Melasma (Hormonal Pigmentation)

Melasma is a hormonally influenced pigmentation pattern that is highly reactive to UV exposure, heat and inflammation. It often appears symmetrically across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip and can flare easily if treated too aggressively.

Melasma tends to recur because the triggers remain active. UV exposure, heat stimulation, hormonal fluctuation and inflammation can all reactivate melanin production. Long-term stability requires both correction and prevention.

Yes. Melasma is strongly influenced by hormonal transition, which is why it often appears during pregnancy and may flare postpartum or during perimenopause and menopause.

Yes. Heat is a key melasma trigger. Saunas, steam exposure, intense exercise heat, and over-stimulating treatments can worsen pigment behaviour even if you avoid the sun.

They can be helpful, but melasma requires careful peel selection and sequencing. Aggressive peels can inflame the skin and trigger rebound pigmentation. ULANDA introduces pigment correction only when barrier stability is strong.

Yes. Over-exfoliation increases inflammation and barrier disruption, which can activate melanin production. Many clients worsen melasma by trying to "scrub" pigmentation away.

Melasma improvement typically takes 8–12 weeks and beyond. Stable fading requires consistency and ongoing prevention, especially with UV protection and barrier support.

Yes. Many clients experience melasma as patchy uneven tone rather than a single dark spot. ULANDA maps tone behaviour to determine whether the dominant issue is melasma, sun damage or inflammation-driven pigment.

Yes. UV exposure is one of the strongest triggers for melasma flare. Even low-level daily sun exposure can maintain pigment activity if not controlled.

Acne inflammation can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can overlap visually with melasma. ULANDA assesses pigment type carefully to avoid incorrect treatment selection.

ULANDA is a nurse-led skin clinic in Ware, Hertfordshire offering structured Advanced Skin Health Consultations and pigmentation-focused programmes. Many clients travel from Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Bishop's Stortford and St Albans for safe melasma correction and long-term pigment stability.