ENRICH Clinic has moved to 8- 10 Howitt Street, South Yarra as of Jan 2025 – Read More Here
Melasma is a common skin condition that affects thousands of Australians, particularly women. At ENRICH Clinic in Melbourne, we take a personalised and multi-faceted approach to managing this often stubborn form of pigmentation. Whether you’re wondering what is melasma, how to get rid of melasma, or how to treat melasma on the face naturally, this guide will give you some of the answers.
Melasma is a chronic skin condition characterised by brown or grey-brown patches, most commonly appearing on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It’s caused by overproduction of melanin (the pigment in skin) and is often triggered by:
Melasma is sometimes confused with conditions like vitiligo, but they are very different. If you’d like to understand more about how melasma differs from other pigmentation disorders, see our article on melasma vs vitiligo.
Melasma is a complex condition and unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At ENRICH Clinic, we often explain that melasma is a management condition, rather than one with a guaranteed permanent cure. However, significant improvement is possible with the right approach.
We prefer a combination approach to melasma treatment, as melasma tends to respond best when multiple treatment modalities are used together.
At ENRICH Clinic, our melasma treatment plans are customised for each individual and may include the following:
If melasma appears to be hormonally driven, we may recommend discussing the discontinuation of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your GP or specialist.
Sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers of melasma. We stress the importance of strict sun avoidance and daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), even on cloudy days or indoors. Hats and physical blockers are also crucial.
Prescription-strength melasma creams are often used to lighten pigmentation. These may include:
We often incorporate topical vitamin C in our melasma protocols, known for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties.
Peels containing glycolic acid or lactic acid can be highly effective for gently exfoliating the skin and reducing the appearance of pigmentation over time. These treatments also enhance the penetration of topical agents.
Tranexamic acid has emerged as a promising agent for treating melasma, particularly when pigmentation is resistant to traditional approaches. It can be used topically or orally under medical supervision.
We offer low-energy laser treatments designed to reduce pigmentation without triggering rebound pigmentation, a known risk with higher-intensity lasers. Each laser program is tailored to suit the individual’s skin tone and melasma severity.
Although there’s no definitive internal cure for melasma, addressing hormonal imbalances, gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being can have a significant impact.
At ENRICH Clinic, we often take a holistic view of melasma, encouraging:
Supplementing with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D may also be discussed, though these are supportive and not stand-alone cures.
Natural methods can play a supportive role in managing melasma, though they often work best in combination with clinical treatments. Here are some gentle, skin-supportive options that we may incorporate:
Importantly, all-natural methods should be used cautiously to avoid irritation, which can worsen pigmentation.
Melasma is not just a surface issue—it can involve deep pigment layers and underlying inflammation. Hormonal influences also make it prone to recurrence, especially if sun protection isn’t maintained. This is why we don’t rely on a single product or treatment but instead build a tailored, long-term management plan.
At ENRICH Clinic Melbourne, our approach to melasma is grounded in:
Our experienced team works closely with patients to identify triggers, set realistic goals, and track improvements over time.
We believe that treating melasma effectively requires patience, precision, and personalisation—and that’s what we offer.
🔗 Learn more about our melasma treatments in Melbourne.
Melasma may be stubborn, but it’s far from untreatable. With the right support and a comprehensive approach, clearer, brighter skin is possible. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing melasma for years, our team at ENRICH Clinic is here to help you take the next step.
*With all surgeries or procedures, there are risks. Consult your physician (GP) before undertaking any surgical or cosmetic procedure. Please read the consent forms carefully and be informed about every aspect of your treatment. Some surgeries have a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period to give patients adequate time to be sure of their surgery choice. Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before and after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries. This page is not advice and is intended to be informational only. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal or in any way constitutes medical advice.
"*" indicates required fields
Combining Dr Rich’s dermatological skill with his knowledge of restorative skin regimes and treatments, the ENRICH range is formulated to help maintain and complement your skin. Our signature Vitamin C Day & Night creams are now joined by a Vit A, B,&C Serum and a B5 Hyaluronic Gel, both with hydration properties and much, much more.
Top 10 Skin Conditions Dermatologists Treat (And What They Can Do for You) When it comes to your skin, sometimes over-the-counter skincare just doesn’t cut
Do Collagen Supplements Really Help Your Skin? What the Science Says In the ever-growing world of skincare and wellness, collagen supplements have become a popular
You’ve probably heard over and over that vitamins are good for our skin. We’re told to eat our fruits and veggies for a healthy glow.
You might be dealing with rosacea if you’re experiencing persistent facial redness, bumps, and flushing. This chronic skin condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly
Subscribe to the ENRICH newsletter and receive latest news & updates from our team.
Enrich Clinic acknowledges the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations on which we work and trade. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our acknowledgement and respect to the LGBTQIA+ community who we welcome and support. Read our full Acknowledgement Statement here
ENRICH Clinic is relocating to 8-10 Howitt St, South Yarra in January next year. We will continue to operate as ENRICH Dermatology with our existing team and services, but we will now share facilities with the Dermatology Institute of Victoria.
