Medically reviewed by Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN · Last reviewed July 2026.
Melasma — those stubborn brown or gray-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip — is one of the most challenging pigment conditions to treat, because it is hormonally influenced and easily worsened by heat and the wrong laser. The good news: with the right approach, it can be dramatically improved and kept under control.
Best treatments for melasma
- Cosmelan & Dermamelan depigmentation — professional in-office protocols that reduce excess pigment production.
- Gentle chemical peels and medical-grade skincare — support and maintain results.
- Strict daily sun protection — non-negotiable for lasting improvement.
What to avoid
Aggressive lasers and some IPL settings can flare melasma and make it darker. Melasma needs a careful, heat-conscious plan — not a one-size-fits-all laser.
Deborah’s Clinical Perspective
Melasma is a chronic condition I manage, not a spot I zap. I stabilize the pigment first with a dedicated protocol, protect the skin relentlessly from the sun, and set honest expectations that maintenance is part of the plan. Correctly diagnosing melasma versus ordinary sun damage is half the battle — and getting it right is what protects you from a rebound.
Why LuXe
Every treatment is performed personally by nurse practitioner Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN — never a technician — at our Davie studio serving Weston, Cooper City, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches, and Fort Lauderdale.
FAQ
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is managed rather than cured, but professional depigmentation protocols and sun protection can dramatically reduce it.
Is laser safe for melasma?
Often not — heat-heavy lasers can worsen melasma. A specialized, heat-conscious approach is safer.
Book a consultation in Davie & Weston.