1. Identify the type
Epidermal vs dermal, melasma vs PIH, vascular vs pigment-driven dark circles. Treatment paths diverge sharply based on the answer.
Service
Pigmentation and melasma
Pigmentation is patient work. We’re patient with you.
Melasma, dark spots, post-acne pigmentation, hyperpigmentation around the mouth and eyes — these all look similar at a glance, but each behaves differently and each needs a different approach.
Indian skin is more prone to “rebound” pigmentation when treatments are too aggressive. Our default is to under-treat at first, watch how your skin responds, then escalate carefully.
Most plans combine daily sunscreen (the single most important step), a prescription topical regimen, and — only when the response plateaus — in-clinic peels or carefully chosen lasers.
We treat:
- Melasma (cheeks, forehead, upper lip)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne, eczema, friction
- Periorbital pigmentation (dark circles with a pigment component)
- Sun-induced solar lentigines and age spots
- Pigmentation in pregnancy / post-pregnancy
- Friction or thigh-chafe pigmentation
How we approach pigmentation
2. Address the triggers
Sun, hormones, heat, friction — and the over-exfoliation many patients don’t realise they’re doing. Without removing the trigger, even the best treatment plateaus.
3. Topical foundation
Tyrosinase inhibitors — hydroquinone (cycled), azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — at the right strength for your skin and the right duration.
4. In-clinic acceleration, only when ready
Gentle glycolic, mandelic or lactic peels first. Q-switched or pico-laser sessions only when the topical baseline has stabilised the skin and there is no active inflammation.
Realistic timelines
Day 1
Sunscreen daily, non-negotiable. This is half of the treatment.
6–8 weeks
Topical effects begin to show; pigmentation looks calmer.
3–6 months
Noticeable improvement. Melasma typically needs ongoing maintenance rather than a one-time fix.
Indicative pricing
| Pigmentation consultation (15 min) | ₹1,000 |
|---|---|
| Glycolic / mandelic / lactic peel (per session) | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Q-switched laser session | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Oral tranexamic acid (if indicated) | Prescription-based, low monthly cost |
Course of 4–6 peels or laser sessions usually planned 3–4 weeks apart. Quoted together at consult.
Frequently asked questions
Is hydroquinone safe?
Yes, used correctly and for limited cycles under supervision. We rotate strengths and pause periodically, and switch to non-hydroquinone alternatives during pregnancy.
Can lasers fix melasma?
They can help in the right patient — but lasers can worsen melasma in the wrong one. We laser only after a baseline topical regimen has stabilised the skin.
I’m pregnant and my melasma is back. Can I do anything safe?
Yes — strict sun protection, azelaic acid, gentle vitamin C. We avoid retinoids, hydroquinone and oral therapy during pregnancy.
Why does my pigmentation get worse in summer?
UV and heat both drive pigment. For many patients, the biggest upgrade is simply a real, well-applied sunscreen reapplied through the day — not a stronger cream at night.
Will it ever truly go away?
PIH usually does, with time. Melasma is generally managed rather than cured — and that is a fair, honest expectation to start with.
Related reading from the SkinWise blog
Ready to start with a consult?
Most plans at SkinWise begin with a focused 15-minute consultation. We map the concern, talk through what you’ve tried, and only then suggest what comes next — no oversell.