Among the many things that keep us from enjoying clear, radiant skin is melasma: a stubborn condition that shows up as patchy, dark spots, mostly on the face. While harmless, these brown or grayish patches can be frustrating and hard to cover, especially when they seem to come back, no matter what we do. At Ariel Ostad, MD, we help people understand why melasma appears, how we can treat it effectively, and which habits can help you keep your skin as even-toned as possible for the long term.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma is one of the most common types of hyperpigmentation, but it can be surprisingly complex. While anyone can get melasma, it’s more likely to appear in women and people with darker skin tones. Hormones are one of the biggest triggers, so pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapies can all play a role in pigmentation issues. This is why melasma is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.”

Other common triggers include:

• Sun exposure – UV rays stimulate excess pigment production, making melasma patches darker and more noticeable.
  
• Genetics – If close family members have melasma, you’re more likely to see it too.
  
• Skin irritation – Harsh products or certain procedures can sometimes make melasma worse instead of better.

The good news is that we can help you identify what’s making your melasma flare up so that we can target it with the right plan.

Effective Melasma Treatment Options

We believe that every melasma treatment plan should be as unique as your skin. At Ariel Ostad MD, we offer several hyperpigmentation solutions designed to fade stubborn dark spots safely and gently.

• Topical Treatments: Prescription-strength creams with ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or antioxidants can gradually lighten melasma patches over time. Tranexamic acid and arbutin are also popular skincare ingredients known for treating hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Tranexamic acid targets dark spots by reducing inflammation and preventing new discoloration from developing. Arbutin helps brighten the skin by blocking melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark patches. When used together, these ingredients can effectively promote a clearer, more radiant complexion.
  
• Medical-Grade Products: Products like Dr. Ariel Ostad’s LUMA Cream and Koji Pads can help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage and hyperpigmentation. These products encourage cell turnover to produce healthy, glowing skin. 
• Chemical Peels: Professional peels can exfoliate the top layer of skin and help break up excess pigment, revealing clearer skin underneath.

• Laser Therapy: For some people, carefully selected laser treatments, like Picoway and Fraxel Dual and Restore, can target deeper pigment while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. The Picoway laser uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to break up pigment beneath the skin with minimal heat, making it a gentler option for treating melasma with reduced risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Fraxel Dual and Restore, on the other hand, is a fractional laser that resurfaces the skin by creating microscopic channels, stimulating collagen production, and encouraging the turnover of pigmented cells. Both options can improve skin tone and clarity, though the best choice depends on skin type, severity of melasma, and individual goals. Our team at Dr. Ostad’s office always assesses whether laser is the right choice for your skin tone and melasma type.

Combining multiple skin discoloration remedies often produces the best results, but it’s just as important to maintain them with the right daily habits.

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

Melasma can be persistent, but good skin habits go a long way in preventing new dark spots from forming. Here’s what we remind all our patients:

• Sun protection is essential – Sunscreen isn’t optional. Use broad-spectrum SPF daily, even when it’s cloudy. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also help protect your face.
  
• Gentle skincare only – Harsh scrubs or aggressive treatments can irritate skin and make melasma worse. We’ll help you create a customized skincare regimen with gentle products that support your treatment plan.
  
• Stay consistent – Even after your melasma fades, ongoing care helps prevent it from coming back. Think of it as maintenance for your skin’s long-term glow.

Your Personalized Melasma Plan

We understand that living with melasma can feel discouraging, especially when over-the-counter fixes just don’t seem to help. That’s why we take time during your visit to fully evaluate your skin, identify your triggers, and recommend the best melasma treatment for you. Our team at Ariel Ostad MD believes that clear, healthy-looking skin is possible with the right blend of in-office care and at-home support.

If you’re ready to take control of melasma and enjoy a brighter, more even complexion, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Say goodbye to stubborn dark patches and hello to proven hyperpigmentation solutions and skin discoloration Remedies that work for your unique skin. Call us at 212‑517‑7900, or reach out through our online contact form to book your personalized consultation. Let’s help you reveal clearer, more confident skin together!