Melasma is one of the most common pigmentation concerns seen in dermatology and aesthetic practices. It appears as symmetrical brown or grayish patches, usually on the face, and while it’s harmless physically, its impact on self-confidence can be significant. Before deciding on the best treatments for melasma—whether that’s a medical-grade skincare regimen, chemical peels, or advanced laser melasma treatment—it’s essential to understand what’s causing it in the first place.
At Avanti Medical Center, we specialize in melasma treatment with a combination of targeted therapies, including gentle melasma light therapy and other non-invasive melasma treatment options. But we always start with a deep dive into why it’s happening. This helps create a personalized plan that treats the root melasma causes and solutions while improving skin tone and preventing recurrence.
Melasma doesn’t have just one trigger—it’s often the result of several overlapping factors. Here are the most frequent causes we see in patients:
Hormones are one of the biggest drivers of melasma, which is why the condition is more common in women. Estrogen and progesterone can stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce more melanin.
When hormones are the main factor, melasma may improve once levels stabilize, but in some cases, it lingers without melasma treatment.
Ultraviolet (UV) light—both from the sun and tanning beds—stimulates melanin production, making pigmentation darker and more persistent.
This is why high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable for anyone undergoing melasma treatment in Lehi, UT, or elsewhere.
If your parents or grandparents had melasma or other pigment conditions, your chances of developing it are higher. Medium to darker skin tones are more prone because melanocytes are naturally more active. This genetic tendency can mean more aggressive or ongoing maintenance treatments are needed.
Certain medications, like anti-seizure drugs, and medical conditions, like thyroid disease, can trigger melasma. Even skin irritation from harsh skincare products or procedures can inflame melanocytes and cause pigment overproduction.
While UV light is the main environmental factor, other triggers can worsen melasma:
These factors often work together, which is why managing melasma usually involves a comprehensive approach rather than a single melasma treatment.
Because melasma is chronic and easily reactivated, the best treatments for melasma combine prevention, pigmentation control, and maintenance. At Avanti Medical Center, we often take a layered approach.
The first step in melasma treatment is minimizing factors that worsen pigmentation:
Prescription and medical-grade skincare products are often the foundation of melasma treatment:
These products offer significant benefits of melasma treatment, but work best under the guidance of a medical professional to avoid irritation, which can darken pigment.
Chemical peels, such as glycolic or salicylic acid peels, exfoliate the top layers of skin and help break up pigment clusters.
Laser melasma treatment can be highly effective for stubborn pigmentation when performed with the right settings and technology. However, it must be done with care—overly aggressive treatments can worsen pigmentation.
We often recommend:
Because melasma is sensitive, we avoid high-heat, high-intensity, or IPL treatments that can cause flare-ups.
Melasma is prone to recurrence, so ongoing care is key. After initial improvement:
At Avanti Medical Center, we track your progress closely, adjusting your non-invasive melasma treatment as needed to maintain your results year-round.
No two cases of melasma are the same. Some are hormone-driven, others are triggered by years of sun exposure, and many are a combination of factors. What works for one patient may not work for another—and in some cases, using the wrong treatment can make pigmentation worse.
That’s why we always start with a consultation, assessing your skin type, triggers, and lifestyle before creating your plan. For some, we might begin with gentle topicals and peels, then gradually add laser melasma treatment. For others, especially those with a strong genetic tendency, ongoing maintenance is the main focus from the start.
When melasma is treated with carefully selected laser technology:
Our approach minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is especially important for patients with medium to darker skin tones.
While melasma can be stubborn, it’s far from untreatable. By understanding the melasma causes and solutions—hormones, sun exposure, genetics, medications, and environmental triggers—we can create a melasma treatment plan that not only fades pigmentation but also keeps it from coming back.
At Avanti Medical Center, we believe in science-backed, personalized care. Our gentle non-invasive melasma treatment protocols, medical-grade skincare, and patient education combine to deliver results that last—without compromising your skin’s health.
Ready to restore your confidence? Book your treatment now. Find out if our melasma treatment in Lehi, UT—including advanced laser melasma treatment—is right for you.
