Melasma: What You Need to Know—Especially in the Summer

At Aeri Aesthetics, I believe in educating my clients so they can make empowered decisions about their skin health. One of the most common pigmentation concerns we treat is melasma—and with summer sun on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand this condition and how to manage it effectively.

Melasma on the cheeks

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, typically on the face—most often the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It’s caused by overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. Though it’s not harmful, it can be frustrating and deeply impact confidence.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma is complex, and while the exact cause isn’t fully understood, several key factors contribute to its development:

• Sun Exposure: UV rays are one of the biggest triggers. They stimulate the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), which can cause flare-ups or worsen existing melasma.

• Hormones: Hormonal changes, particularly those related to pregnancy (often referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”), birth control, or hormone therapy, are strongly linked to melasma.

• Genetics: A family history of melasma can increase your risk.

• Skin Type: It’s more common in individuals with medium to darker skin tones, particularly those of Latin/Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent.

Common Triggers

Along with sun and hormones, melasma can also be triggered by:

• Heat (even without sun exposure)

• Certain skincare products that irritate the skin

• LED lights or computer screens

• Medications that increase photosensitivity

Why Summer Matters

Summer is melasma’s favorite season. With longer days, stronger UV rays, and more time outdoors, the condition is more likely to flare up or worsen. Even minimal sun exposure can undo months of progress. That’s why it’s critical to get ahead of it now—before the damage sets in.

How We Treat Melasma at Aeri Aesthetics

Managing melasma requires a consistent and customized approach. At Aeri Aesthetics, we offer a range of professional treatments and skincare tailored to each individual’s needs:

✨ Diamond Hydrofacial

Our signature 45-minute Diamond Hydrofacial gently exfoliates with microdermabrasion, hydrates with nourishing serums, and extracts impurities—all with zero downtime. This treatment is ideal for prepping melasma-prone skin by improving cell turnover and enhancing absorption of brightening agents.

🌿 Targeted Skincare

We’ll help you build a daily routine that includes ingredients like:

• Vitamin C: Brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection.

• Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and helps fade pigmentation

• Tranexamic Acid: A game-changer in managing melasma.

• SPF 30+: A must, every single day—rain or shine.

🧖‍♀️ Chemical Peels & Brightening Boosters

For some clients, a series of gentle chemical peels can help fade stubborn pigmentation while refreshing overall tone and texture. At Aeri Aesthetics I love to utilize no downtime peels during the summer months.

🌞 Summer-Proof Strategy

We’ll guide you through sun-smart habits—like reapplying sunscreen, wearing wide-brim hats, and avoiding peak UV hours—to keep melasma under control throughout the season.

Don’t Wait—Treat Melasma Proactively

Melasma doesn’t have a “quick fix,” but it can be managed with the right guidance and consistency. If you're noticing new spots or want to prevent a summer flare-up, now is the time to take action.

Let Aeri Aesthetics help you feel confident in your skin this summer and beyond. Book your consultation today and let’s create your customized melasma treatment plan.