Melasma Treatment

Melasma appears as brown or grey-brown patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jawline. It is a chronic condition. Melasma can't be erased, but it can be managed well, and that is our focus at Raw Canvas.

Why melasma needs a different approach

Melasma is not like other pigment. Heat, inflammation and aggressive treatments can trigger more pigment, so a treatment that clears a sun spot can make melasma worse. That's why we never start with a laser. We start by understanding your melasma, calming and preparing the skin, and then choosing treatments that respect it.

What can bring on melasma

Melasma usually has more than one trigger, and knowing yours is part of managing it:

• Sun exposure, including everyday UV through windows
• Heat, from hot yoga, saunas, cooking or working out in the heat
• Visible light from the sun and screens
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, birth control, hormone therapy, perimenopause and menopause
• Genetics and family history
• Skin type: melasma is more common in medium to darker skin tones
• Irritation and inflammation in the skin, from harsh products, over-exfoliation or treatments that are too aggressive for melasma-prone skin
• Some medications and thyroid conditions
• Stress

Some melasma also has a vascular (redness) component, so your plan may treat the redness as well as the pigment.

How we manage melasma at Raw Canvas

• 1. Consultation and VISIA skin analysis. Amanda looks at how your pigment behaves, what type of melasma you have, your triggers and your skin history.
• 2. Skin care first. Medical-grade skincare is the foundation of every melasma plan. We cycle pigment-control skincare in planned on and off phases, and during the off phases we focus on treating and supporting the skin.
• 3. Treatment, when your skin is ready. In-clinic treatments are added once the skin is prepared, chosen for your skin type and your type of melasma.
• 4. Maintenance. Sun, heat and hormones can bring melasma back, so ongoing home care and maintenance treatments are part of the plan.

Treatments we may add, depending on your melasma

• Laser Genesis on the Cutera excel V+, for melasma with a vascular component
• Pico Genesis on the Cutera Enlighten III, using settings chosen for your skin type
• MOXI and HALO, when appropriate for your skin and your melasma
• SkinPen microneedling
• Chemical peels chosen for melasma-prone skin
• HydraFacial
• Daily sun protection to help reduce the chance of pigment returning

One customized session, not a menu of add-ons

With 11 lasers and devices in the clinic, Amanda can address several concerns in one customized session, instead of booking and paying for separate treatments for each one. Every plan is built around your skin, your concerns and your goals.

What to expect

Melasma improves gradually, with consistent home care and a series of treatments. Most patients need patience and a plan that continues after the pigment improves. Results vary from person to person.

Melasma questions

Can melasma be cured?
No. Melasma is chronic. With the right skincare, treatment and sun protection, it can be managed and kept under control.

Is laser safe for melasma?
Some lasers can make melasma worse, especially those that heat the skin. That's why we assess first and choose the laser, settings and timing for your skin type and your melasma.

Do I need a consultation?
Yes. Every melasma plan starts with a consultation, in person or virtually.

Not sure if it's melasma or another type of pigment? Book a consultation, in person or virtually.