Close-up of facial pigmentation showing brown melasma patches on the cheeks and forehead, illustrating what melasma looks like for patients seeking melasma treatment in London.

Melasma Treatments in London – Expert Dermatologist Explains

4 December 2025

Melasma Treatments In Harley Street

By Dr Hiba Injibar, Consultant Dermatologist, Dermasurge Clinic, Harley Street

LONDON, UK – Melasma is one of the most challenging pigmentation conditions to treat—and one of the most emotionally distressing for patients. Characterised by patches of dark, uneven pigmentation on the face, melasma often appears without warning and can become a persistent companion without expert guidance.

At Dermasurge Clinic, located on Harley Street in London, Dr Hiba Injibar has helped thousands of patients manage and improve melasma with personalised, evidence-based treatment plans. With over 20 years of medical dermatology experience, Dr Injibar is known for combining accuracy, compassion, and advanced skin technology to deliver safe and meaningful results for those struggling with pigmentation disorders.

For anyone researching Melasma Treatments in London, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what melasma is, why it occurs, and the most effective treatment options available—so you can make informed decisions about your skin.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes brown or grey-brown patches on the face—often on the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip. It is triggered by pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes) becoming overactive.

AAlthough melasma is harmless, its appearance can significantly affect confidence and quality of life. Because melasma is influenced by hormones, sun exposure and genetics, successful treatment requires a long-term, dermatologist-led approach.

You can read more about our Melasma treatment options here.

Close-up of befoe and after of facial pigmentation showing brown melasma patches on the cheeks and forehead, illustrating what melasma looks like for patients seeking melasma treatment in London.

Why Melasma Happens

Melasma has multiple triggers, and understanding them is the first step in choosing the right treatment.

Common triggers include:

Sun exposure (the biggest cause)
Hormonal changes – pregnancy, contraceptives, hormone therapy
Genetic predisposition
Heat exposure – saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms
Inflammation from products or treatments
Certain medications

Melasma is not caused by dirt or poor cleansing, and it cannot be removed overnight. Because it sits in deeper layers of the skin, expert treatment is essential.

How a Dermatologist Diagnoses Melasma

At Dermasurge, diagnosis is carried out by Dr Hiba Injibar, who examines:

The depth of pigmentation
The pattern of pigmentation
Any underlying hormonal triggers
Skin tone and sensitivity
Current skincare products

A Wood’s lamp or dermatoscope may also be used to determine how deeply the pigment sits, which directly influences the choice of treatment.

Dr Hiba Injibar and the Dermasurge Clinic Team in Harley Street — The Dermasurge Clinic Team

Melasma Treatments in London at Dermasurge

Melasma requires a customised, highly controlled treatment plan—a one-size-fits-all approach is never effective. Dr Injibar combines medical and aesthetic dermatology to create results-driven strategies based on clinical evaluation.

1. Prescription Topical Treatments

Prescription creams remain the gold standard for melasma management. These may include:

Hydroquinone or combination creams

Used intermittently to reduce overactive pigment production.

Retinoids

Encourage cell turnover and help topical lightening agents penetrate deeper.

Azelaic acid / kojic acid

Gentler alternatives suitable for sensitive skin.

These treatments must be supervised by a dermatologist to avoid irritation or rebound pigmentation.

2. Chemical Peels for Melasma

Chemical peels are used to shed the upper layers of skin, fade dark patches and improve overall tone.

Superficial peels

Help lift surface pigmentation with minimal downtime.

Combined peels

Offer stronger results by blending multiple exfoliating acids.

Peels are performed in courses, spaced weeks apart, to prevent overstimulation of melanin.

3. Laser & Light-Based Melasma Treatments

Laser treatments can be highly effective for melasma—but only when used with extreme care.

Melasma is heat-sensitive, meaning certain lasers can worsen pigmentation if not managed correctly. At Dermasurge, Dr Injibar uses low-energy, fractional or pigment-selective devices, chosen specifically to minimise risk.

Laser Melasma Treatment may help:

Improve deeper pigmentation
Even skin tone
Stimulate collagen for a smoother texture

However, lasers are never used as a first-line treatment for melasma at Dermasurge—only within a full management plan.

4. Medical-Grade Skincare

Dermasurge also provides physician-approved skincare to maintain results between appointments. This may include:

High-SPF sunscreens
Antioxidant serums
Brightening agents
Barrier-repair formulas

Daily sun protection is non-negotiable, as even a few minutes of UV exposure can trigger melasma recurrence.

a close up image of a woman having treatment for melasma

Why Melasma Is So Difficult to Treat

Melasma behaves differently from other pigmentation issues:

It is chronic, meaning it can return.
It often sits deep in the skin.
It is hormonally influenced, making it unpredictable.
It requires consistent, not one-off treatment.

Because of this, melasma treatment must be managed by an experienced dermatologist—not simply a cosmetic practitioner.

How to Maintain Results

Long-term success depends on:

Using daily broad-spectrum SPF
Avoiding high heat exposure
Maintaining a medical-grade skincare routine
Scheduling periodic dermatologist reviews
Following hormonal guidance where relevant

Dermasurge provides ongoing support to help patients maintain clarity and prevent relapse.

Why Choose Dermasurge for Melasma Treatment?

Experience that matters

With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Hiba Injibar is one of London’s most respected dermatologists for pigmentation disorders.

Harley Street clinical environment

Dermasurge combines medical expertise with state-of-the-art technology in a CQC-registered setting.

Tailored treatments

No two cases of melasma are alike. Every treatment plan is tailored after a full clinical evaluation.

Ongoing patient support

Melasma requires long-term management. Dermasurge provides continuity of care, follow-ups, and maintenance strategies.

Front door of Dermasurge Clinic, skin and dermatology clinic in Harley Street London.

Confidence in Every Layer of Skin

Melasma can be frustrating, persistent, and difficult to manage without expert dermatological care. At Dermasurge Harley Street, Dr Hiba Injibar offers customised, evidence-based treatments designed to control pigmentation safely and effectively—without risking worsening of symptoms.

If you’re seeking Melasma Treatments in London, Dermasurge provides the specialist care needed to achieve clearer, brighter, more even-toned skin.

Book Your Consultation Today

???? Dermasurge Clinic, 121 Harley Street, London
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Dr Hiba Injibar at Dermasurge clinic in Harley Street, London. Expert Dermatologist, with a specialty in complex scar treatments

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Melasma FAQ

Can melasma be cured permanently?

Melasma cannot be permanently cured, but it can be controlled and significantly improved with the right treatment plan.

2. Is laser good for melasma?

Laser can help—but only when used cautiously. The wrong laser settings can worsen melasma, which is why it must be performed by a consultant dermatologist.