Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches to develop on the face, most often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. While melasma is harmless, it can be frustrating because it often returns after sun exposure or hormonal changes. At NAWI Wellness in Naples, FL, we offer advanced laser treatments and personalized skin rejuvenation plans designed to reduce pigmentation, improve skin tone, and help you maintain clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Melasma is often associated with the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking oral contraceptives, and women using hormone replacement therapy.
Loosely translated, melasma means “black spot.” If you have melasma you’re probably experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots.
Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back.
This skin condition typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. This occurs because your skin reacts to the extra sunlight that you may receive in the summer.
NAWI Naples can treat Melasma with either Laser Genesis or the MOXI Laser. Click below to learn more about these treatments. Better yet, schedule your no-obligation consultation to better understand your treatment options at NAWI Naples.
Your skin is made up of three layers. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and that’s why your skin darkens.
NAWI Naples can treat Melasma with either Laser Genesis or the MOXI Laser. Click below to learn more about these treatments. Better yet, schedule your no-obligation consultation to better understand your treatment options at NAWI Naples.
MOXI® and Laser Genesis complement one another by addressing different aspects of melasma and overall skin health.
MOXI® uses gentle fractional laser technology to improve pigmentation, encourage healthy skin renewal, and create a brighter, more even complexion with minimal downtime.
Laser Genesis works beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin quality, helping support a healthier environment for long-term skin rejuvenation. Depending on the severity of your melasma, skin type, and treatment goals, our experienced providers may recommend one treatment or a customized combination of both to achieve the best possible results while minimizing irritation and promoting healthier-looking skin.
Don’t be self-conscious about your Melasma!! Call NAWI today at 239-202-0441 or Click here to schedule your no-obligation consultation to learn more about your condition and the available treatments at NAWI Wellness Center.
Melasma is not cancerous, it is not a sign of cancer, nor is it a skin condition that “turns into” cancer. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so it’s important to see your doctor on a regular basis.
There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. A Wood’s lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. The three types are:
Epidermal: Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a well-defined border, appears obvious under black light and sometimes responds well to treatment.
Dermal: Dermal melasma has a light brown or bluish color, a blurry border, appears no differently under black light and doesn’t respond well to treatment.
Mixed melasma: Mixed melasma, which is the most common of the three, has both bluish and brown patches, shows a mixed pattern under black light and shows some response to treatment.
Yes, using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily helps prevent melasma from getting worse. Sun protection is key to managing this condition.
Some treatments are not advised during pregnancy. NAWI will recommend safe options based on your condition and stage.
Melasma can come back, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes. Regular maintenance and protection help control it.
Yes, men can also develop melasma, though it is less common. NAWI treats melasma in both men and women.
Results may appear within a few weeks, but full improvement can take a few months. Consistent care speeds up progress.
