Melasma
Symmetrical brown or greyish patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Hormone- and sun-sensitive, and characteristically relapsing.
Pigmentation and melasma treatment in Chennai
Pigmentation covers several different problems that look similar — melasma, post-inflammatory marks, sun-induced tanning and freckles — and they are managed differently. Chennai's UV levels and humidity make pigmentation both common and prone to relapse. Treatment focuses on reducing excess melanin production and protecting against recurrence, rather than changing your natural skin colour.
Which type do you have?
Identifying the type matters, because each is treated differently.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Dark marks following acne, an injury or a rash. Very common in deeper skin tones and usually settles over months.
Sun-induced tanning
Diffuse darkening on exposed areas — face, neck, forearms — that deepens with cumulative exposure.
Periorbital pigmentation
Under-eye darkness, which may be pigment, shadowing from hollows, or visible vasculature. The cause decides the treatment.
What causes it
- Ultraviolet exposure — the single largest driver in Chennai's climate
- Hormonal influences, including pregnancy and some contraceptives
- Inflammation from acne, eczema or friction
- Genetic predisposition, which is significant in Indian skin
- Irritation from harsh or unregulated lightening products
What actually helps
Daily photoprotection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied through the day. Without this, every other pigment treatment underperforms — it is not optional advice.
Topical pigment-directed therapy
Agents that reduce melanin production, prescribed and monitored, since some require cycling to remain safe and effective.
Peels and medical facials
Help clear surface pigment and improve tone. Melasma in particular needs conservative treatment; aggressive approaches often worsen it.
Maintenance
Melasma is managed rather than cured. Most patients need a long-term maintenance routine to hold the improvement.
Treatments we use for this
Common questions
Is permanent skin whitening possible?
No. No treatment permanently changes the skin colour you were born with, and anyone promising that is misleading you. What dermatology can do is reduce excess pigment — tanning, melasma, post-acne marks — so your skin returns towards its natural even tone.
Why does my melasma keep coming back?
Melasma is inherently relapsing and highly sun- and hormone-sensitive. Treatment brings it down; daily sun protection and maintenance keep it there. Stopping both is the usual reason it returns.
How long does pigmentation take to fade?
Post-acne marks typically fade over three to six months. Melasma responds more slowly and needs ongoing management. Deeper, older pigment takes longer than recent surface pigment.
Are lightening creams from the pharmacy safe?
Some unregulated creams contain steroids or mercury, which cause thinning, rebound darkening and long-term damage. Pigment treatment should be prescribed and monitored.
This page is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. Medical disclaimer · How we write our content