Melasma is a particular type of pigmentation that tends to appear as larger, patchy areas of darker skin — most often across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and bridge of the nose. It’s very common, especially in women, and because it’s so closely linked to hormones it’s sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.” Understanding what drives it is really important, because melasma behaves quite differently to other pigmentation.

It’s usually triggered by a combination of hormones and sun exposure. Pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and hormonal changes can all set it off, while sunlight and even heat stimulate the pigment-producing cells to produce more colour — which is why it so often flares in summer and can be stubborn to shift. It’s also more common in medium to deeper skin tones. The key thing to know is that melasma tends to be a condition we manage rather than cure outright, and that gentle, consistent care works far better than anything harsh — aggressive treatment can actually make it worse or cause it to rebound.

That’s exactly why our approach is careful and considered. Rather than trying to strip the pigment away, we focus on calming and gradually brightening the skin with a tailored combination of professional treatments and medical-grade skincare, always alongside diligent daily sun protection, which is the single most important part of keeping melasma under control.

We’ll always begin with a consultation to look at your skin properly and understand your triggers, then create a gentle, personalised plan to help even and brighten your complexion safely and gradually — with realistic, reassuring expectations every step of the way.