If you’ve noticed brown or grey patches creeping up on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, you’re not alone. For many Chennai women after pregnancy, men with outdoor jobs, and office-goers constantly exposed to heat and pollution, melasma becomes a silent but frustrating skin concern.
Melasma isn’t “just another dark spot.” It has deep roots in hormones, genetics, and sun exposure — which makes it one of the toughest pigmentation issues to deal with. And while social media tips or over-the-counter creams promise quick fixes, most people end up disappointed.
That’s where science-led solutions step in. Dermatologists now offer advanced options like chemical peels, laser toning, and microneedling, tailored specifically for melasma. In this guide, we’ll break down what melasma is, why it’s so common in Indian skin, how to identify it, and the best melasma treatment in Chennai to manage it effectively.
What Is Melasma and Why Is It So Common in Indian Skin?
Melasma is a chronic skin pigmentation disorder where melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) go into overdrive, depositing excess melanin in patches on the skin. These appear as symmetric, blotchy brown or grey-brown patches — most commonly on the face.
📌 According to a 2021 dermatology review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, melasma is particularly prevalent among darker skin types (Fitzpatrick III–V), which includes most Indian and Asian populations.
Why is it so common here in Chennai?
- Higher melanin activity in Indian skin means pigmentation is more reactive.
- Harsh sunlight and heat exposure intensify melasma flare-ups.
- Hormonal influences (pregnancy, PCOS, oral contraceptives) are common triggers.
- Lifestyle stress + pollution worsen the patches further.
👉 Should I see a dermatologist for melasma? Absolutely. Because melasma isn’t just about dark spots — it’s a chronic condition that needs professional diagnosis and long-term care.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma has no single cause — it’s usually a mix of internal and external factors.
- Hormonal triggers – Pregnancy, PCOS, thyroid conditions, and oral contraceptives are major drivers.
- H3: Which Hormonal Imbalance Causes Melasma?
(This deserves its own future blog — we’ll deep dive into the role of estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones in melasma).
- H3: Which Hormonal Imbalance Causes Melasma?
- Sun & heat exposure – Chennai’s climate means higher UV and infrared exposure, both of which worsen pigmentation.
- Stress – Elevated cortisol (stress hormone) increases inflammation and pigment production.
- H3: Does Stress Cause Melasma?
(We’ll expand on this in another detailed blog, because yes — stress hormones really do play a role).
- H3: Does Stress Cause Melasma?
- Genetics – Family history is a common factor.
- Nutritional deficiencies (myths vs facts) – Many patients blame Vitamin D or B12 deficiency, but current research shows these may worsen general skin health but are not direct causes of melasma.
How Do I Know If I Have Melasma?
Unlike acne marks that fade or freckles that appear seasonally, melasma has a distinct look:
- Brown or grey-brown patches (often symmetric).
- Appears mostly on cheeks, forehead, nose bridge, or above lips.
- Darkens with sun exposure.
What Does the Beginning of Melasma Look Like?
In its early stage, melasma often looks like faint, shadowy patches that don’t go away even after months. Many mistake it for tanning or leftover acne scars — but unlike those, melasma persists and gradually deepens if untreated.
How Many Layers Deep Is Melasma?
Here’s why melasma is tricky — it can sit in different layers of your skin:
- Epidermal (upper layer) → easier to treat with peels and creams.
- Dermal (deeper layer) → needs lasers or microneedling for better results.
- Mixed type → most common in Indian patients, requiring combination therapy.
How Do I Know If My Melasma Is Dermal or Epidermal?
Dermatologists use Wood’s lamp exams and dermoscopy to identify this. (We’ll cover this in a full upcoming blog.)
Melasma vs Other Types of Pigmentation — How to Tell the Difference
Melasma is often confused with other pigmentation disorders. Here’s a quick guide:
| Condition | Appearance | Trigger | Fades with time? |
| Melasma | Brown/grey patches, symmetric | Hormones, sun | Chronic, needs treatment |
| Hyperpigmentation (PIH) | Dark spots post-acne, eczema, injury | Inflammation | Usually fades over months |
| Freckles | Small brown dots | Genetics + sun | Darken with sun, lighten in winter |
| Age spots | Round, flat brown spots | Aging + sun | Permanent unless treated |
| Sunspots | Scattered brown patches | UV damage | Persist until treated |
How Dermatologists Diagnose Melasma in Chennai?
At Skyn Clinic, dermatologists use Wood’s lamp and dermoscopy to check whether pigmentation is superficial or deep, and then plan the best treatment.
Managing melasma can be tedious but there are a lot of breakthroughs in clinical dermatology over the recent years.
Treatments for Melasma in Chennai
Melasma treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best melasma treatment in Chennai depends on your skin type, depth of pigmentation, and lifestyle.
- Topicals – Hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, retinoids.
- Procedures –
- Chemical peels for melasma (glycolic, lactic, TCA).
- Laser toning (Q-switch, Pico) for deeper pigmentation.
- Microneedling + serums to improve penetration and regeneration.
- Oral tranexamic acid (prescribed only under dermatologist guidance).
- Chemical peels for melasma (glycolic, lactic, TCA).
👉 Also read our dedicated guide on Pigmentation on skin for a deeper understanding about pigmentation.
To know more about treatments like chemical peels and laser toning:
[Chemical peel treatment in Chennai] & [Laser Toning treatment in Chennai].
Best Melasma Treatment in Chennai — What to Expect at Skyn Clinic
At Skyn Clinic, we don’t just “fade spots.” Every melasma case is mapped individually:
- Mild cases → topical creams + light peels.
- Moderate cases → peels + laser toning combo.
- Stubborn or deep melasma → multi-modality treatment with oral medication, laser, and microneedling.
With Chennai’s climate in mind, protocols are adapted to minimize relapses.
Best Doctor for Melasma Treatment in Chennai
Choosing the right dermatologist matters. Experienced doctors like Dr. Yamini at Skyn Clinic use evidence-based, personalized treatments to manage melasma safely for Chennai skin tones.
Can Melasma Be Permanently Removed?
This is the #1 patient question. Reality check: melasma is a chronic condition. That means:
- It can’t be “cured forever.”
- But it can be lightened, controlled, and prevented from spreading.
Maintenance and regular dermatologist follow-ups are essential.
How to Prevent Melasma From Getting Worse
- Daily sunscreen (SPF 30–50, broad spectrum).
- Protective lifestyle habits (hats, avoiding harsh sun hours).
- Consistent skincare with antioxidants.
- Stress management (yoga, meditation, good sleep).
Avoid OTC steroid creams, which worsen melasma.
Conclusion
Melasma can feel frustrating, but the truth is — it’s common, manageable, and treatable with the right care. For patients in Chennai, the key lies in combining dermatologist-led treatments with consistent lifestyle habits.
If you’re tired of stubborn patches that won’t go away, it’s time to explore melasma treatment in Chennai with a trusted clinic.
👉 Consult the best dermatologists for melasma treatment in Chennai at Skyn Clinic, Guindy — and take the first step towards clearer, more confident skin.