Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark, patchy discolouration, usually on the face. It primarily affects women and is often triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics. While melasma is harmless, it can be difficult to treat and often returns without proper management.
Thankfully, advancements in laser and energy-based treatments—such as PicoGenesis, Tixel, and Clear + Brilliant—offer effective solutions for reducing pigmentation and achieving a more even skin tone with minimal downtime.
What is Melasma?
Melasma appears as brown, greyish, or dark patches on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It develops when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) become overactive, producing excess melanin.
Common Triggers of Melasma:
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy can trigger melasma.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, making pigmentation worse.
- Genetics: Some people are genetically prone to melasma.
- Heat and Inflammation: Excessive heat (from saunas, hot showers, or even friction) can exacerbate pigmentation.
Because melasma is often stubborn and recurrent, a combination of advanced laser treatments and skin rejuvenation technologies is usually the most effective approach.
Top Treatments for Melasma: PicoGenesis, Tixel, and Clear + Brilliant
PicoGenesis – Advanced Laser Treatment for Melasma
PicoGenesis is a cutting-edge pico-second laser that shatters pigmentation into tiny particles, allowing the body to naturally remove them. Unlike traditional lasers, it delivers ultra-short pulses without excessive heat, making it ideal for melasma treatment.
How PicoGenesis Works:
- Uses non-thermal, high-speed laser pulses, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Breaks down deep and stubborn pigmentation safely.
- Stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture.
Benefits of PicoGenesis for Melasma:
- Safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
- Minimal downtime (redness subsides within a few hours).
- Reduces hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
Tixel – Fractional Skin Resurfacing for Melasma
Tixel is a non-laser, thermal energy treatment that helps reduce melasma while improving skin texture and collagen production. Unlike traditional laser treatments, Tixel delivers controlled heat to the skin without light energy, reducing the risk of side effects.
How Tixel Works:
- Uses heat energy to gently resurface the skin and remodel pigmentation.
- Enhances the penetration of topical lightening agents like tranexamic acid and vitamin C.
- Promotes skin renewal, helping regulate melanin production.
Benefits of Tixel for Melasma:
- Lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) than traditional lasers.
- Faster healing time (mild redness for 24-48 hours).
- Improves pigmentation, skin texture, and elasticity.
- Can be combined with topical depigmenting serums for enhanced results.
Clear + Brilliant – Gentle Laser for Melasma and Skin Brightening
Clear + Brilliant is a fractional laser treatment that offers a gentler approach to treating melasma while enhancing overall skin tone and radiance. It works by creating microscopic channels in the skin, allowing for deeper absorption of brightening products and encouraging skin renewal.
How Clear + Brilliant Works:
- Uses a low-energy fractional laser to gently resurface the skin.
- Targets superficial pigmentation, reducing discolouration and promoting an even skin tone.
- Boosts collagen production, improving skin texture and glow.
Benefits of Clear + Brilliant for Melasma:
- Mild yet effective, ideal for sensitive skin and mild melasma.
- Minimal downtime (mild redness for 12-24 hours).
- Enhances absorption of topical brightening agents for faster results.
- Improves skin tone, texture, and hydration.
PicoGenesis vs. Tixel vs. Clear + Brilliant: Which One is Best for You?
Each treatment offers unique benefits depending on the severity of melasma, skin type, and treatment goals.
| Feature | PicoGenesis | Tixel | Clear + Brilliant |
| Technology | Laser (pico-second pulses) | Thermal energy | Fractional laser |
| Works On | Deep and stubborn pigmentation | Superficial pigmentation & skin texture | Mild melasma, tone enhancement |
| Downtime | Minimal (redness for a few hours) | 1-2 days of mild redness | 12-24 hours of mild redness |
| Ideal For | Stubborn melasma, deep pigmentation | Sensitive skin, light pigmentation, texture improvement | Gentle resurfacing, mild pigmentation, glow |
| Additional Benefits | Brightening, collagen stimulation | Skin tightening, serum penetration |
Smooths fine lines, hydrates skin
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Combination Treatments for Optimal Results
For persistent melasma, many dermatologists recommend combining treatments:
- PicoGenesis for breaking down deep pigment.
- Tixel for improving absorption of brightening serums.
- Clear + Brilliant for maintaining skin clarity and preventing recurrence.
Other Ways to Manage Melasma
In addition to professional treatments, proper skincare and sun protection are crucial for long-term management.
- Daily Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – UV rays worsen melasma, so wearing sunscreen daily is essential.
- Topical Skin Brighteners – Ingredients like vitamin C, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and licorice extract help fade pigmentation.
- Oral Supplements – Tranexamic acid (under medical supervision) can help regulate melanin production.
- Hydroquinone or Azelaic Acid – Prescription creams can lighten dark patches effectively.
Final Thoughts: Can You Get Rid of Melasma Permanently?
Melasma is a chronic condition, meaning it can be managed but may not disappear permanently. A consistent treatment plan, combined with skincare and sun protection, can significantly reduce pigmentation and prevent it from worsening.
For best results, consult a dermatologist or skincare specialist to determine whether PicoGenesis, Tixel, Clear + Brilliant, or a combination of treatments is right for you. With the right approach, you can achieve brighter, clearer, and more even-toned skin!
