Skin conditions

Melasma is more than melanin.

Understanding the biology before choosing the solution.

Beneath the surface

Persistent pigmentation is more than excess melanin.

Melasma involves inflammation, oxidative stress, barrier dysfunction, vascular signaling, visible light exposure, and skin microenvironment changes.

What is melasma?

Current evidence suggests a complex interaction.

Between pigmentation pathways, inflammation, oxidative stress, skin barrier dysfunction, and environmental exposure.

Biological drivers

01Oxidative Stress

02Chronic Inflammation

03Barrier Dysfunction

04Visible Light Exposure

05Skin Microenvironment Changes

06Vascular Signaling

Why it persists

These interconnected mechanisms explain why melasma often persists and frequently recurs.

Understanding these pathways is essential for long-term management.

Why recurrence happens

Fading pigment does not always mean the biology has stopped.

Even after pigmentation improves, many biological triggers remain active beneath the surface. Without ongoing support, recurrence becomes part of the disease cycle.

Common drivers of recurrence: persistent UVA1 exposure, visible light exposure, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, barrier disruption.

Why treatment often fails

Many therapies target pigment. Far fewer sustain the results.

Daily exposure continues to stimulate pigmentation pathways.
Irritation and discomfort reduce treatment tolerance.
Patients discontinue therapy before meaningful improvement occurs.
Addressing only melanin production often leaves other drivers untreated.

The Skin Protocol approach

Better outcomes require complete systems.

Modern melasma management requires more than depigmentation alone. Skin Protocol approaches melasma through four interconnected pillars designed to support both treatment performance and long-term tolerability.