Consultation
Skin consultation
Separates a suspected melasma pattern from other pigment concerns and signposts diagnosis.
Explore this route ↗Chronic, trigger-sensitive pigmentation
Melasma
Understand why melasma is different from an isolated dark mark and why visible-light protection and long-term management matter.
What it means
Start with the pattern, not the treatment name
Melasma usually appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown facial patches. Ultraviolet light, visible light, hormones and genetic susceptibility can contribute. It is chronic and can recur, so aggressive treatment that creates inflammation may make the pattern harder to manage.
Options at Idalia
How this concern may be approached
Treatment is selected after your concern, skin response, medical history, suitable product route and realistic benefit have been reviewed.
From £45
Gentle facial support
Barrier support without heat, abrasion or an automatic peel.
Explore this route ↗Referral
Dermatology-led plan
Prescription options and procedure selection when formal treatment is required.
Explore this route ↗A useful home-care foundation
- Use tinted broad-spectrum SPF 30+ with iron oxides
- Wear a hat and seek shade
- Avoid products that burn or sting
- Expect maintenance and possible recurrence
When to pause cosmetic treatment
- No formal diagnosis
- Pregnancy-related or medication-related concern
- Atypical or one-sided patch
- Treatment-resistant or worsening pigment
Medical boundary
New, changing, painful, severe or unexplained symptoms should be assessed by a GP, pharmacist, optometrist, dermatologist or another appropriate clinician before cosmetic treatment.