Melasma Treatment in Leicester
Brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip · OBSERV UV scan first · Gentle peels, microneedling, ClearLift on low settings and skincare · Wigston, Leicester
Skin Consultation
£35, redeemable against treatment of £100 or more. Patch test included.
Qualified Therapists
Trained on every machine we use and fully insured.
OBSERV Skin Scan
See what is going on below the surface before you choose a treatment.
Tailored Plans
A plan built around your skin, combining clinic treatments and skincare.
Melasma Treatment in Leicester
Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, usually on both cheeks, the forehead, the bridge of the nose and above the upper lip (sometimes called a melasma moustache). It is much more common in women, often appears during pregnancy or when taking the pill, and is common in brown and olive skin. It is also called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, and men can get it too.
Melasma on the face is one of the trickiest types of pigmentation to treat, because heat and the wrong laser can make it darker. So at ND Skin Aesthetics in Wigston, melasma treatment in Leicester always starts with a consultation and an OBSERV 520x skin scan that confirms it is melasma and shows how deep the pigment sits. Only then do we build a gentle plan: pigment-controlling skincare and daily SPF first, then a course of chemical peels, Dermapen 4 microneedling or ClearLift laser on low settings where it suits your skin.
Looking for melasma treatment near me? We are on Bell Street in Wigston, about 10 minutes from Oadby and Leicester city centre, and we treat melasma on every skin tone, including brown and olive skin.
Melasma can be lightened and kept under control, but it is not cured and it can come back. It is managed over a journey of treatments and skincare, and results vary from person to person.
Melasma on the Face: How to Recognise It
Melasma has a typical pattern that helps tell it apart from sun spots and other types of hyperpigmentation.
Symmetrical patches
Dark or brown patches on both sides of the face, often the cheeks, forehead and nose, in a similar pattern.
Blurry, uneven edges
Patches that blend into the skin around them, rather than the neat round spots of sun damage.
Upper lip and moustache area
A brown shadow above the upper lip is a common type of melasma, often mistaken for hair or a shadow.
Darker in summer
Melasma usually gets darker with sun, heat and holidays, and lighter in winter.
Started in pregnancy or on the pill
Patches that appeared during pregnancy or after starting hormonal contraception or HRT are very often melasma.
Melasma in men
About 1 in 10 people with melasma are men. It usually shows on the cheeks, forehead and nose, and is treated the same gentle way.
Photos of the condition are illustrative examples, not ND Skin clients.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma is caused by overactive pigment cells, triggered by a mix of hormones, light and heat. It often runs in families, and it is more common in brown and olive skin. Visible light from the sun, not only UV, can darken it, which is why the right SPF matters so much.
Watch: Melasma in 30 seconds. What it is, common causes and how we can help.
Hormones
Pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and HRT.
Sunlight
UV and visible light both darken melasma.
Heat
Hot environments, saunas and heat-based treatments.
Genetics
It often runs in families.
Skin type
More common in brown and olive skin.
Start with an OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis
Melasma is easy to mistake for sun damage or dark marks after spots, and the treatments are different. Some treatments that work well for sun spots can make melasma darker. That is why every melasma journey at ND Skin starts with our OBSERV 520x skin analysis. The scan shows:
- whether it is melasma, sun damage, dark marks after spots or a mix
- how deep the pigment sits, using UV and Wood’s light views: surface melasma usually responds better than deep melasma
- redness and sensitivity that need calming before any treatment
- hidden sun damage that will need protecting
Your therapist goes through the images with you, uses them to choose the gentlest effective plan, and repeats the scan as you go, so you can see the change. The analysis is normally £70 and currently £35, redeemable against treatment of £100 or more.
Melasma Treatments: Peels, Microneedling, Laser and Skincare
For melasma, gentle and steady works better than aggressive. After your consultation and OBSERV scan, these are the treatments we choose from, what each one does and what it costs. Most plans combine skincare with one clinic treatment. Our first choice for most people is the Perfect Peel, because it is designed for every skin type and skin colour. Your therapist will recommend what suits your skin.
The Perfect Peel Superblend
Our first-choice clinic treatment for melasma. A medical-grade chemical peel that lightens pigment and evens skin tone without laser heat. It is designed for all skin types and skin colours, from very fair to Black skin, which makes it one of the safest ways to treat melasma on brown and olive skin. We patch test first where needed.
- Best for
- Melasma on every skin type and skin colour, uneven tone and dull skin
- Course
- Usually 3 peels, about 4 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Skin peels for 3 to 5 days
- Price
- £250, or £600 for 3, homecare kit included
Medical-grade skincare and SPF
The foundation of every melasma plan. Pigment-controlling skincare from ZO Skin Health or Obagi, chosen for your skin, plus a daily high-protection SPF that also protects against visible light, such as Heliocare. Many plans start with a few weeks of skincare before any clinic treatment.
- Best for
- Everyone with melasma
- Course
- Daily, ongoing
- Downtime
- None
- Price
- Recommended at your consultation, priced per product
Dermapen 4 microneedling
Microneedling for melasma without heat, with a Dermapen brightening serum chosen for pigmentation. It also helps skincare work better between sessions.
- Best for
- Melasma with dull or uneven skin, or with acne scarring
- Course
- Usually 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Pink skin for 1 to 2 days
- Price
- Face £150, or £400 for 3
Microneedling with Ameela exosomes
Dermapen 4 microneedling combined with Ameela exosomes, a regenerative serum that supports skin repair and calmer, more even-looking skin. A heat-free option for melasma that comes with dull, tired or ageing skin.
- Best for
- Melasma with dull skin, texture or early ageing
- Course
- Usually 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Pink skin for 1 to 2 days
- Price
- Face £300, or £800 for 3
ClearLift laser, low settings
A gentle Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on the Alma Harmony XL PRO, used on low settings for some types of melasma. It breaks up pigment in very short pulses without wounding the surface. We only use it when your scan and skin type suit it, alongside skincare.
- Best for
- Selected melasma, usually with skincare already in place
- Course
- A course of sessions a few weeks apart
- Downtime
- Little to none, mild redness for a few hours
- Price
- Full face £150, or £420 for 3
HydraFacial
A gentle cleanse, exfoliation and hydration facial with no heat and no downtime. It does not treat melasma on its own, but it is a safe way to keep skin bright and calm between peels and for maintenance.
- Best for
- Glow and maintenance between melasma treatments
- Course
- Monthly, or between peels
- Downtime
- None
- Price
- From £80, Deluxe £120
Can laser treat melasma? Sometimes, but carefully. Strong heat-based lasers, IPL and aggressive resurfacing can make melasma darker, especially on brown and olive skin. We do not use iPixel resurfacing, DYE-SR or IPL for melasma, we patch test where needed, and we may advise against a treatment if it is not right for your skin.
No treatment is an instant fix; results build over a course and vary from person to person.
Melasma Treatment Plans
Every plan starts with a consultation and an OBSERV scan. As a guide, this is how melasma plans usually look.
Mild or new melasma
For light patches, often on the cheeks or upper lip.
- OBSERV scan to confirm it is melasma
- Pigment-controlling skincare and daily SPF for 4 to 6 weeks
- Perfect Peel course of 3, £600
- Follow-up scan to compare
Stubborn melasma
For patches that keep coming back.
- OBSERV UV and Wood’s light scan to check depth
- Skincare and SPF first
- Dermapen 4 course of 3, £400, or ClearLift on low settings, course of 3 £420, where suitable
- Maintenance plan to keep it under control
After pregnancy or breastfeeding
Melasma that has not faded after the baby is born.
- Gentle skincare and SPF during pregnancy
- OBSERV scan once you have finished breastfeeding
- Peel or microneedling course, chosen for your skin
- Combined price given at consultation
Plans are a guide. Your therapist will recommend what suits your skin after your scan. Results vary from person to person. Every plan starts with a skin consultation (£35, redeemable against treatment of £100 or more).
Melasma Treatment Cost in Leicester
Prices for the treatments we use for melasma, per session and for a course. Tap any price to request a booking. Every plan starts with a skin consultation (£35, redeemable against treatment of £100 or more).
Tap any price to request a booking. Every plan starts with a skin consultation.
The Perfect Peel Superblend
Dermapen 4 Microneedling
ClearLift Laser (Low Settings)
Microneedling with Ameela Exosomes
HydraFacial (Maintenance)
OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis
Course savings are compared with single sessions. Skincare is recommended at your consultation and priced per product. Results vary.
Why Choose ND Skin for Melasma in Leicester?
- OBSERV 520x UV and Wood’s light views to confirm melasma and see how deep it goes
- A careful, gentle approach that avoids heat that can make melasma darker
- Peels, microneedling, ClearLift laser and medical-grade skincare under one roof, so your plan is not limited to one machine
- Experience with brown and olive skin: patch tests, settings and low-heat options
- Honest advice in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Follow-up scans so you can see your progress
- Qualified therapists, trained on each machine and fully insured
- Rated 5.0 from 208 Google reviews
- Local clinic on Bell Street, Wigston, near Leicester, Oadby and Blaby
Melasma Treatment: What to Expect
Melasma improves slowly. Most people need a few weeks of skincare, then a course of treatments over several months, with daily SPF. Surface melasma usually lightens faster than deep melasma. It can come back with sun, heat or hormonal changes, so ongoing skincare and maintenance are part of the plan.
Consultation and Scan
We confirm it is melasma and how deep it sits.
Skincare First
Usually a few weeks before treatment.
A Course
Gentle sessions spaced over months.
Maintenance
SPF and skincare to keep it under control.
Results vary from person to person, depending on your skin, the concern being treated and your aftercare. Your therapist will explain what you can realistically expect at your consultation.
Melasma in Pregnancy, and When to See Your GP
Melasma in pregnancy is very common and often fades by itself in the months after the baby is born. Most clinic treatments and many skincare ingredients are not suitable while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so during that time we focus on daily SPF and gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare, and plan treatment for later. Please check any skincare with your midwife or GP too.
Please speak to your GP before treatment if:
- your pigmentation started with a new medicine
- a patch or spot is changing, raised, itchy or bleeding
- you have other symptoms such as tiredness or changes in your periods
Your Melasma Consultation
Every melasma plan starts with a skin consultation with one of our qualified therapists. We look at your skin, ask about hormones, pregnancy, medicines, sun habits and skincare, and explain honestly what is realistic for your melasma.
The skin consultation is £35, redeemable against any treatment of £100 or more, and includes a patch test where needed. Appointments only. For a detailed map of your skin, add an OBSERV 520x skin analysis.
Your Melasma Journey at ND Skin
Melasma is managed over a journey, not in one visit. We find out what is really going on first, then treat it gently, then track it. This is how it works.
1. Consultation and Scan
We talk through your skin, hormones and medicines, and an OBSERV scan confirms melasma and how deep it sits.
2. Skincare First
Pigment-controlling skincare and daily SPF prepare your skin.
3. Treatment
A gentle course of peels, microneedling or low-setting ClearLift.
4. Track and Maintain
Follow-up scans compare your skin, then a maintenance plan keeps it under control.
Daily Habits That Help
- Wear high-protection SPF every day, all year
- Reapply SPF when outdoors
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat in sun
- Stick with your skincare, even when it improves
Things That Can Make It Worse
- Sun, sunbeds and heat, including saunas and hot yoga
- Strong lasers and IPL not designed for melasma
- Harsh scrubs and irritating products
- Skin-lightening creams bought online, which can be unsafe
Reviews from Our Leicester Clients
Rated 5.0 from 208 Google reviews. Reviews from clients who had skin consultations, personalised skincare, ClearLift laser and microneedling at ND Skin. Results vary from person to person.
“ND Skin offers an exceptional, personalized skincare program tailored precisely to individual needs. The one-on-one consultations, led by Naz and Hannah, have transformed my skin remarkably… For anyone seeking remarkable results for their skin concerns, I highly recommend connecting with them.”
Shailee Sharita
“I can definitely recommend this clinic the staff are great. Had a thorough consultation with Naz in regards to my skin concerns. I have since had a hydrafacial and clear lift laser treatment. The results are amazing and i am very satisfied. Thank you!”
Ricky Punjani
“I’ve had 2 out of 3 of my course of microneedling so far and having a great experience. The clinic is extremely clean, comfortable and stylish. Hannah is doing my course for me and very friendly, professional and providing great advice! Good value and would recommend!”
Joanne Ross
“Highly recommend if you want to have a HydraFacial and microneedling session at Leicester! My skin feels refreshed, glowing, and smoother already. The staff’s attention to detail and care to their customers really makes this service worth it!”
Raheesa
Melasma Treatment in Wigston, Oadby and Leicester
ND Skin Aesthetics is at 32 Bell Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1AD. We help with melasma in Leicester, Wigston and Oadby, and clients also come to us from Blaby, Countesthorpe, Knighton, Kibworth, Great Glen, Lutterworth, Market Harborough and Hinckley.
We are about 10 minutes from Oadby and 10 to 15 minutes from Leicester city centre by car. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30am to 6pm, Thursday 9:30am to 7pm and Saturday 9:30am to 5pm, by appointment. Call 0116 288 7267, message us on WhatsApp or book your consultation online.
Melasma FAQs
What is the best treatment for melasma?
For most people, the best results come from combining pigment-controlling skincare and strict daily SPF with a gentle clinic treatment such as the Perfect Peel or Dermapen 4 microneedling. ClearLift laser on low settings can help some people. There is no single best treatment for everyone, so we recommend a plan after your consultation and OBSERV scan.
How much does melasma treatment cost in Leicester?
At ND Skin in Wigston, the Perfect Peel is £250, or £600 for a course of 3. Dermapen 4 microneedling is £150 for the face, or £400 for 3. ClearLift laser is £150 for the full face, or £420 for 3. Microneedling with Ameela exosomes is £300, or £800 for 3. The OBSERV skin analysis is £35 (usually £70), and the consultation is £35, redeemable against treatment of £100 or more. Skincare is priced per product.
Can laser treat melasma?
Sometimes, but carefully. Strong heat-based lasers, IPL and resurfacing can make melasma darker, especially on brown and olive skin. A gentle Q-switched laser such as ClearLift on low settings can help some types of melasma, usually alongside skincare. We only use it when your scan and skin type suit it.
How do you get rid of melasma?
Melasma usually cannot be removed for good, but it can be lightened a great deal and kept under control. That means daily SPF that also blocks visible light, pigment-controlling skincare, a course of gentle treatments, and avoiding heat and sunbeds.
Can melasma be cured?
There is no permanent cure, but melasma can usually be lightened and controlled with gentle treatments, the right skincare and daily sun protection.
Is microneedling good for melasma?
Microneedling with a Dermapen 4 is a useful option for melasma because it works without heat and helps skincare reach deeper. It is usually combined with skincare and SPF, as a course of 3 sessions.
Is the Perfect Peel good for melasma?
Yes. The Perfect Peel Superblend is our first choice for most people with melasma. It lightens pigment and evens skin tone without laser heat, and it is designed for all skin types and skin colours, including brown, olive and Black skin. Most people need a course of 3, about 4 weeks apart, with skincare and daily SPF. It is £250, or £600 for 3, with a homecare kit included.
Do exosomes help melasma?
Microneedling with Ameela exosomes is a heat-free option that supports skin repair and a more even-looking tone. It can suit melasma that comes with dull or ageing skin, alongside skincare and SPF. It is not a cure, and results vary.
Is HydraFacial good for melasma?
HydraFacial is safe for melasma because it uses no heat, and it keeps skin bright and calm. It does not treat melasma on its own, so we use it for maintenance alongside peels, skincare and SPF.
What is the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation?
Melasma is one type of hyperpigmentation. It causes symmetrical patches on both sides of the face, is linked to hormones, light and heat, and is treated more gently than sun spots or dark marks after spots. Our OBSERV scan helps tell them apart.
Can I have melasma treatment while pregnant?
Most melasma treatments and many skincare ingredients are not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Melasma in pregnancy often fades after the baby is born, so we focus on daily SPF and gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare until then, and plan treatment for later.
Can you treat melasma on the upper lip?
Yes. Melasma on the upper lip, sometimes called a melasma moustache, is common. We treat it gently with skincare, SPF and peels or microneedling, and we do not use heat-based treatments there.
Do you treat melasma on brown and olive skin?
Yes. Melasma is more common in brown and olive skin, and treatment needs extra care because heat can make it darker. We use an OBSERV scan, patch test where needed and choose low-heat options such as the Perfect Peel and Dermapen 4 microneedling.
Will melasma come back?
It can, especially with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Daily SPF, ongoing skincare and occasional maintenance treatments help keep it under control.
How long does melasma treatment take?
Melasma improves slowly. Most plans start with a few weeks of skincare, then a course of treatments over a few months. Surface melasma usually responds faster than deep melasma.
When is the best time of year to treat melasma?
Autumn and winter are a good time to start, when sun exposure is lower. Daily SPF is essential all year, as melasma usually darkens again in summer.
How much is a consultation?
The skin consultation is £35, redeemable against any treatment of £100 or more. The OBSERV 520x skin analysis is currently £35, usually £70.
Is there a melasma clinic near me in Leicester?
ND Skin Aesthetics is a skin and laser clinic at 32 Bell Street, Wigston, about 10 minutes from Oadby, Knighton, Stoneygate and Leicester city centre, with melasma treatment by appointment.
Where is your clinic?
ND Skin Aesthetics, 32 Bell Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1AD, about 10 minutes from Oadby and Leicester city centre. Appointments only.
Book Your Melasma Consultation in Leicester
Your plan starts with a skin consultation. Book online, call 0116 288 7267 or message us on WhatsApp. Results vary from person to person.