A Fresh Take on Treating Stubborn Melasma
A Fresh Take on Treating Stubborn Melasma
Melasma is more than a surface-level skin concern. Often triggered by sun exposure, heat, pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, or even certain medications, this chronic form of hyperpigmentation tends to appear on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. While it can affect anyone, melasma is especially common among women and those with skin types III–V, making effective and inclusive treatment strategies essential.
July marks Melasma Awareness Month, a timely reminder of just how persistent and complex this condition can be. Despite its prevalence, melasma remains one of the most challenging pigment disorders to manage. Its exact cause is still not fully understood, and its tendency to flare in response to light, heat, and inflammation means traditional treatments can sometimes do more harm than good.
Why Conventional Treatments Often Fall Short
Hydroquinone has long been used to treat melasma, but its side effects are well-documented. Irritation, dryness, and in rare cases, exogenous ochronosis have been reported with prolonged use. These risks are especially concerning for patients with deeper skin tones.
Chemical peels and older lasers add another layer of risk, often triggering inflammation that can worsen pigment. For patients prone to melasma, even mild irritation may restart the pigment cycle.
Newer systems are shifting away from this damage-based approach, working to manage melasma without provoking the skin.
A Shift Toward Gentler, More Sustainable Care
As more is discovered about the nature of melasma, the approach to treatment is evolving. Instead of relying on aggressive interventions, many providers are exploring options that prioritize skin health and barrier support.
Minimizing heat and inflammation has become a greater focus, with more emphasis on long-term pigment management rather than immediate results. This approach may be especially important for patients with deeper skin types, where the risk of post-inflammatory pigment changes can be higher.
New Technologies Reshaping the Treatment Landscape
Emerging devices are moving away from aggressive methods and instead focusing on pigment reduction through more controlled delivery. By delivering energy more selectively, these systems aim to support melasma management without triggering flare-ups.
This shift is making treatment more accessible for a broader range of skin types, especially those that haven’t responded well to older laser platforms. With less downtime and a lower risk of irritation, newer technologies are helping practices offer care that supports better tolerance and long-term use.
A New Path Forward
ADVATx® is one of the only FDA-cleared treatments for melasma, offering a non-invasive solution that reflects the evolving standards of care. With dual 589nm and 1319nm wavelengths, it allows practices to address pigment concerns without relying on overly aggressive methods.
The wavelengths also carry additional benefits, making the platform valuable not just for pigment, but for broader dermal health.
“It is a yellow laser, yellow likes red and brown,” says Ben J. Tittle, MD, medical director of Plastic Surgery of Texas. “The 1319 nm wavelength and its affinity for water are harnessed for inducing neocollagenesis.”
As melasma often requires ongoing management, ADVATx® integrates well into maintenance plans that promote steady results and long-term value. For practices, that opens the door to consistent ROI through repeatable, patient-friendly protocols that support a more sustainable rhythm of care.