Physician-Supervised · Skin of Color
Melasma Treatment Calibrated for Skin of Color
Melasma is a common pattern of brown or gray-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, driven by a mix of hormones, sun exposure, and genetics. It is especially common in melanin-rich skin and tends to be stubborn and prone to recurrence — which is why it is best understood as a condition to manage carefully over time rather than something to attack aggressively.
Request a ConsultationOpening June 26, 2026
Understanding the Condition
Melasma Treatment Calibrated for Skin of Color
Melasma is a common pattern of brown or gray-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, driven by a mix of hormones, sun exposure, and genetics. It is especially common in melanin-rich skin and tends to be stubborn and prone to recurrence — which is why it is best understood as a condition to manage carefully over time rather than something to attack aggressively.
This page is for patients with deeper skin tones living with melasma who want a careful, realistic plan. If previous laser or strong peel treatments made your melasma flare or darken, a conservative, physician-supervised approach is likely a safer path.
Our Approach
How We Treat It — Carefully, for Skin of Color
Our approach to melasma in skin of color is deliberately gentle. We focus on rigorous sun protection, supportive topicals, and lower-intensity options chosen to avoid the heat and trauma that can worsen melasma in Fitzpatrick III–VI skin. Aggressive lasers are generally avoided in deeper skin because they can trigger rebound pigmentation. Melasma is managed, not cured — our goal is to lighten and stabilize it while reducing flares, with ongoing maintenance.
Calibrated Options
Treatments We May Consider
Every plan is matched to your skin during a physician-supervised consultation. Some options are used cautiously, or not at all, for Fitzpatrick III–VI skin.
Peels & Skincare
Sun protection & topical management
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and a targeted topical routine are the foundation of melasma care and the most reliable way to reduce flares in melanin-rich skin. Learn more
Peels & Skincare
Gentle, calibrated peels
Carefully selected lower-strength peels may help even tone in some patients, used cautiously and spaced to avoid provoking pigment in darker skin. Learn more
Common Questions
Questions, Answered
Why is melasma common in skin of color?
More active melanocytes mean melanin-rich skin produces pigment readily in response to hormones and sun. That same responsiveness makes melasma both more common and more persistent in Fitzpatrick III–VI skin, so careful management matters.
Is laser safe for melasma on dark skin?
Lasers carry real risk for melasma in darker skin — heat and energy can trigger rebound pigmentation and worsen the condition. For Fitzpatrick III–VI skin we generally avoid aggressive lasers and favor sun protection, topicals, and gentle calibrated options under physician supervision.
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is managed rather than cured. With consistent sun protection, supportive care, and gentle treatment it can often be lightened and stabilized, but it tends to recur, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes. We set expectations honestly and plan for ongoing maintenance.
What aftercare reduces recurrence?
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective habits, a gentle barrier-supporting routine, and avoiding harsh or heat-based treatments all help reduce flares. Consistency is the single biggest factor in keeping melasma stable in melanin-rich skin.
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Tell us what you're curious about and our team will reach out, usually the same day.
Prefer to text? Text us at (571) 376-9991
Not sure which approach fits your skin?
The safest first step for melanin-rich skin is a physician-supervised consultation. We will tell you honestly what may help — and what to avoid. Kintsu Medical Aesthetics opens June 26, 2026 in Manassas Park, VA.
Last updated: June 2026