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Melasma, Chemical Peel & SkinPen, Duluth, Northern Minnesota

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How to Treat Melasma: The Best Skincare and In-Office Treatments for Even-Toned Skin

Melasma is a common condition that causes brown or grayish-pigmented patches to appear on the face, often worsened by sun exposure or hormonal changes. While melasma can be persistent, effective treatment options can help reduce its appearance and prevent future discoloration.

What is Melasma, and What Causes It?

Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that most often affects areas of the face, including the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It occurs when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) become overactive, leading to uneven pigmentation. Common triggers include:

  • Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes, worsening pigmentation.
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, oral birth control, and hormone therapy can trigger melasma.
  • Genetics: A family history of this skin condition increases the likelihood of developing it.
  • Heat and light exposure: In addition to UV rays, visible light and infrared heat can exacerbate melasma.

Though melasma is harmless, many people seek treatment to achieve a more even skin tone.

Melasma, Chemical Peel & SkinPen, Duluth, Northern Minnesota

How to Treat Melasma: The Best Skincare and In-Office Treatments

A comprehensive approach is essential for managing melasma, combining medical-grade skincare with professional treatments.

Daily Skincare Routine for Melasma

A consistent skincare routine can help lighten dark patches and prevent new pigmentation.

Brightening ingredients: Look for products containing hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C to help fade discoloration.

Retinoids: These increase cell turnover, promoting a more even skin tone over time.

Moisturizers and gentle cleansers: Maintaining a healthy skin barrier helps prevent irritation, which can worsen melasma.

Sun Protection: The Key to Preventing Melasma Worsening

Sunscreen is the most critical step in melasma treatment. UV rays can darken existing pigmentation and cause new patches to develop.

Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher: An unscented mineral-based sunscreen that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended.

Daily application: Sunscreen needs to be applied every morning and reapplied every two hours when outdoors.

Additional sun protection: Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses offer extra defense against UV rays.

Request a Consultation Today!

Our expert providers here at Twin Ports Dermatology would be happy to meet with you for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

Chemical Peels for Melasma

Professional chemical peels remove the top layer of skin, helping to break up pigment clusters and encourage new, evenly pigmented skin to form. Peels with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be effective for melasma when performed under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Why See a Dermatology Professional for Your Melasma?

Melasma can be challenging to manage without professional guidance. A dermatology specialist can evaluate your skin, determine the best treatment plan, and monitor your progress to ensure safe and effective results.

At Twin Ports Dermatology, we offer customized melasma treatments, including medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, and microneedling with SkinPen. Our team helps patients achieve clearer, more even-toned skin with expert care and advanced dermatological treatments.

TESTIMONIALS

*individual results may vary

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Take the First Step - Request A Consultation

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If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Twin Ports Dermatology will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our Duluth, MN office directly to schedule: 218-302-1000.

Twin Ports Dermatology serves the greater Duluth area. We’re the only locally owned private dermatology clinic & medspa in the area.

*Individual results may vary

Request a Consultation