Melasma Awareness Month: Understanding Melasma and the Best Treatment Options in Spokane, WA

Every July, Melasma Awareness Month shines a light on one of the most common—and often frustrating—skin concerns affecting millions of people worldwide. Melasma is more than just dark spots; it's a chronic pigmentation condition that can be difficult to treat without the right approach. While there isn't a permanent cure, professional treatments combined with proper skincare can dramatically improve the appearance of melasma and help reduce future flare-ups.

At Crafted Beauty in Spokane, WA, we create personalized treatment plans to safely address pigmentation while protecting the long-term health of your skin. Two of our favorite treatments for appropriate melasma patients are the VI Peel and MOXI® laser.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that appears as symmetrical brown, gray-brown, or tan patches, most commonly on the:

• Cheeks

• Forehead

• Upper lip

• Nose

• Chin

It develops when melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing pigment—become overactive. Unlike sunspots or age spots, melasma often sits deeper within the skin, making it more challenging to treat. It is most common in women but can affect anyone, regardless of skin type or tone.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma doesn't have a single cause. Instead, it's usually triggered by a combination of factors, including:

Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the biggest triggers. Even a small amount of sun exposure can stimulate pigment production and worsen existing melasma.

Heat

Many people don't realize that heat alone can trigger melasma—even without direct sunlight. Hot yoga, saunas, cooking over a hot stove, or spending time in high temperatures may contribute to flare-ups.

Hormonal Changes

Melasma is often called the "mask of pregnancy" because it's common during pregnancy. Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and hormonal fluctuations can also contribute.

Genetics

If close family members have melasma, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.

Skin Inflammation

Acne, aggressive skincare, or irritation can worsen pigmentation in susceptible individuals.

Why Is Melasma So Difficult to Treat?

Unlike many forms of pigmentation, melasma is a chronic condition. It can improve significantly with treatment, but it often returns if triggers aren't managed.

That's why successful treatment typically combines:

• Professional in-office treatments

• Medical-grade skincare

• Daily SPF 30+ (preferably tinted mineral sunscreen)

• Avoiding unnecessary heat and sun exposure

Consistency is the key to long-term improvement.

Melasma Treatment at Crafted Beauty

VI Peel for Melasma

The VI Peel Precision Plus is one of our favorite chemical peels for improving pigmentation concerns.

Benefits include:

• Brightens uneven skin tone

• Helps fade discoloration

• Encourages healthy skin cell turnover

• Improves overall skin texture

• Minimal downtime compared to deeper peels

Because melasma can be sensitive to aggressive treatments, professional chemical peels like the VI Peel can be an excellent option when performed as part of a customized treatment plan.

MOXI® Laser Treatment

The MOXI laser is a gentle fractional laser designed to refresh skin and improve pigmentation with minimal downtime.

MOXI may help:

• Reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation

• Improve overall skin tone

• Stimulate collagen production

• Refresh dull, sun-damaged skin

For patients with melasma, laser treatments should always be approached carefully. At Crafted Beauty, we evaluate your skin type, pigmentation pattern, and medical history to determine whether MOXI is an appropriate option and create a treatment plan designed to minimize the risk of rebound pigmentation. Not every patient is a candidate, and individualized care is essential.

Protecting Your Results

Whether you choose a VI Peel, MOXI laser treatment, or a combination approach, protecting your skin afterward is just as important as the treatment itself.

We recommend:

• Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day

• Reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors

• Wearing hats and seeking shade when possible

• Using medical-grade skincare recommended by your provider

• Avoiding unnecessary heat exposure immediately following treatment

These habits help maintain your results and reduce the likelihood of future pigmentation flare-ups.

Schedule a Melasma Consultation in Spokane, WA

If you're struggling with melasma or stubborn hyperpigmentation, you don't have to navigate it alone. At Crafted Beauty, we understand that every case of melasma is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to treatment. During your consultation, we'll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a customized plan that may include treatments such as the VI Peel Precision Plus, MOXI® laser, and medical-grade skincare to help improve the appearance of discoloration while supporting your skin's long-term health.

Whether you're noticing melasma for the first time or have been managing it for years, we're here to help you find the right treatment strategy for your skin.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation at Crafted Beauty in Spokane, WA, and let our experienced team help you achieve a brighter, more even-looking complexion.