Melasma
Melasma is a complex and persistent skin condition, often appearing as dark patches on the face, especially areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
While it cannot be completely cured, Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology offers highly effective, innovative treatments designed to address underlying causes, lighten pigmentation, and prevent recurrence, helping patients manage melasma effectively.
Fast, pain free results
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation where melanin-producing cells become overactive, resulting in dark, uneven patches on the skin. This condition often worsens with sun exposure and is more common among people with darker skin tones due to a higher concentration of melanin.
Sun exposure, genetic predispositions, and hormonal changes are known to trigger melasma. Since the condition can recur even after treatment, a comprehensive approach that includes sun protection, targeted treatments, and ongoing maintenance is crucial for long-term management.
How We Treat Melasma at Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology
Following extensive observership Dr Yoo had at World’s leading pigment clinic in USA, Singapore and Korea, we developed our unique melasma treatment programme. Our melasma treatments are tailored to target pigmentation at different skin depths, combining advanced laser therapies, brightening care, and skin-rejuvenating treatments. Each treatment approach is customised to the needs of the patient's skin type and pigmentation. It provides both immediate improvements and long-term results.
Medical Treatments
Evidence-based medical treatments such as bespoke compounding cream containing hydroquinone and retinoid or oral medication such as tranexamic acid can be prescribed following assessment of your general health and skin.
Melasma Laser Treatments
At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we use advanced laser devices to treat melasma, targeting pigmentation precisely while also enhancing collagen production for long-term skin health. Each laser treatment is selected based on the patient's unique skin type and melasma characteristics, providing effective results with minimal downtime.
Hollywood Spectra & Revlite SI
The Hollywood Spectra & Revlite SI are premium Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, widely regarded as the gold standard in laser therapy for melasma. This laser treatment works by targeting pigment-producing cells, breaking down larger clusters of melanin into smaller particles that the body naturally removes. They also stimulate collagen, improving skin texture and tone over time. Known for its safety across all skin types, it provides lasting results with minimal discomfort.
Clarity II
Clarity II is a dual-wavelength laser therapy device combining Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths, allowing it to precisely address different pigmentation layers. The Alexandrite wavelength targets superficial pigmentation, while the Nd:YAG penetrates deeper to treat persistent pigmentation. This dual approach makes Clarity II a powerful option for melasma and safe for a range of skin types. The laser treatment helps break down pigment particles without harming the surrounding skin, leading to clearer, more even-toned results.
Sylfirm X & Potenza
Sylfirm X & Potenza combine radiofrequency (RF) energy with microneedling, to reach deeper layers of the skin for treating complex pigmentation issues like melasma. This laser treatment stimulates natural collagen and elastin production, making it particularly effective for melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation. It promotes the skin's natural healing response and reduces pigmentation while enhancing skin firmness and resilience.
Excel V+
Excel V+ is a unique dual-wavelength laser therapy option for treating various skin concerns, including melasma, redness, and fine lines. With 532nm and 1064nm wavelengths, Excel V+ can address both superficial and deeper pigmentation, offering a multi-layered approach to melasma. This laser treatment is a safe option for all skin types and provides significant improvements in pigmentation and skin clarity with minimal recovery time.
Brightening/Vitamin Care
Our brightening programme uses vitamin-rich care to lighten pigmentation and improve skin tone. We enhance the skin's brightness and overall health by delivering potent skin-lightening agents, such as vitamins A, C, and E, deep into the skin through iontophoresis and sonophoresis.
Skinboosters
To improve skin environment in dermis layer, we offer skinboosters, which involve delivery of nutrients/polynucleotides/exosomes into the skin. These boosters support skin health, helping prevent the recurrence of pigmentation by strengthening the skin barrier.
Dr Jinah Yoo Glass Skin Laser Toning
Our toning protocol uses low-energy laser treatments specifically designed to deal with complex pigmentation issues, including melasma. This toning process has been developed in Korea over a decade ago and not only helps with deep pigmentation but also improves overall skin texture, brightness, and firmness with minimal downtime, creating Korean glass skin.
Why Our Melasma Treatments Are Special
Expert-Driven Techniques
Our treatments are developed through years of experience in laser dermatology, ensuring each procedure is effective, safe, and tailored to individual needs.
Advanced Laser Technology
We use cutting-edge devices to target melanin production safely, especially for patients with darker skin tones.
Minimal Downtime & Painless Option
With our innovative toning techniques and gentle vitamin infusions, patients can achieve the results they desire with minimal downtime and discomfort.
Holistic, Long-Term Care
We emphasise a preventive approach, combining our treatments with sun protection guidance and post-treatment care to maintain and prolong results.
Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on the skin type and pigmentation of each patient every melasma treatment (UK) at Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology is customised. This customisation allows each patient to experience optimal results and feel fully satisfied with the treatment.
Results: Before & Afters
Rated 5 star by hundred’s of people across the UK, USA and Korea...
The staff was welcoming, and the therapist was knowledgeable and attentive. The clinic is clean and modern, and I am very pleased with my treatment results. Highly recommend!
I had a great experience here at Dr Jinah Yoo! I had the ‘brightening’ treatment after having too much sunburn on my summer vacation, and it really helped. The process was very enjoyable thanks to the skillful and gentle practitioner. I will come back in the future if I have any needs for skin improvements!
A perfect experience! I had the Dermal Tightening Programme which is for lift up. The therapist is very professional and the environment is also very helpful for relaxing. Nice location as well.
Absolutely love the place. Had some moles removed from my face by Dr Yoo. A week later there is not the slightest indication that there was ever even anything there. Results are incredible.
Our melasma treatments are recommended for individuals who:
- Have melasma or other forms of hyperpigmentation, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or sun-induced pigmentation.
- Seek effective treatment options for persistent dark patches, especially in areas frequently exposed to sunlight.
- Have tried topical treatments or skin lightening creams with suboptimal results.
- Prefer non-surgical treatments with minimal downtime for smoother, more even-toned skin.
- Customised solutions are required to address pigmentation in different layers of the skin, including deeper and superficial pigmentation.
- Our customised approach ensures that each patient receives the most effective treatment plan for their unique skin type and pigmentation concerns.
Based in Mayfair, London
Pioneered by Dr. Jinah Yoo
Dr Jinah Yoo is a Korean UK-trained consultant dermatologist who is the founder and medical director of Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology.
Dr Yoo has completed intensive dermatology training and developed special interest in cosmetic dermatology, hyperpigmentary disorders and skin lymphoma. She has completed two Master’s degrees in addition to her medical training and has been awarded Distinction in MSc (Skin Medical and Procedural Dermatology) at the University of Manchester. Spending the final year of her MSc doing her projects on facial hyperpigmentation equipped her with scientific knowledge on aetiology and evidence-based approach in the management of hyperpigmentation.
She attended numerous observerships at the World’s leading pigment/cosmetic dermatology clinics in USA, Singapore and South Korea and established the first NHS-based hyperpigmentation service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2018.
She has been elected to Royal College of Physician fellowship (FRCP) for her ongoing contribution to the advances in dermatology specialty. She is actively involved in education and research and her works are regularly presented at national/international conferences and published in peer-review journals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Melasma FAQ’s
What causes melasma, and why is it so challenging to treat?
Melasma is caused by an overactivity of pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes, that produce excess melanin in the skin. Several factors are responsible for causing this condition, including elongated exposure to the sun, frequent hormonal changes, and certain medications. Since melasma can be deeply rooted in the skin, it often requires targeted treatments and ongoing care to manage effectively. Melasma has a higher probability of recurring, so consistent sun protection and maintenance treatments are essential.
Can melasma be effectively treated on darker skin types?
Yes, melasma can be treated on darker skin types. However, it requires careful consideration, as darker skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation and requires tailored gentle treatments. At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, our laser technology is designed to safely treat melasma in patients with darker skin types while minimising the risk of further pigmentation issues.
Why is sun protection essential for skin affected by melasma?
Sun protection is crucial for skin affected by melasma, as UV exposure can stimulate pigment-producing cells, worsening melasma and causing dark patches to reappear. We advise using high SPF sunscreens, UV-protective sunglasses, and other protective measures daily, even when indoors, to prevent flare-ups and maintain treatment results.
Are there non-laser options for treating melasma?
Yes, non-laser options for treating melasma are available and may include skin-lightening agents, topical treatments, and brightening care with vitamins. Treatments like medical therapies or our Brightening/Vitamin Care programme deliver essential vitamins, such as A, C, and E, directly into the skin, helping to improve skin tone and reduce pigmentation naturally.
How long does it take to see results from melasma treatments?
Results from melasma treatments vary depending on the type of treatment and individual skin response. Most patients see improvements in skin tone and pigmentation after a few sessions, with optimal results achieved over several months of consistent treatment. Maintenance sessions and daily sun protection are recommended to prolong results.
Can melasma treatments prevent pigmentation from returning?
While melasma treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation, it is a chronic condition and may reoccur due to triggers like hormonal changes or sun exposure. Regular maintenance treatments and strict sun protection as well as bespoke skincare plan can significantly help in managing melasma and keeping pigmentation at bay.
Why is daily sun protection so important for managing melasma?
Sun exposure can significantly impact the recurrence of melasma, especially without regular sun protection, skin affected by pigmentation issues is more susceptible to darkening and damage. By prioritising sun protection, you not only help maintain treatment results but also reduce the risk of skin cancer, which is associated with long-term UV exposure.