Melasma treatment in Massapequa
Brown or gray-brown patches across your cheeks, forehead or upper lip that seem to darken every summer. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island manage melasma with gentle, heat-free treatments and a long-term plan, because melasma can be controlled, but not cured.
Also known as hormonal pigmentation, the pregnancy mask, chloasma and brown patches.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
This concern starts with an in-person assessment. Melasma can worsen with heat-based treatments such as IPL and some lasers, so we confirm the diagnosis and choose gentle options first.
What melasma is
A chronic pigment condition that needs a long-term plan.
Melasma causes patches of darker pigment, usually on both sides of the face in a mirror-image pattern. It's far more common in women, often starts during pregnancy or with hormonal birth control, and is more common in medium to deeper skin tones.
Melasma is different from other dark spots. Pigment cells in the affected skin are overactive and easily triggered by sun, visible light, heat and hormones. That's why it often returns after treatment, and why aggressive treatments can make it darker. The goal is to lighten it gently and keep it under control.
Centrofacial
Patches on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. The most common pattern.
Malar
Patches mainly across the cheeks and nose.
Mandibular
Patches along the jawline, less common.
Distinct spots from sun exposure are covered in sun spots and age spots. For other types of discoloration, see hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
What causes it
Several triggers acting on sensitive pigment cells.
The exact cause of melasma isn't fully understood, but several triggers are known to start it or make it worse.
- Hormones, including pregnancy, hormonal birth control and hormone therapy.
- Sun exposure, the biggest trigger for flares and darkening.
- Visible light, including bright daylight, which regular sunscreen may not fully block.
- Heat, from hot weather, saunas, hot yoga and heat-based treatments.
- Genetics, since melasma often runs in families.
- Irritating skincare that inflames the skin and triggers more pigment.
Melasma treatments at Skin Space
Gentle, heat-free options chosen after your Skin Space provider confirms the diagnosis.
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BioRePeel
A gentle peel that exfoliates and brightens without heat or visible peeling, helping lighten surface pigment with low risk of irritation.
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PRX
A no-needle, no-heat treatment that brightens and evens skin tone without damaging the surface, making it a good fit for melasma-prone skin year-round.
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Glass Skin Glo2Facial
An exfoliating, oxygenating facial that can be customized for brightening, supporting a melasma plan between peel sessions without heat or harsh exfoliation.
Also used alongside these
- Signature Brightening FacialA calming, brightening facial that supports your results without irritating the skin.
What to expect at Skin Space
Melasma takes a careful, long-term approach.
Assessment
We confirm that your pigment is melasma, review possible triggers like birth control or pregnancy, and check for anything that needs a dermatologist.
A gentle plan
Your provider recommends heat-free treatments and a home routine built around daily sun and visible-light protection.
Treatment series
Sessions are spaced to avoid irritation, with your skin checked for any sign of darkening at each visit.
Long-term maintenance
Melasma tends to return, so regular maintenance and consistent sun protection keep it under control.
Managing melasma at home
Daily protection matters more than any single treatment.
- Use a tinted mineral sunscreen daily. Tinted formulas with iron oxides help block visible light, which can darken melasma.
- Reapply often when you're outdoors, and add a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid heat where you can, including saunas, steam rooms and hot yoga.
- Keep skincare gentle. Irritation can trigger more pigment, so avoid harsh scrubs and strong acids unless your provider recommends them.
- Plan for Long Island summers. Melasma often darkens in summer. Strict sun protection from spring onward helps hold your results through beach season.
When to see a dermatologist
Many people with melasma benefit from medical treatment too.
See a dermatologist or your doctor if:
- You're not sure your patches are melasma
- Melasma is spreading or not responding to gentle care
- It started with a new medication or hormone treatment
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want to know which treatments are safe
- Any spot within a patch is raised, changing or bleeding
Dermatologists can prescribe lightening creams or other medications that work well alongside in-spa care. The Skin Space team is glad to coordinate with your dermatologist.
Common questions
Can melasma be cured?
Not permanently, but it can be lightened and kept under control. Most people need ongoing sun protection and maintenance treatments to stop it from returning.
Why can't I just have IPL or laser?
Heat-based treatments can trigger melasma and make it darker, sometimes after an initial improvement. That's why we start with gentle, heat-free options.
Will melasma go away after pregnancy?
It sometimes fades within months after pregnancy or after stopping hormonal birth control, but it often lingers or returns with sun exposure.
Can I get melasma treatment while pregnant?
Some gentle treatments may be possible, but many aren't recommended during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor first, and tell us at your consultation.
Does sunscreen really make a difference?
Yes. Daily sunscreen, ideally a tinted mineral formula, is the single most important part of managing melasma.
Where can I get melasma treatment near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with an in-person assessment to confirm the diagnosis.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
