Melasma treatment in London — managed properly, not blasted
Melasma is hormonal pigmentation, usually symmetrical across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. It is the pigmentation most often made worse by treatment, because it responds badly to heat and to anything aggressive. Managing it well is about restraint, consistency and protecting the result.
- Skin types
- Fitzpatrick I–VI
- Typical course
- 6+ sessions, low energy
- Spacing
- Every 4–6 weeks
- Downtime
- Minimal
Why melasma is different
Melasma is driven by hormones — pregnancy, the contraceptive pill, HRT — and amplified by UV and by heat. That makes it a chronic condition to manage rather than a one-off problem to remove.
Because heat itself is a trigger, high-energy lasers and hot ablative treatments frequently cause a rebound worse than the starting point. If you have been treated before and it came back darker, this is usually why.
Our approach
We treat melasma conservatively: low-energy Pico Laser passes, spaced generously, with the goal of gradual lightening rather than fast clearance. Patch testing is standard.
Laser alone is not the plan. A prescribed home routine — pigment inhibitors, barrier support and SPF 50 every single day, including indoors near windows — does much of the maintenance between sessions.
We are honest at consultation about what is achievable. If your melasma is actively hormonally driven, we will tell you what we can realistically hold and what will need ongoing maintenance.
What to expect
Progress is gradual and measured over months, not weeks. Most clients see a clear softening of the patches through a course of six or more sessions and then move onto a maintenance interval.
Sun holidays, pregnancy and stopping SPF are the three things that most often undo results.
Treatments we use for melasma
Melasma — your questions
No. Melasma is a chronic, hormonally driven condition that is managed rather than cured. A well-run laser course plus daily SPF and a prescribed home routine can lighten it substantially and keep it controlled.
Other concerns we treat
Hyperpigmentation treatment in London for Fitzpatrick I–VI. Pico Laser and resurfacing protocols for dark marks, sun damage and uneven tone at our two clinics.
Acne scar treatment in London for pitted scarring and post-acne dark marks. Pico, Erbium YAG and Fractional CO2 protocols safe for Fitzpatrick I–VI.
Laser stretch mark treatment in London for face and body. Erbium YAG and Fractional CO2 resurfacing protocols safe across Fitzpatrick I–VI.
Blueness by Oceania is a London laser clinic specialising in skin of colour, with VTCT Level 5 qualified practitioners across our Swiss Cottage (NW6) and King's Cross (N1) clinics.