What Is Melasma?
Melasma, sometimes known as chloasma, is characterized by irregular patches of dark skin that arise on the face or forearms. These tan or brownish spots typically occur evenly over the brow, nose, cheeks, or upper lip. The appearance of melasma distinguishes it from other conditions that lead to dark patches on the skin. Melasma is a common condition and is found more often in females. It may be caused by sun damage or by hormonal fluctuations, such as with pregnancy and menopause. It also occurs more often in individuals with darker skin tones. At Aesthetic Med Studio, we specialize in a variety of techniques to reduce the appearance of melasma while rejuvenating the skin, creating a brighter, more even complexion. Every person's case is unique so schedule a melasma consultation at our Springfield, MO practice to learn more about your condition and how we can help.
How Do You Treat Melasma?
We offer several types of melasma treatments at Aesthetic Med Studio, including:
- Melasma Peel: A melasma peel suppresses melanin production in the skin, reversing discoloration.
- MicroLaserPeel®: This erbium laser treatment precisely and gently removes the damaged outer layers of skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, and melasma.
- BroadBand Light™ Therapy: Forever Young BBL™ uses powerful pulses of light in specially selected wavelengths to target cosmetic imperfections and stimulate collagen production for smoother, rejuvenated skin.
The approach we use for your treatment will depend on your skin's health, the extent of your melasma, and your own goals.
What Causes Melasma?
There's a lot we still don't know about the causes of melasma, but there are certain factors that seem to make you more prone to developing it, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Family history
- Side effects of some medications
- Overexposure to sunlight
- Pregnancy
Aesthetic Med Studio Reviews
Friendly, welcoming staff. Beautiful space. They listen and provide the service you want, and answer your questions. No pressure to get something you aren’t interested in!
Such a wonderful team and so professional! They are so friendly as soon as you walk in, they answered all of my questions and walked me through the best plan for my skin. They even have a texting system which was so great for any of my questions. I didn’t have to call and ask I was able to just text them. I had this one little red dot on my face that’s been there my whole life. Erina took one look at it knew how to fix it and now it’s gone, and she was so nice and personable. I am very pleased with the service
Everyone who works here is gorgeous and friendly. I came in like a hag too no make up and had stuff in a Walmart bag. Lol. Truth is they are professional and so kind. I’m going to have a long history with these amazing people. You won’t regret this.
I have had two different treatment done and I cannot be happier with the results Kybella and lip filler) Extremely knowledgeable and will support you every step of the way . I have been to other med spas but this is where I am staying. Highly recommended!
The studio is spotless. The people are so friendly. Sami was awesome. She explained everything clearly and talked me through the “spicy” parts.
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4.9
Average Rating
Melasma FAQ
What is the leading cause of melasma?
The exact cause of melasma isn’t fully understood, but several contributing factors are widely recognized. It’s most common in individuals with medium to darker skin tones and often linked to hormonal changes. At Aesthetic Med Studio in Springfield, Karlene Ruiz often sees melasma triggered by:
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, menopause, or birth control)
- Genetics
- Certain medications (like anti-seizure drugs)
- Skin inflammation or injury
A combination of these factors can activate pigment-producing cells, leading to patchy discoloration—most often on the face.
How can I remove melasma from my facial appearance?
Melasma treatment usually starts with an in-depth skin evaluation. At Aesthetic Med Studio, Karlene Ruiz creates customized treatment plans based on your skin type, pigmentation depth, and lifestyle. Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
- Medical-grade topical creams
- Brightening serums
- Chemical peels
- Laser skin treatments
- A combination approach for more stubborn pigmentation
Protecting your skin from sun exposure is a key part of maintaining results and preventing future flare-ups.
Can melasma be completely removed?
In some cases, melasma may fade over time—but for many people, it tends to come and go, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes. While there’s no permanent cure, consistent treatment and trigger avoidance can dramatically improve your skin’s appearance. Karlene Ruiz helps patients at Aesthetic Med Studio manage melasma long-term with strategic care plans and ongoing support.
State-of-the-Art Melasma Treatments
If you are living with melasma and have had enough of trying to cover it up, we invite you to reach out to Aesthetic Med Studio to learn more about our selection of advanced skin treatments. We understand that each client is unique, which is why we're pleased to offer personalized treatment plans for a wide range of skin issues. Schedule a consultation with our Springfield, MO skin care specialists to find out more.