Melasma is a long-term, hormone- and light-sensitive pigment condition. At IN Eternity Clinic it is confirmed first, then managed with medical care, sun and heat control and conservative laser where it helps.
WhatsApp to Enquire →Key facts ↓Sun spots are sharply edged and sit where sun has hit for years. Melasma tends to form broader, symmetrical patches that darken with sun, heat and hormonal change such as pregnancy or the contraceptive pill. In Asian skin it often coexists with Hori’s naevus, which sits deeper and needs a different laser approach.
Dr Sin Yong examines the pattern, may use magnification, and takes standard photographs. Getting the label right matters, because the treatment that clears a sun spot can worsen melasma.
The base of every plan is protection from UV and visible light with a tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat and shade, plus topical agents chosen for your skin. Oral tranexamic acid has published evidence in melasma and may be considered after a medical review of clotting risk.
Where laser is added, it is low-energy and spaced out, such as laser toning. The aim is gradual lightening without provoking rebound pigment.
“Melasma rewards patience and punishes force. The fastest-looking laser plan is usually the one that makes it darker.”
Heat itself stimulates pigment cells in melasma-prone skin. Hot yoga, saunas, cooking over heat and aggressive heat-based treatments can all undo progress. That is also why turning up laser energy to speed things up tends to backfire.
It is usually managed rather than cured. Patches can lighten considerably with a good plan, but they can return with sun, heat or hormonal changes, so maintenance matters.
Only as a supportive, conservative step. Strong heat-based treatment can worsen melasma, so medical care and sun protection come first.
A medicine that has published evidence for reducing melasma pigment. It is prescription-only and is considered only after a review of your medical history, including clotting risk.
Both UV and heat stimulate pigment cells in melasma-prone skin. Visible light from the sun also contributes, which is why tinted sunscreen helps.
Many treatments are avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Gentle skincare and sun protection are usually the focus until afterwards.
Change is gradual over months and varies between people. Progress is reviewed with standard photographs.
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008.
These sources describe mechanisms and general evidence. They are not a promise of any individual result; suitability is decided at an in-person assessment.