The Right Way to Treat Melasma and Sun Damage
Pigmentation is one of the most common concerns we treat at The Cosmetic Clinic.
Sun damage, melasma, and uneven skin tone can all be improved with treatments like medical-grade skincare, IPL, and laser.
But one of the most important parts of treating pigmentation isn’t the device.
It’s how the skin is managed before, during, and after treatment.
Understanding how pigmentation forms
Pigmentation is not just something sitting on the surface of the skin.
It is an ongoing process.
At the center of that process is Tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. When tyrosinase activity increases, more pigment is produced.
This process is influenced by:
UV exposure
Heat
Inflammation
Hormonal changes
This is why pigmentation can return, even after it has been treated.
What laser and light treatments actually do
Technologies such as IPL and PicoSure Pro are effective for treating visible pigment.
They work by breaking down existing pigment so the body can gradually clear it.
However, they do not reduce the skin’s ability to produce new pigment.
This is where many treatment plans fall short.
What are tyrosinase inhibitors?
Tyrosinase inhibitors are ingredients that help regulate how much pigment your skin produces.
Instead of removing pigment that is already visible, they work by slowing down the formation of new pigment.
Common examples include:
Hydroquinone
Azelaic acid
Kojic acid
Tranexamic acid
Arbutin
These ingredients are often used as part of a broader treatment plan to improve results and reduce recurrence.
Why preparation matters before laser treatments
If pigment production is still highly active, treating the skin with laser or light-based devices can lead to:
rebound pigmentation
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
uneven or short-lived results
For this reason, many patients benefit from a period of skin preparation using medical-grade skincare, including tyrosinase inhibitors.
This helps stabilize pigment activity before introducing energy-based treatments.
The role of tranexamic acid during treatment
In addition to topical skincare, tranexamic acid can also be used as an in-clinic add-on during certain treatments.
This allows us to support the skin at the time it is most reactive.
When used appropriately, tranexamic acid can:
help reduce pigment activation triggered by treatment
lower the risk of rebound pigmentation
improve consistency of results over time
This is particularly helpful for patients with melasma or a history of pigmentation that returns easily.
How we approach pigmentation at The Cosmetic Clinic
Pigment is not treated with a single intervention.
It is managed in a sequence.
For many patients, this includes:
Assessment of the type and behaviour of pigmentation
Preparation using targeted skincare to regulate pigment production
Treatment with laser or light-based devices to address existing pigment
Support during treatment, including tranexamic acid when appropriate
Maintenance to help prevent recurrence
Not all patients require every step, but the sequence is often what determines the outcome.
This is where consultation matters.
Not just to choose a treatment, but to understand how your pigmentation behaves, what’s driving it, and how to sequence it in a way that actually holds.
A personalized approach matters
Not all pigmentation behaves the same way.
Skin type, sensitivity, history of pigment, and underlying triggers all influence how treatment should be planned.
This is why consultation and clinical assessment are an important first step.
Final note
Laser treatments can significantly improve pigmentation.
But lasting results depend on more than the device itself.
They depend on how the skin is prepared, how the treatment is delivered, and how pigment production is managed over time.