Concern

What is melasma?

Melasma is a long-term pigment disorder in which pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, become overactive. It shows up as flat, blotchy patches with fairly symmetrical edges, most often across both cheeks. It is more common in women and in people with medium skin tones, including many East Asian, Southeast Asian and Latin American patients.

Unlike freckles or sun spots, melasma is not just a sun mark. It reflects a sensitive pigment system, an affected skin barrier and, in many cases, changes in the small blood vessels of the skin. That is why aggressive treatment can backfire.

What causes melasma?

Light exposure: UV rays and visible light, including strong daylight through windows, stimulate pigment.
Hormones: Pregnancy, hormonal contraception and hormone therapy are well-known triggers.
Heat: Saunas, hot yoga, cooking over heat and summer in Seoul can all darken patches.
Inflammation: Harsh scrubs, irritating products and overly strong treatments can worsen pigment.
Genetics: A family history of melasma raises the likelihood.

How is melasma diagnosed?

Many brown marks look similar, so diagnosis matters. A doctor at Re:berry Hongdae examines the pattern, color and borders of your pigment, often with magnified or specialized lighting, and asks about triggers and past treatments.

Melasma by depth

Epidermal: Pigment sits mostly in the upper layer. It tends to look browner with sharper edges and usually responds better.
Dermal: Pigment lies deeper. It appears more gray-blue and is typically slower to improve.
Mixed: The most common pattern, combining both depths.

Conditions that can look like melasma

Freckles, sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and a deeper pigment condition called Hori's nevus (ABNOM) can be confused with melasma. Each responds differently, which is why a plan built on diagnosis is important. If you are unsure, see How do I tell melasma from freckles?

Which treatments may help melasma?

The aim is to calm overactive pigment cells without provoking inflammation. Common options include:

Low-energy laser toning

Laser toning uses a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at low fluence across the face. Repeated gentle sessions may break down pigment gradually with minimal downtime. Our guide to laser toning for melasma covers what to expect.

Pico toning

PicoSure Pro delivers energy in picosecond pulses, relying more on pressure than heat. For some patients this may mean fewer sessions or less irritation, although suitability varies.

Vascular and barrier support

When redness or visible vessels accompany pigment, a vascular laser such as Genesis may be added. Skin boosters and soothing treatments may support the barrier, which helps skin tolerate pigment treatment.

Topical and oral support

Doctors may suggest pigment-regulating skincare, and in some cases oral medication such as tranexamic acid, after reviewing your medical history.

Why combination treatment works better

Melasma involves pigment, vessels and barrier health together. Treating only the pigment often gives temporary fading followed by return. A combination plan addresses several drivers at once and is generally gentler on the skin. Re:berry's approach is to design that combination around your diagnosis rather than offer one fixed package.

What does a typical timeline look like?

Weeks 0–2: Diagnosis, trigger review and skincare adjustment; strict sun protection begins.
Weeks 2–12: Toning sessions every one to two weeks, often 5 to 10 in total.
Months 3–6: Gradual fading for many patients; plan is reviewed and adjusted.
Ongoing: Maintenance sessions and daily sunscreen to help reduce recurrence.

Short-stay visitors can start with a diagnosis and one session, then continue at home with skincare guidance, but melasma generally needs repeated treatment. Results vary by individual.

Risks and things to avoid

Too much energy, too frequent sessions or harsh peels can trigger rebound pigmentation or mottled light spots called hypopigmentation. See Can laser toning make melasma worse? Tell your doctor about pregnancy plans, hormone use and recent tanning before starting.

Daily habits that help

Broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning, reapplied outdoors, plus a hat
Tinted sunscreen with iron oxides to help block visible light
Gentle cleansing and no scrubbing
Avoiding long sauna or jjimjilbang sessions during treatment

Who is most likely to develop melasma?

Melasma most often appears between the ages of 20 and 50. It is far more common in women, though men can develop it too, usually with a stronger link to sun exposure. People who tan easily rather than burn tend to be more prone. Living or traveling somewhere with intense sun, and spending long hours near bright windows or screens, can also contribute.

What to expect at your first visit

A first melasma visit at Re:berry Hongdae focuses on information gathering rather than rushing into treatment. The doctor reviews your pigment pattern, your skincare products, any medication or hormone use, and how your skin has reacted to past lasers or peels. If treatment starts the same day, the first session is usually set conservatively so the doctor can observe how your skin responds before adjusting settings. Bring photos taken under natural light over recent months if you have them, as they help show whether patches are changing.

Booking a melasma consultation

Pricing depends on the treatments, number of sessions and overall plan, and is confirmed in writing at consultation. Book via our Booking page.

Can melasma be cured completely?

Melasma is considered a chronic condition, so the realistic goal is improvement and control rather than a one-time cure. Many patients see meaningful fading with a combination plan, but patches can return with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Ongoing sun protection and occasional maintenance help keep it stable.

How many sessions does melasma treatment take?

Low-energy toning for melasma commonly involves 5 to 10 sessions spaced one to two weeks apart, followed by maintenance. The number depends on depth, skin type and how your skin responds. Deeper dermal pigment usually takes longer, and the plan is adjusted as treatment progresses.

Can I treat melasma during a short trip to Seoul?

You can start with a diagnosis and a first session, and receive a skincare and sun-protection plan to follow at home. However, melasma rarely improves meaningfully after one session. Visitors who return to Seoul regularly can continue sessions over several trips.

Is melasma treatment safe while pregnant?

Most laser and oral melasma treatments are postponed during pregnancy and often while breastfeeding. Melasma that appears in pregnancy sometimes fades afterward. Gentle skincare and sun protection are usually the focus until a doctor confirms it is appropriate to start treatment.