Melasma in Manchester & Cheshire
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What is Melasma?
Melasma, also known as chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. It manifests as symmetrical, blotchy, brownish pigmentation on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Melasma can affect anyone but is more common in women, particularly those with darker skin types.
With melasma Manchester patients should be aware of what causes it:
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can trigger melasma due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun can exacerbate melasma by increasing melanin production.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of melasma increases the likelihood of developing this condition.
- Skin Irritation: Certain skin care products or procedures that irritate the skin can trigger melasma.
Preventing Melasma
Preventing melasma involves managing the factors that can trigger or exacerbate the condition:
1. Sun Protection
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield your skin from UV rays.
- Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
2. Gentle Skin Care
- Avoid skin care products that cause irritation or are too harsh, such as those containing alcohol or fragrances.
- Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers that are suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Hormonal Management
- If melasma is linked to oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider.
- Consider non-hormonal contraceptive methods if hormonal contraception exacerbates melasma
Treating Melasma
Treating melasma can be challenging, and it often requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some common treatment options:
1. Topical Treatments
- Tyrosinase inhibitors: Skin-lightening agents that block the enzyme needed for melanin production. Available in over-the-counter strengths and, where clinically appropriate, on prescription after a consultation.
- Topical retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives that increase cell turnover and promote the shedding of pigmented skin cells. Often prescribed alongside a tyrosinase inhibitor.
- Corticosteroids: Help reduce inflammation and can enhance the effectiveness of other topical treatments when used in combination.
- Other agents: Azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid and vitamin C also lighten hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and promoting a more even skin tone.
2. Oral Supplements
- Tranexamic Acid: An antifibrinolytic agent that can be taken orally or applied topically. It helps reduce melasma by inhibiting the interaction between melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) and keratinocytes (skin cells).
3. Procedural Treatments
- Chemical Peels: Use of chemical solutions to exfoliate the top layers of skin, promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin.
- Microdermabrasion: A minimally invasive procedure that exfoliates the skin using a special applicator with an abrasive surface.
- Laser Treatments: Lasers can be used to target and break down melanin in the skin. Non-ablative lasers and fractional lasers are generally preferred for melasma to minimize the risk of exacerbating the condition. However, laser treatments should be approached with caution and performed by experienced professionals.
Can You Use Laser for Melasma?
Laser treatments can be effective for melasma but come with risks. The heat generated by some lasers can sometimes worsen pigmentation by stimulating melanocytes to produce more melanin. Therefore, it’s crucial to select the right type of laser and ensure that the treatment is performed by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Non-ablative lasers, which do not damage the surface layer of the skin, and fractional lasers, which create tiny controlled injuries to stimulate skin repair, are often used.
Best Products for Melasma
When selecting products to manage melasma, look for those that contain the following ingredients:
- Tyrosinase inhibitors: Often considered the gold standard for lightening hyperpigmentation. Look for products containing a tyrosinase inhibitor at over-the-counter strength, or higher strengths on prescription.
- Azelaic Acid: A naturally occurring acid that can help reduce inflammation and pigmentation.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can brighten the skin and inhibit melanin production.
- Kojic Acid: Derived from fungi, kojic acid can help lighten sunspots and melasma.
- Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, it can help reduce the transfer of melanin to skin cells, promoting a more even skin tone.
Conclusion
We know at CLNQ in Manchester melasma is a challenging condition that requires a comprehensive approach to manage effectively. Prevention through diligent sun protection and the use of gentle skin care products is crucial. Treatments can include topical agents, oral supplements, and procedural interventions like chemical peels and laser therapy. It’s important to consult with our team at CLNQ to tailor treatments to your specific needs and skin type. While melasma can often be managed and its appearance reduced, it is a condition that may require ongoing treatment and maintenance.
How we treat melasma at CLNQ, and what it costs
Melasma is the most frustrating pigment condition to treat, because the same heat and light that clears other pigmentation can make melasma worse. Anyone who offers you an aggressive laser for it on a first visit has not understood the condition.
Our approach is deliberately conservative and layered.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Mesoestetic depigmenting peel | £80 a session, £400 for six |
| ZO medical peel | £77 |
| Microneedling | £190 |
| Prescription depigmenting regimen | From £30, dispensed after consultation |
| Skin doctor consultation | £100 |
A typical plan runs a course of peels alongside a home regimen and strict daily SPF 50, reviewed at three months. Laser is used sparingly and only in selected cases, at low settings, after everything gentler has been tried.
The honest framing: melasma is managed rather than cured. Most patients get to a point where it is barely visible and stays that way as long as they keep up sun protection. Stop the SPF for one summer and it comes back.
Related Treatments
Medically reviewed by
Dr Kajal Babamiri
GP with Specialist Interest in Dermatology — GMC No. 6132231
Dr Babamiri is a co-founder of CLNQ and leads the clinic’s non-surgical, skin and longevity practice. She is a key opinion leader in aesthetic medicine, appears as a doctor on Olivia Attwood’s Price of Perfection and Channel 4’s Surgery Secrets of the Super Rich, and has been featured in Glamour, the Daily Mail and Gulf News. She consults in Manchester, Knutsford and Wilmslow.
Last medically reviewed: 27 September 2026. This page is for information only and does not replace an individual consultation.
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