Summer brings light, warmth, and the long-awaited sunshine. As we enjoy the summer days, many of us notice changes in our skin: symmetrical, brownish, or grayish patches begin to appear on our faces. This is melasma (also known as chloasma), one of the most common and challenging cosmetic skin conditions.
Although melasma is completely harmless, it is often perceived as aesthetically bothersome, and treating it requires patience. Summer, in particular, can trigger even dormant melasma in the blink of an eye. In this article, we’ll delve into the scientific research to explore what causes melasma, why summer is the most challenging time for it, and how you can effectively treat it using Klinik Linnea’s range of services and at-home care products.
What is melasma, and what causes it?
In the scientific literature, melasma is defined as an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder that typically manifests in sun-exposed areas of the face—such as the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. The pathophysiology of melasma is complex: the cells that produce skin color, called melanocytes, are overactive in these areas and produce too much melanin — the skin’s pigment — for the surrounding cells.
According to studies, several interrelated factors contribute to the development of melasma:
UV radiation and visible light: The sun is the primary trigger for melasma. UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) directly stimulates melanocytes to produce pigment. Recent studies show that high-energy visible light (HEV/blue light) can also worsen melasma.
Hormonal factors: Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels sensitize melanocytes. For this reason, melasma is very common during pregnancy (the so-called “pregnancy mask”) and in women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
Genetics: Susceptibility to melasma is often hereditary. It is more common in people with a naturally slightly darker or easily tanning skin type (Fitzpatrick scale III–V).
Heat and inflammation: In addition to light alone, heat (e.g., saunas, hot summer weather, or intense exercise) dilates blood vessels and can activate pigment cells through inflammatory mechanisms.
Summer Challenges: Why Does Melasma Flare Up During the Sunny Months?
The biggest challenge in treating melasma is its tendency to recur. Even if the patches have faded significantly over the winter, just a few minutes of unprotected exposure to the summer sun can cause the pigmentation to return to its previous state.
In the summer, the challenge lies in the skin’s constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperatures. For this reason, “corrective” treatment alone is not enough; during the summer, the focus must be firmly on protecting and soothing the skin and suppressing the activity of pigment cells.
Trusted products for at-home treatment of melasma
As with all skin problems, regular and proper at-home care is the foundation of any treatment for melasma. When treating melasma, the goal of at-home skincare products is to prevent melanin formation (tyrosinase inhibitors), accelerate the renewal of existing pigment, and protect the skin.
Klinik Linnea’s recommended trusted products for managing melasma:
Tyrosinase inhibitors and brightening serums: Products that contain, for example, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, or niacinamide. We recommend, for example, the ZO Skin Health line of specialized skin-brightening products, which help regulate melanin production without causing excessive skin irritation.
Retinol (vitamin A): Helps renew the skin and exfoliate pigmented cells. Note! Using retinol in the summer requires special caution and exceptionally effective sun protection, and you should always consult with our experts before using it.
Broad-spectrum physical sunscreen (SPF 50): An absolute must for skin with melasma. Sunscreen must protect not only against UVA and UVB rays but also against HEV light (blue light). Sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — often lightly tinted (with iron oxides) — provide the best protection against visible light.
Professional Clinic Treatments at Klinik Linnea
When home care is supplemented with targeted clinic treatments, the best and most long-lasting results in the treatment of melasma are achieved. However, it is important to remember that melasma-prone skin is sensitive: overly aggressive treatments (such as using lasers that are too powerful at the wrong time of year) can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and worsen the condition.
Klinik Linnea’s range of services includes several effective and safe treatment options for managing and treating melasma:
Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment: Lumecca is one of the most effective IPL treatments on the market, targeting skin pigmentation changes and blood vessels. It effectively breaks down excess melanin in the skin. It is recommended primarily during the fall and winter months, when the skin is not exposed to direct sunlight.
pHformula Peel Treatments (M.E.L.A. Peel): pHformula’s unique peel treatments are based on a controlled acid solution that, unlike traditional chemical peels, does not cause severe flaking or trauma to the skin. The M.E.L.A. treatment is specifically designed to address hyperpigmentation and melasma. It inhibits pigment formation and safely brightens the skin.
AlumierMD chemical peels: AlumierMD peels are customized to the skin’s specific needs. They contain powerful exfoliating and brightening ingredients (such as lactic acid and salicylic acid) that even out skin tone and stimulate cell renewal.
Hydrafacial: A gentle yet effective treatment that’s perfect for summer. Hydrafacial mechanically and chemically cleanses and exfoliates the skin, while also infusing it with active serums. The treatment can be combined with a special Britenol or Zo Brightalive serum, specifically designed to lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin.
Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling: Helps regenerate the skin’s structure from deep within. Although this is not a direct pigment treatment, the improvement in overall skin quality and health supports the management of melasma, provided the treatment is performed under the close supervision of a specialist.
Don’t face pigmentation challenges alone
Treating melasma is a marathon, not a sprint. Since everyone’s skin and the depth of their melasma (epidermal, dermal, or mixed) are unique, finding the right treatment plan requires professional expertise. Using the wrong products or undergoing overly aggressive treatments can actually stimulate further pigmentation.
The experts at Klinik Linnea will help you assess your skin’s condition. Book an appointment for a skincare consultation or a ZO Skin Health & AlumierMD consultation, and we’ll create a home care and in-clinic treatment program tailored specifically to your skin and lifestyle—including for the summer months.
-Nurse Darya Karilahti