Skin Concerns › Tone & Color

Melasma

Melasma is not just “brown spots.” It is a chronic pigment condition triggered by heat, hormones, sun exposure, and inflammation — and it behaves very differently from ordinary sun damage. At Pure Radiance, we treat melasma carefully, because the wrong treatment can make pigmentation worse.

Why this matters in Colorado Springs Altitude, strong UV, and an outdoor lifestyle make melasma especially prone to flaring here. Long-term control — not a quick fix — is what actually works.
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Diagnosis First

Melasma vs. Sun Spots: Why It Matters

Sun spots, freckles, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and melasma can look similar — but they respond very differently to treatment. A patient who thinks they need IPL or laser may actually need a melasma control plan first. That is why Dawn Reeves, PA-C identifies what type of pigment is present before recommending any device treatment.

Common TriggersHeat, UV and visible light, hormones, inflammation, and aggressive treatments can all flare melasma.
Why It Comes BackMelasma is chronic — pigment cells stay reactive, so control and maintenance matter more than any single treatment.
Why Lasers Can BackfireHeat-based treatments applied to undiagnosed melasma can darken pigment instead of clearing it.
Our Approach

How We Manage Melasma

Step one, always

VISIA Skin Analysis

VISIA imaging helps us evaluate visible and underlying pigment patterns so we know what we are treating — and can track improvement objectively over time.

How VISIA Works
The foundation

Pigment Control & Skincare

Medical-grade pigment suppression, barrier support, and daily protection against UV and visible light. This foundation calms melasma before — and alongside — any in-office treatment.

Skincare & Facials
In-office treatment, when appropriate

Chemical Peels

Carefully selected peels can support pigment clearance without the heat that flares melasma — staged conservatively based on your skin’s response.

Explore Chemical Peels
Ongoing

Trigger Management & Maintenance

Sun and heat strategy, hormonal context, and a maintenance rhythm that keeps pigment quiet long-term. Melasma control is a plan, not an appointment.

Hormones & Skin

Our Honest Take

No one can permanently “cure” melasma, and anyone promising that is overpromising. What we can do is diagnose it correctly, calm it, clear it as much as your skin safely allows, and build a maintenance plan that keeps it controlled. Patients who follow the full plan — including daily protection — get the best long-term results.

Common Questions

Can IPL or laser treat my melasma?
Sometimes — but only after proper diagnosis and preparation, and often not as the first step. Heat-based treatments applied to unstable melasma can make pigment worse. We evaluate first, then choose the safest path.
Why does my melasma keep coming back?
Melasma is a chronic condition with reactive pigment cells. Heat, sun, hormones, and inflammation can reactivate it — which is why control and maintenance matter more than any one treatment.
Does sunscreen really matter that much?
Yes — more than any other single step. Daily protection against UV and visible light is the backbone of every successful melasma plan, especially at Colorado altitude.
How long until I see improvement?
Most patients see gradual improvement over two to three months as pigment suppression takes effect, with continued gains as the plan progresses. Melasma rewards consistency, not speed.
Is melasma related to my hormones?
It can be. Pregnancy, birth control, and hormonal changes are common triggers. Dawn’s background in hormone optimization means we can look at the whole picture where relevant.
Take the First Step

Find Out What Your Pigment Actually Is

Before treating pigment, we identify it. Your consultation with VISIA analysis determines whether you are dealing with melasma, sun damage, or both — and what the safest, most effective plan looks like.

Book a VISIA Skin Consultation