General & Cosmetic Dermatology
Melasma Treatment in Tampa
Melasma causes darker spots and patches on the face that worsen with sun exposure and hormonal changes. It's frustrating — but with the right combination of creams, peels, and laser, it can be effectively managed. Dr. Sergay creates individualized plans for long-term clearance.
Dr. Sergay's Approach
Understanding Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that causes darker spots and patches to appear on the face — typically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin. This frustrating condition worsens with sun exposure and some hormonal scenarios, including pregnancy, birth control use, and hormonal therapies.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments including creams, peels, and laser. Sun protection is critically important — even if effectively treated, melasma can recur with excessive UV exposure. In Tampa's intense year-round sun, this makes daily SPF non-negotiable.
Dr. Sergay evaluates the type and depth of your melasma before recommending a treatment plan. Because melasma is a chronic condition prone to recurrence, her approach focuses on both active clearance and long-term maintenance — not just a one-time fix.
Tampa's Sun & Melasma
Florida's high UV index makes melasma especially challenging to manage. Dr. Sergay incorporates strict photoprotection protocols into every melasma treatment plan — because without daily SPF 50+ and sun avoidance, even the best treatments will not hold.
Depth Assessment
Epidermal, dermal & mixed
Maintenance Plans
Long-term clearance focus
Diagnosis Matters
Types of Melasma
Melasma is classified by how deep the pigment lies in the skin. Identifying the type is essential — because treatment selection and expected outcomes differ significantly between them.
Epidermal Melasma
Most ResponsivePigment is deposited in the upper layers of the skin (epidermis). This type appears dark brown under normal light and has well-defined borders. It responds best to topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, and chemical peels.
- Dark brown, well-defined patches
- Visible under Wood's lamp examination
- Best treatment response
- Responds to topicals, peels & laser
Dermal Melasma
Deeper LayerPigment is deeper in the dermis, giving a blue-gray or ash-gray appearance. This type is more resistant to treatment because standard topical agents cannot penetrate deeply enough. Combination approaches and longer treatment timelines are often required.
- Blue-gray or ashy discoloration
- Less defined borders
- More treatment-resistant
- Requires combination approach
Mixed Melasma
Most CommonThe most common pattern, with pigment present in both the epidermis and dermis. Shows a combination of brown and blue-gray patches. Requires a multi-modal treatment strategy that addresses both depths simultaneously.
- Both brown & blue-gray tones
- Most frequently encountered type
- Requires layered treatment
- Longer maintenance phase needed
What Makes It Worse
Melasma Triggers & Causes
Melasma is driven by multiple overlapping factors — UV light is the most significant, but hormones, heat, and certain products all play a role. Understanding your personal triggers is the foundation of a successful management plan.
UV & Sun Exposure
- Unprotected sun exposure (the #1 trigger)
- Florida's year-round high UV index
- Reflected UV from water, sand & glass
- Tanning beds and UV lamps
Hormonal Changes
- Pregnancy ("mask of pregnancy")
- Combined oral contraceptives
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) with hormones
Heat
- Intense heat from the sun
- Hot yoga or saunas
- Steam and cooking heat
- Infrared light exposure
Skincare & Products
- Phototoxic ingredients (bergamot, lime oils)
- Harsh exfoliants causing inflammation
- Fragranced products on sun-exposed skin
- Certain acne medications without SPF
Genetics
- Family history of melasma
- Fitzpatrick skin types III–V at highest risk
- More prevalent in Hispanic, Asian & Middle Eastern populations
- Genetic predisposition to UV sensitivity
Other Factors
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Certain anti-seizure medications
- Stress-induced hormonal fluctuations
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation overlap
Effective Solutions
How Dr. Sergay Treats Melasma
There is no single cure for melasma — but a carefully layered combination of treatments can achieve remarkable clearance. Dr. Sergay designs your plan based on your melasma type, skin tone, and triggers.
Prescription Topical Creams
The cornerstone of melasma treatment. Dr. Sergay prescribes customized topical regimens that may include hydroquinone (a melanin-inhibitor), tretinoin (retinoid for cell turnover), azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and combination formulas — tailored to your skin tone and melasma depth.
Chemical Peels
Superficial and medium-depth chemical peels remove pigmented surface skin cells and accelerate turnover, dramatically improving melasma. Dr. Sergay performs physician-grade peels using glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and TCA. Chemical peels are often combined with topical therapy for superior results.
Learn about Chemical PeelsLaseMD Ultra Laser
LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative fractional laser that targets pigment in both the epidermis and upper dermis — making it particularly valuable for mixed and dermal melasma. It stimulates new collagen formation while breaking up pigment deposits, with minimal downtime.
Learn about LaseMD UltraStrict Sun Protection
Non-negotiable in any melasma plan. Daily application of SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen (physical/mineral preferred), wide-brim hats, UPF clothing, and UV-blocking car and window film. Even perfectly treated melasma will return without rigorous photoprotection — especially in Tampa's sun.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates microchannels in the skin that both stimulate collagen and enhance delivery of topical depigmenting agents. When combined with tranexamic acid or other brightening serums, it offers a powerful boost for stubborn melasma — especially for patients who are not ideal laser candidates.
Learn about MicroneedlingMaintenance & Prevention
Because melasma is a chronic condition, maintenance therapy is key. Dr. Sergay builds long-term plans including periodic peels, ongoing topical regimens, and seasonal SPF adjustments — so your results last and recurrence is minimized year-round.
90%
Of melasma cases are in women
3 Types
Epidermal, dermal & mixed
Combo
Best results with multi-modal approach
SPF 50+
Required daily — especially in Tampa
Common Questions
Melasma FAQ
Start Your Treatment Plan
Ready to Fade Your Melasma?
Melasma can be effectively managed with the right combination of treatments. Dr. Sergay will evaluate your melasma type, skin tone, and triggers — then build a personalized plan for real, lasting results.