At Jewell Aesthetic Med Spa in Eugene, OR, we know melasma’s dark patches can feel stubborn and discouraging. That’s why we offer customized treatment strategies designed to calm pigment activity, protect against UV triggers, and restore a brighter, more even complexion. With advanced treatments, medical-grade skincare products, and personalized care, we help you manage melasma and regain confidence in your skin.

Understanding Melasma: Why a Targeted Approach Matters

Melasma is a chronic skin condition characterized by patchy brown or gray-brown discoloration, most often appearing on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. While it falls under the broader category of hyperpigmentation, melasma is unique in its behavior and causes.

Common triggers include:

• Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, oral contraceptives, hormone therapy)
• Sun exposure and heat
• Genetic predisposition

Because melasma often extends into the deeper dermal layers, it requires a long-term, carefully managed plan. Mismanagement or overly aggressive treatment can worsen discoloration, making professional evaluation and customized care essential.

Products & Ingredients To Avoid

Not all skincare products are helpful in managing melasma. In fact, certain products can make pigmentation worse. To protect your skin and support long-term results, it’s best to avoid the following ingredients and formulas.

• Harsh physical scrubs (apricot, walnut, or rough exfoliants): They can irritate the skin and trigger more pigment activity.
• High-strength or frequent chemical exfoliants without guidance (like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or high-percentage AHAs/BHAs): Over-exfoliation weakens the skin barrier and worsens melasma.
• Skin-bleaching agents from unverified sources: Unsafe or unregulated hydroquinone products can damage skin and cause ochronosis (permanent discoloration).
• Fragranced or irritating skincare products (alcohol-heavy toners, strong essential oils): Irritation leads to inflammation, which fuels pigmentation.
• Tanning oils or accelerators: These increase UV absorption, directly worsening melasma.

By steering clear of these triggers, you give your skin the best chance to heal and respond positively to professional treatments. Our team can recommend safe, effective alternatives tailored to your unique needs.

Habits & Lifestyle Triggers To Avoid

Daily habits play a major role in how melasma develops and responds to treatment. Certain lifestyle choices can trigger flare-ups or undo progress, so it’s important to be mindful of these common pitfalls.

• Skipping sunscreen (even indoors or on cloudy days): UV light and visible light are the biggest triggers for melasma.
• Using only makeup SPF: Most makeup doesn’t provide enough broad-spectrum protection.
• Excessive sun exposure: Especially during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Hot environments (such as long hot showers, heated workouts, or cooking over open flames without protection): Heat dilates blood vessels and stimulates pigment cells.
• Stopping treatment suddenly: Melasma is a chronic condition; sudden changes can cause rebound pigmentation.
• Avoiding these triggers helps protect your skin and maintain the improvements you’ve worked hard to achieve. With consistent care and guidance, you can keep melasma under control and support long-term results.

Our Philosophy: A Multi-Modal, Patient-Centered Plan

At Jewell Aesthetic Med Spa, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take a multi-layered approach that blends the following elements:

• Advanced in-office treatments for visible improvement
• Medical-grade home care for daily pigment control
• Long-term strategies to minimize triggers and prevent recurrence

This philosophy allows us to safely brighten skin, reduce melasma, and strengthen the skin barrier while lowering the risk of rebound pigmentation.

Top In-Office Treatments for Melasma

When it comes to melasma, in-office treatments can make a significant difference by targeting pigment at multiple levels of the skin. We offer a range of advanced options, whether you’re just beginning treatment or ready for a comprehensive plan.

Single Treatment Options

Hydrafacial® With Brightening Boosters

A gentle, no-downtime treatment, Hydrafacial deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with brightening serums. Boosters with alpha-arbutin, vitamin C, and tyrosinase inhibitors help fade pigmentation and enhance radiance.

Chemical Peels

Customized chemical peel blends of lactic, mandelic, and resorcinol acids gradually fade discoloration while promoting cell turnover. A series of 6 peels is recommended for safe, effective improvement.

Clear + Brilliant® Laser

A fractional laser, Clear + Brilliant resurfaces skin and reduces pigmentation while supporting long-term melasma management. Best performed in a series of treatments.

Forever Young BBL®

This light-based treatment reduces deeper pigment and improves overall clarity. With the right prep and skin care, BBL can be safely incorporated into a melasma plan.

HALO® Laser

Combining dual wavelengths, HALO targets both surface and deep pigmentation, making it ideal for stubborn cases. It’s often paired with BBL or chemical peels for comprehensive results.

Combination Treatment Plans

To maximize safety and results, we often layer treatments:

• Hydrafacial + BBL: For brightening and evening tone
• Hydrafacial + Chemical Peels: Gentle, ongoing pigment management
• Chemical Peel + BBL: Stronger option for stubborn discoloration
• BBL + Halo: Advanced treatment for significant improvement
• Clear + Brilliant + Hydrafacial: Great for early-stage melasma or maintenance
• Clear + Brilliant + Chemical Peels: Non-aggressive, gradual correction
• Advanced Multi-Phase Plan: Clear + Brilliant → BBL → HALO staged for deeper, lasting results

Managing melasma requires a thoughtful, consistent approach. We carefully select treatments that are both effective and gentle, helping you achieve clearer, more radiant skin while minimizing the risk of irritation or rebound pigmentation.

Medical-Grade Skincare Products for Melasma

Professional skincare products are essential to both treatment and maintenance. At Jewell Aesthetic Med Spa, we design personalized regimens featuring products like:

• Obagi® Nu-Derm® System: Hydroquinone-based, physician-directed program
• Obagi-C® Fx C-Clarifying Serum: Hydroquinone + vitamin C + arbutin
• Obagi Professional-C® Serums: Potent antioxidants to brighten and protect
• SUZANOBAGIMD™ Claribright: Gentle brightening lotion that calms and renews
• SkinMedica® Even & Correct®: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, lotus extract
• SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Pads: Alcohol-free exfoliation to boost radiance
• Prescription Tretinoin Cream: Speeds skin renewal and enhances results

The right medical-grade products not only help fade discoloration but also protect your results and reduce the risk of recurrence. With a customized regimen, you can feel confident knowing your skin is supported every step of the way.