Understanding Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of brown or gray-brown patches, primarily on sun-exposed areas of the face. These discolorations most frequently develop on the:
Cheeks
Forehead
Bridge of the nose
Upper lip
In some cases, melasma may also appear on the neck and forearms, although this is less common.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma can be triggered or worsened by a variety of internal and external factors, including:
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Prolonged sun exposure is a major contributor to melasma, as UV rays stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells).
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are known to influence melasma development due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone.
Thyroid dysfunction: Some studies suggest a link between melasma and abnormal thyroid function.
Certain medications and cosmetics: Products or drugs that make the skin more sensitive to light can trigger or worsen melasma.
Melasma Treatment by Dermatologist in Palakkad
If you’re struggling with persistent skin discoloration, melasma treatment by a dermatologist in Palakkad offers a comprehensive and personalized approach. Board-certified dermatologists in Palakkad begin by identifying potential triggers and evaluating your skin type. Treatment strategies may include:
Topical agents such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, or other lightening agents
Chemical peels to exfoliate and reduce pigmentation
Laser and light therapies, using advanced dermatologic technology to target melanin safely
Sun protection counseling, including the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens and protective clothing
Lifestyle and hormonal evaluation, especially in women
Early intervention and consistent care are essential for managing melasma effectively. Seeking melasma treatment by a dermatologist in Palakkad ensures you receive expert guidance and access to the latest skin care advancements tailored to your individual needs.
Why Choose a Dermatologist for Melasma Treatment?
Treating melasma effectively goes far beyond simply trying to lighten the skin. It requires expert knowledge, accurate diagnosis, and a deep understanding of how various internal and external factors contribute to pigmentation disorders.
While over-the-counter creams and home remedies are widely available, they often fall short—or worse, aggravate the condition by causing increased sensitivity or rebound pigmentation. That’s why seeking melasma treatment by a dermatologist in Palakkad is essential for safe and effective results.
A qualified dermatologist, such as Dr. Arathy, brings a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to managing melasma. Here’s what you can expect:
Accurate Diagnosis
Not all pigmentation is melasma. A dermatologist can differentiate melasma from other similar conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, lichen planus pigmentosus, or drug-induced pigmentation.Identification of Triggers
Understanding what worsens your melasma is crucial. Whether it’s sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic products, or medications, identifying and eliminating aggravating factors is the foundation of effective treatment.Customized Skincare and Prescription Regimen
Your dermatologist will tailor a treatment plan to your skin type, severity of melasma, and lifestyle. This may include prescription-strength topical agents, antioxidant serums, and strict photoprotection.Advanced Medical-Grade Treatments
When appropriate, treatments may include:Chemical peels to exfoliate pigmented skin layers
Laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL), administered with caution
Oral therapies such as tranexamic acid for resistant cases
Maintenance plans to prevent recurrence
Choosing melasma treatment by a dermatologist in Palakkad ensures that your skin is evaluated and managed with the highest standards of medical care, using the latest technology and treatment protocols.
Chemical Peels for Melasma
Chemical peels are a proven and effective part of melasma management, especially when tailored to the patient’s skin type and pigmentation pattern. Superficial peels gently exfoliate the outer layers of pigmented skin, stimulate cellular turnover, and encourage the regeneration of healthier, more even-toned skin.
At Revive Clinic, our melasma treatment by dermatologist in Palakkad includes carefully selected, medical-grade peels performed in a controlled clinical setting to ensure optimal safety and efficacy.
Our customized peel options include:
Mandelic Acid Peels
A mild alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from almonds, ideal for patients with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It offers gentle exfoliation with minimal irritation.Glycolic Acid Peels
Known for its ability to penetrate deeper skin layers, glycolic acid helps lift stubborn pigmentation and improves overall skin clarity and texture.Kojic Acid Combinations
These peels combine depigmenting agents like kojic acid, which inhibit melanin production, with other actives for enhanced brightening and fading of discoloration.
All peels at Revive Clinic are administered under expert supervision, with strict protocols in place to minimize side effects and support skin healing.
As part of our comprehensive melasma treatment by a dermatologist in Palakkad, maintenance chemical peels are often recommended to reduce the risk of relapse and maintain long-term skin clarity.
Laser Therapy for Resistant Melasma
While many patients respond well to topical treatments and chemical peels, some cases of melasma—especially those that are deep or recurrent—require advanced intervention. For such resistant melasma, Dr. Arathy offers Q-switched Nd:YAG laser therapy at Revive Clinic, providing a safe and targeted approach to pigmentation reduction.
This FDA-approved laser technology is:
Non-invasive – No incisions or skin damage
Minimal downtime – Quick recovery, allowing patients to resume normal activities soon after
Melanin-specific – Precisely targets pigmented cells without affecting surrounding tissue
Clinically proven – Supported by studies for its efficacy in managing dermal and mixed-type melasma
Each session is performed exclusively by the dermatologist, ensuring expert control over laser parameters and patient safety. Post-treatment care is carefully monitored to support skin recovery and minimize side effects such as rebound pigmentation.
As part of our holistic melasma treatment by dermatologist in Palakkad, laser therapy is used judiciously—often in combination with topical agents, sun protection, and maintenance regimens—to ensure long-term results and reduced recurrence.
Nutrition and Lifestyle for Melasma
At Revive Clinic, we believe that treating melasma effectively requires more than just topical or procedural care. A holistic, inside-out approach plays a vital role in managing pigmentation and preventing recurrence. That’s why nutrition and lifestyle modification form an integral part of our comprehensive melasma treatment by dermatologist in Palakkad.
Key lifestyle recommendations include:
Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Consuming foods high in antioxidants helps combat oxidative stress—a known contributor to pigmentation. We recommend including:Tomatoes (rich in lycopene)
Berries (high in flavonoids and vitamin C)
Green tea (contains polyphenols that reduce inflammation and melanin production)
Hydration
Drinking at least 2.5 liters of water daily supports skin detoxification, enhances elasticity, and improves overall skin health.Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
Products with alcohol, fragrance, or strong acids can irritate the skin and worsen pigmentation. We guide our patients in selecting gentle, non-comedogenic, and dermatologically approved products.Stress Management
Chronic stress can aggravate melasma via hormonal pathways. We encourage practices such as:Yoga and meditation
Mindfulness techniques
Consistent sleep routines (7–8 hours nightly)
As part of our melasma treatment by dermatologist in Palakkad, we offer nutritional counseling and lifestyle guidance tailored to each patient’s needs. This integrative care model not only improves treatment outcomes but also helps maintain clearer skin over the long term.
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches on the face, especially the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It can also appear on other sun-exposed areas like the neck and arms.
Melasma is triggered by multiple factors including sun exposure, hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control use), thyroid dysfunction, genetics, and certain medications or cosmetics.
A dermatologist can typically diagnose melasma through a physical exam. In some cases, a Wood’s lamp or dermatoscope may be used to determine the depth of pigmentation.
At Revive Clinic, melasma treatment may include:
Topical prescription creams
Chemical peels
Q-switched Nd:YAG laser therapy
Oral medications (if needed)
Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
Yes, when performed by a trained dermatologist using proper protocols. At Revive Clinic, laser therapy is customized for each skin type and is conducted under expert supervision for safety and effectiveness
Yes, melasma can recur, especially with sun exposure or hormonal triggers. Maintenance treatments, sun protection, and lifestyle modifications help reduce recurrence risk.
Results vary depending on the severity of melasma and chosen treatment. Most patients begin to notice improvement within 4–8 weeks, with continued progress over several months.
