop the condition during this time. Melasma is often triggered by hormonal changes, and therefore can also develop if you are on the contraceptive pill or taking HRT. 

There’s also quite a strong chance that you may develop melasma if someone in your family has the condition, and at least a third of people with melasma report that close relatives have it too. 

Although the exact cause is not known, experts believe melasma is caused by pigment producing cells — known as melanocytes — producing too much of the pigment melanin. 

This process can be triggered by several factors, including: 

• Pregnancy: around 50% of women who are pregnant experience melasma, triggered by hormonal changes during this time – in most cases, it clears up by itself
• Menopause: the hormonal fluctuations during this time are a factor in the onset or increase in melasma
• Hormone-based medication: being on the contraceptive pill or taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can cause or increase melasma in some women
• Exposure to UV light from the sun or sunbeds: one of the main causes of melasma, it can make an existing condition worse
• Genetics: a family history of melasma is known to increase your chances of getting melasma
• Medications: very occasionally certain medications—such as anti-epilepsy drugs—can trigger melasma
• Makeup and skincare: perfumed skincare products or soaps along with certain makeup can sometimes lead to melasma or make it worse

Our Consultant Dermatologists have extensive experience in diagnosing melasma based on its visual appearance. During your consultation, we’ll carefully examine your skin using a dermascope and check for any other possible conditions. In rare instances, if we suspect something more serious, such as skin cancer, we may take a small skin sample—a biopsy —using a local anaesthetic. If you are looking for a private dermatologist for melasma, our specialists are here to help. 

If you have developed melasma during your pregnancy, it often goes away after childbirth and you may not need any treatment. However, it may come back, especially during another pregnancy.

As part of a personalised treatment plan, our specialists help you work out what the triggers are for your melasma. For example, if you reduce your exposure to sunlight or stop taking HRT, your melasma may fade or in some cases, disappear altogether. However, any significant changes to your medication should always be carried out under the supervision of your doctor. 

UV rays stimulate the production of melanin in your skin and can cause your melasma to worsen or trigger new patches to appear. That’s why, one of the most important things you can do to stop your melasma from getting worse is to use effective sun protection. 

This includes: 

• Avoiding the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am-3pm
• Using sunscreen (ideally SPF 30 or above with a high UVA rating)
• Sunscreen containing iron oxides can provide extra protection
• Keeping exposed areas of your skin covered with clothing
• Wearing a wide brimmed hat, to keep your face, neck and ears protected from the sun
• Wearing UV protected sunglasses

Our leading specialists offer expert melasma treatment in London, helping you manage and improve the appearance of your skin. 

In order to work out a treatment plan, they will first look at what is causing your melasma and what your triggers are. For some people, using regular and effective sun protection and avoiding known triggers can help lessen or even eliminate their melasma. 

For others, although there may be no permanent cure, we offer management and treatment options which can help improve the appearance of your melasma, as well as prevent it from returning over time. 

This includes prescription-only topical creams, individually formulated by our Consultant Dermatologists according to your individual skin. We use powerful evidence-based ingredients that may contain a combination of the following: 

• Hydroquinone: prevents pigment cells (melanocytes) from producing melanin
• Tretinoin
• Topical corticosteroid, such as fluocinolone
• Azelaic acid
• Vitamin C 

We make sure we monitor you regularly whilst being treated, so we can assess how your skin is responding, and adjust your treatment if necessary.