Melasma

Melasma is a common skin disorder characterised by irregular areas of brown or grey-brown pigmentation on the face, often associated with hormonal fluctuations and sun exposure. These discolored patches, known as facial pigmentation, typically appear symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. The appearance can be distressing, particularly when makeup doesn't provide adequate coverage. While melasma is benign, the emotional and psychological impact can be significant, making effective melasma treatment essential for both cosmetic and confidence reasons.

At West Point Aesthetic Center, we understand how frustrating sun-induced pigmentation and melasma can be. Whether you're experiencing newly developed spots or have struggled with pigmentation for years, we offer advanced, clinically proven therapies that target the root causes of melasma and help restore a clearer, even-toned complexion.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma, often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," is a chronic skin condition characterized by symmetrical dark patches, most commonly found on the face. It affects both men and women but is more prevalent in women, especially those with medium to darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types III–V). Though melasma isn't harmful, its appearance can be persistent and difficult to manage without professional help. For individuals seeking to improve skin tone and texture, Facial Rejuvenation treatments can effectively reduce the visible signs of melasma and restore a more even complexion.

Causes of Melasma

Understanding the causes is crucial when exploring effective treatment options. Common triggers include:

• Sun Exposure: The most significant factor. Ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce more melanin.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can trigger melasma.
• Genetics: A family history of melasma increases your risk.
• Medications and Cosmetics: Certain medications and skincare products can cause skin sensitivity, potentially triggering melasma.

These sun-induced pigmentation issues can worsen with unprotected sun exposure, making diligent skincare and treatment essential for long-term control. Sun Damage not only accelerates skin discoloration but also contributes to premature aging and uneven skin tone, highlighting the need for early intervention through advanced skincare solutions and targeted treatments.

Who Gets Melasma?

Melasma primarily affects women between the ages of 20 and 50, especially those who are pregnant or taking hormonal contraceptives. However, men can also develop melasma. The condition is more common in individuals with darker skin tones due to the higher levels of melanin in the skin.

The condition can be categorized into three types based on depth:

• Epidermal (affects the outer skin layer)
• Dermal (affects deeper skin layers)
• Mixed (involves both layers)

A professional diagnosis will help determine the type and appropriate melasma treatment plan.

Forever Young BBL For Melasma

Forever Young BBL (BroadBand Light) is an advanced light therapy that targets pigmented lesions and rejuvenates the skin at a molecular level. This non-invasive technology not only improves the visible signs of aging but also significantly helps with hyperpigmentation treatment, including melasma. For patients seeking enhanced skin clarity and tone, the BBL Photo Facial offers a powerful solution that complements the results of Forever Young BBL by addressing uneven pigmentation, sunspots, and discoloration with precision.

Unlike traditional laser treatments, BBL uses broad-spectrum light energy to gently heat the upper layers of the skin. The light penetrates the skin, stimulating collagen production while breaking down excess melanin, which is responsible for facial pigmentation.

A landmark study by Stanford University found that regular BBL treatments could alter the expression of genes associated with youth, effectively "reprogramming" skin cells to behave more youthful. Forever Young BBL presents a compelling option for those looking how to treat melasma without surgery or downtime.

Benefits of Forever Young BBL:

• Safe and effective for melasma-prone skin
• Reduces sun pigmentation
• Improves overall skin tone and texture
• No downtime and minimal discomfort
• Long-term results with regular sessions

We carefully customize each BBL treatment based on your skin type and pigmentation pattern to ensure optimal results.

VI Chemical Peel: Lightening The Way

The VI Chemical Peel is a powerful, medical-grade solution designed to treat various skin issues, including melasma, acne scars, and fine lines. It is one of the most popular choices for hyperpigmentation treatment, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones.

This medium-depth peel contains a synergistic blend of active ingredients:

• TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid)
• Retinoic Acid
• Salicylic Acid
• Phenol
• Vitamin C

These components work together to exfoliate the skin’s surface and penetrate deeply, promoting cellular turnover. In as little as seven days, this helps reduce facial pigmentation, lighten dark patches, and improve overall skin clarity.

Why Choose the VI Peel for Melasma?

• Safe for all skin types
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Minimally invasive with fast recovery
• Targets sun pigmentation at the source

The VI Peel is also an excellent complement to other therapies and forms part of an effective melasma skincare routine, especially when combined with prescription topicals and sunscreen.

Profractional Laser: Precision Resurfacing

Sciton’s ProFractional Laser is a cutting-edge resurfacing treatment that delivers remarkable results for those battling melasma and pigmentation. Unlike full-field ablative lasers that treat the entire skin surface, ProFractional uses a fractionated approach. It creates narrow, precise micro-channels in the skin, sparing surrounding tissue for faster healing.

These tiny injuries trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating collagen production and breaking up concentrated pigment deposits. This method offers significant improvement with minimal downtime, making it a smart choice for busy individuals seeking long-lasting improvements to their skin tone and texture.

Key Benefits:

• Treats both superficial and deep melasma
• Minimal discomfort and downtime
• Improves skin firmness and radiance
• Safe for many skin types

Combined with topical agents and sun protection, ProFractional Laser provides an advanced solution for patients who want to treat melasma effectively and safely.

Perfect Derma Peel

Another standout option for melasma treatment is the Perfect Derma Peel. This medium-depth chemical peel is packed with potent skin-lightening agents and anti-aging ingredients. It targets hyperpigmentation treatment at its core, reducing the appearance of dark patches and refining the skin’s texture.

Key Ingredients:

• TCA
• Salicylic Acid
• Retinoic Acid
• Kojic Acid (a natural skin lightener)
• Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightener)

The Perfect Derma Peel lightens melasma patches and stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is an excellent standalone treatment or can be incorporated into a broader melasma skincare routine for enhanced outcomes.

Benefits:

• Fast visible results in 1–2 weeks
• Can be used on all skin types
• Improves tone, clarity, and collagen production
• Helps maintain long-term skin health

Depending on your skin's condition and sensitivity level, our aesthetic experts may recommend this peel as part of a comprehensive regimen for melasma treatment in Encinitas or Fontana.

Topical Solutions and Ongoing Skincare

We complement in-office procedures with targeted at-home skincare solutions. These topicals are essential to a personalized melasma skincare routine and are tailored to maintain and enhance treatment results.

Our Recommended Products:

• Hydroquinone Lightening Cream: A dermatologist-recommended gold standard for reducing pigmentation and dark spots.
• Retinol (Tretinoin): Encourages skin renewal, fades pigmentation, and enhances absorption of other ingredients.

Using these products under medical supervision helps suppress melanin production and prevents the recurrence of sun-induced pigmentation. We also emphasise the importance of using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. UV protection is non-negotiable in the management and prevention of melasma.

Customized Melasma Treatment Plans

Melasma is a complex condition that often requires a customized approach. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, we assess your skin type, medical history, lifestyle factors, and pigmentation depth to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

We may combine different modalities, such as BBL, chemical peels, and topicals, to maximize results. Routine follow-ups, sun protection guidance, and skincare monitoring ensure you stay on track toward achieving a radiant, even complexion.

If you’re seeking real solutions and expert care for melasma treatment, our trained aesthetic specialists are ready to help.

Melasma is a persistent condition that can be emotionally and physically frustrating. However, with the latest advancements in melasma treatment, such as BBL, VI Chemical Peel, Sciton ProFractional Laser, and medical-grade skincare products, you can access highly effective solutions. Whether you are just starting to notice dark spots or have been battling pigmentation for years, we offer personalized, state-of-the-art care tailored to your skin.

Book Your Melasma Consultation Today

If you’re ready to take the next step toward clearer, even-toned skin, our team is here to help. With convenient locations in Encinitas and Fontana, we offer comprehensive melasma treatment options in a welcoming and professional setting. Call us at (909) 281-9512 to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward radiant, confident skin.