Cosmetic Dermatology · Condition guide
Melasma
Also known as: pregnancy mask, chloasma
Symmetrical brown patches on the face, common in pregnancy, treatable with patience.
The short version
Melasma causes soft, symmetrical brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, commonly in pregnancy or with hormonal contraception.
It sits deeper in the skin than it looks, which is why harsh fade creams often burn or worsen it. A dermatologist-led plan works slowly and safely.
What it can look and feel like
- Brown or grey-brown facial patches
- Appears on both sides, symmetrically
- Darkens after sun exposure
- Often starts in pregnancy or with the pill
Why it happens
- Hormones, pregnancy, contraceptives
- Sun and visible light
- Genetics, commoner in deeper skin
- Heat exposure
How we treat it
- Supervised prescription creams
- Pigment-inhibiting topicals
- Peels designed for darker skin
- Strict daily SPF 50
Every plan starts with a proper diagnosis, your treatment is chosen for your skin, your history and your lifestyle. See our in-clinic treatments →
Related reading
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