Melasma Treatment in Irvine, Orange County, CA
Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark, blotchy patches—most often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. At Spectrum Skin Clinic in Irvine, we take a physician-led, customized approach to treating melasma, combining medical-grade skincare, targeted laser therapy, and ongoing pigment suppression to safely manage and reduce discoloration.
Melasma Treatment in Irvine, Orange County, CA
Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark, blotchy patches—most often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. At Spectrum Skin Clinic in Irvine, we take a physician-led, customized approach to treating melasma, combining medical-grade skincare, targeted laser therapy, and ongoing pigment suppression to safely manage and reduce discoloration.
What is Melasma and what causes it?
Melasma is a chronic skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, typically triggered by sun exposure, hormones, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or certain medications. It’s more common in women and in individuals with medium to darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI). While melasma is not harmful, it can be emotionally distressing and difficult to treat without expert care.
What is Melasma and what causes it?
Melasma is a chronic skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, typically triggered by sun exposure, hormones, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or certain medications. It’s more common in women and in individuals with medium to darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI). While melasma is not harmful, it can be emotionally distressing and difficult to treat without expert care.
What treatments are available for Melasma?
At Spectrum Skin Clinic, we offer a multi-modality approach tailored to your skin type and melasma depth:
• Topical Pigment Inhibitors: Prescription creams and medical-grade skincare to suppress melanocyte activity (e.g., hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, kojic acid).
• Laser Therapy: Gentle, pigment-safe devices such as non-ablative fractional lasers and Nd:YAG laser to lighten melasma without triggering inflammation.
• Chemical Peels: Customized peels that target surface pigmentation and encourage skin turnover with minimal irritation.
• Oral Supplements: Such as oral tranexamic acid (prescribed when appropriate) to help prevent new pigment formation.
• Daily Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum SPF and physical blockers to prevent recurrence.
What treatments are available for Melasma?
At Spectrum Skin Clinic, we offer a multi-modality approach tailored to your skin type and melasma depth:
• Topical Pigment Inhibitors: Prescription creams and medical-grade skincare to suppress melanocyte activity (e.g., hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, kojic acid).
• Laser Therapy: Gentle, pigment-safe devices such as non-ablative fractional lasers and Nd:YAG laser to lighten melasma without triggering inflammation.
• Chemical Peels: Customized peels that target surface pigmentation and encourage skin turnover with minimal irritation.
• Oral Supplements: Such as oral tranexamic acid (prescribed when appropriate) to help prevent new pigment formation.
• Daily Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum SPF and physical blockers to prevent recurrence.
What can I expect during treatment?
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and skin analysis. We’ll determine whether your melasma is epidermal (surface), dermal (deeper), or mixed-type and build a treatment plan accordingly. Most protocols include a combination of in-office treatments and at-home medical skincare. Patience is key—melasma fades gradually and requires consistent pigment control.
What can I expect during treatment?
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and skin analysis. We’ll determine whether your melasma is epidermal (surface), dermal (deeper), or mixed-type and build a treatment plan accordingly. Most protocols include a combination of in-office treatments and at-home medical skincare. Patience is key—melasma fades gradually and requires consistent pigment control.
What is the downtime and aftercare?
Downtime depends on the treatment chosen.
• Laser treatments may cause mild redness or dryness for 1–3 days.
• Chemical peels may result in light flaking for several days.
You’ll be given personalized aftercare instructions and sun protection guidance. Avoiding heat, sun exposure, and irritation is critical.
What is the downtime and aftercare?
Downtime depends on the treatment chosen.
• Laser treatments may cause mild redness or dryness for 1–3 days.
• Chemical peels may result in light flaking for several days.
You’ll be given personalized aftercare instructions and sun protection guidance. Avoiding heat, sun exposure, and irritation is critical.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Improvements in skin tone may be seen as early as 4–6 weeks, but full results usually develop over 3–4 months. Because melasma is chronic and triggered by sun and hormones, ongoing maintenance is essential. With proper care, recurrence can be minimized.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Improvements in skin tone may be seen as early as 4–6 weeks, but full results usually develop over 3–4 months. Because melasma is chronic and triggered by sun and hormones, ongoing maintenance is essential. With proper care, recurrence can be minimized.
Who performs the treatment?
Melasma treatment plans at Spectrum Skin Clinic are created and overseen by Dr. Sabeen Munib. We specialize in treating melasma in skin of color and other difficult-to-manage pigmentation disorders using safe, evidence-based protocols.
Who performs the treatment?
Melasma treatment plans at Spectrum Skin Clinic are created and overseen by Dr. Sabeen Munib. We specialize in treating melasma in skin of color and other difficult-to-manage pigmentation disorders using safe, evidence-based protocols.
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