Melasma Treatment Options Adelaide — A Practical Guide

Melasma is usually managed rather than cured. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection (often a tinted sunscreen), skincare and medical treatments your GP or dermatologist may discuss form the foundation, sometimes with cautious light peels. Laser and IPL are used conservatively, if at all, because they can make melasma worse. Results vary and flares are common.

Melasma — patchy, often symmetrical pigmentation on the face that’s strongly linked to hormones and UV exposure — is one of the more difficult pigmentation conditions to manage. There’s no single fix; management usually involves several approaches used consistently over time.

What melasma is

Melasma typically presents as:

• Patchy brown or grey-brown pigmentation
• On the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jawline most commonly
• Often symmetrical across the face
• Triggered or worsened by hormones (pregnancy, the contraceptive pill, HRT) and UV exposure
• More common in medium to darker skin types

Because other conditions can look similar, a diagnosis from your GP or a dermatologist is a sensible first step.

What can worsen melasma

It helps to know what to avoid before considering treatment:

• UV and visible light — even small amounts can darken melasma quickly
• Heat — saunas, intense exercise and very hot showers can make it more noticeable for some people
• Aggressive single treatments — high-energy laser, deep peels or any intense one-off treatment can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation that makes things look worse
• Inconsistent treatment — stopping and starting often leads to rebound

Approaches commonly used

Management usually combines several low-intensity approaches over a long period.

1. Skincare and medical treatment (foundation)

• Medical treatments your GP or dermatologist may discuss — some options for melasma are prescription-only and need a medical assessment
• Supportive skincare — such as vitamin C and niacinamide

2. Sun protection (essential)

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, reapplied
• Tinted sunscreen with iron oxides — visible light can contribute to melasma, and tinted formulations help block it
• A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Limiting time in the sun in the middle of the day

3. Light peels (with caution)

• Mandelic acid peels are often chosen for medium to darker skin types
• Glycolic peels at lower strengths are sometimes used for lighter skin types
• A series of light peels spaced weeks apart, rather than a single deep peel

4. Laser and IPL (cautiously, if at all)

• Low-energy laser — some people respond, others don’t; evidence is still developing
• IPL — can lighten surface pigmentation but carries a real risk of triggering a flare
• High-energy or fractional laser — generally not recommended for melasma because it can worsen it

Many practitioners try sun protection, skincare and light peels for several months before considering laser — and if laser is used, it’s at conservative settings.

Realistic expectations

Melasma management is:

• Long-term, not a one-off fix
• Aimed at improvement and control rather than clearance
• Prone to rebound, especially in summer
• Dependent on year-round sun protection

Your practitioner should give you an honest view of what’s realistic for your skin.

Adelaide-specific factors

Adelaide’s UV makes melasma management harder:

• UV is high to extreme for much of spring, summer and early autumn
• Cloudy days still carry meaningful UV
• Short outdoor exposures add up (commuting, errands)
• Starting intensive treatment just before summer increases the risk of rebound

Many Adelaide practitioners schedule active melasma treatment for the cooler months (May–August), then focus on maintenance and sun protection through summer.

Pregnancy-associated melasma

Melasma that appears during pregnancy often fades gradually after birth but may not resolve completely. Many treatments are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so talk to your GP or obstetric care provider before starting anything. Strict sun protection during pregnancy helps.

Risks and suitability

Peels, laser and IPL can cause redness, irritation, pigment change (including worsening of melasma), and rarely burns or scarring. Some skincare and medical treatments cause irritation or aren’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Recovery varies; your practitioner will explain what to expect.

Before you book

• If the person treating you is a registered health practitioner, check their registration on the Ahpra public register and ask what type of registration they hold.
• Ask about all your options, including medical management, skincare and doing nothing.
• Ask for the full cost, including any course of sessions, in writing.
• Take time to think — you don’t need to decide on the day.
• Cosmetic consultations are for adults (18+).

Request a consultation

Tell us what you’d like to discuss and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Requesting a consultation is free and there’s no obligation; any consultation fee is confirmed before you book.

Request a consultation

See also: chemical peels, IPL and pigmentation, Skin & Laser Treatments, chemical peel types.

Frequently asked questions

Can melasma be cured?

Melasma is usually considered a long-term condition that can be managed rather than cured. It often improves with consistent sun protection and treatment, but it can return, particularly with sun exposure or hormonal change.

Is laser good for melasma?

Laser and IPL are used cautiously, if at all, for melasma, because heat and light can trigger a flare. High-energy and fractional lasers are generally not recommended. Many practitioners start with sun protection, skincare and light peels.

What sunscreen is best for melasma?

A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen applied daily and reapplied is the foundation. Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides also help block visible light, which can contribute to melasma.

Should I see a dermatologist for melasma?

If pigmentation is new, changing or you're unsure what it is, see your GP or a dermatologist first. Some melasma treatments need a medical assessment, and other pigment conditions can look similar.