Board-certified in Aesthetic Medicine • American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine • Last reviewed: September 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr. Inaam Faiq, MBCHB, American Board in Aesthetic Medicine — September 2026
If you are living in Dubai and dealing with dark, uneven patches across your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, there is a good chance you are dealing with melasma. It is one of the most common pigmentation concerns I see in my clinic at Dubai Healthcare City — and one of the most misunderstood.
Melasma is not a simple dark spot. It is a chronic, hormonally driven condition that responds to triggers most Dubai residents face every single day: relentless UV exposure, ambient heat, and humidity. Treating it requires more than a single laser session or a tube of brightening cream. It requires a strategy — one that accounts for your skin tone, your triggers, and the reality that melasma is managed over time, not erased overnight.
In over twenty years of clinical practice — fifteen of them here in Dubai — I have treated thousands of patients with melasma across every skin tone, from Fitzpatrick I through VI. What I have learned is this: the patients who get the best outcomes are the ones who understand what they are dealing with before they start treatment. That is what this guide is for.
What Is Melasma, Exactly?
Melasma is a form of acquired hyperpigmentation characterised by symmetrical, brownish or greyish-brown patches. It most commonly appears on the face — the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Less frequently, it shows up on the forearms and neck.
What separates melasma from other forms of hyperpigmentation — sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or age spots — is its underlying biology. Melasma involves hyperactive melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment), but it also involves increased vascularity (blood vessel density) in the affected skin. This is why melasma often looks different from a regular dark spot: it has a deeper, more diffuse quality, and it responds to triggers that other pigmentation conditions do not.
There is also a genetic component. If your mother or sister has melasma, you are significantly more likely to develop it. It affects women disproportionately — roughly nine out of ten melasma patients are female — though men do develop it as well, particularly in regions with high sun exposure like the Gulf.
Who Gets Melasma?
Melasma is most prevalent in individuals with medium to dark skin tones — Fitzpatrick skin types III through VI. This includes people of Middle Eastern, South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, Latin American, and African descent. In a city like Dubai, where the population is extraordinarily diverse, this means a very large percentage of patients sitting in my consultation room are at risk.
The Three Types of Melasma — and Why It Matters for Treatment
Not all melasma sits at the same depth in the skin, and knowing where your pigment lives is the single most important factor in choosing the right treatment. There are three recognised types:
Epidermal Melasma
The pigment sits in the upper layers of the skin (the epidermis). It typically appears as well-defined, dark brown patches. Under a Wood’s lamp — a UV examination tool used in clinic — epidermal melasma becomes more pronounced. This is the most responsive type to topical treatments and superficial procedures like chemical peels. When I see epidermal melasma, I know we have good treatment options and a realistic path to significant improvement.
Dermal Melasma
Here, the pigment has dropped deeper into the dermis. The patches appear more bluish-grey, with less defined borders. Under the Wood’s lamp, dermal melasma does not enhance — it looks essentially the same as under normal light. This type is considerably harder to treat because topical agents struggle to reach the depth where the pigment is sitting. Dermal melasma requires patience, combination approaches, and honest conversations about what is achievable.
Mixed Melasma
The most common presentation I see — and the most challenging. Mixed melasma has pigment deposited in both the epidermis and the dermis. Some areas of the patch may be dark brown (epidermal component), while others are greyer (dermal component). This requires a layered treatment strategy that addresses both depths simultaneously.
I assess melasma type during every initial consultation using clinical examination, a Wood’s lamp, and in many cases dermoscopy. Skipping this step — which, frankly, many clinics do — is how patients end up with treatments that make their melasma worse instead of better.
Why Dubai Makes Melasma Worse
If you have melasma and you live in Dubai, your environment is actively working against you. This is not an exaggeration — it is photobiology. Understanding why is essential to managing the condition.
Year-Round UV Exposure
Dubai receives intense ultraviolet radiation for ten to eleven months of the year. The UV index regularly exceeds 10 during summer — classified as “very high” to “extreme” by the World Health Organisation. UV radiation is the single most potent trigger for melanocyte activation. Even brief unprotected exposure — walking to your car, sitting near a window — can reactivate melasma that was previously under control.
Ambient Heat and Infrared Radiation
This is the trigger most patients do not know about. Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has demonstrated that heat itself — independent of UV light — can stimulate melanocyte activity. With outdoor temperatures in Dubai regularly exceeding 45 degrees Celsius from May through September, even wearing sunscreen may not be enough if you are spending time in direct heat. Infrared radiation from sunlight penetrates deeper than UV and contributes to the vascular component of melasma.
Humidity and Skin Barrier Disruption
Dubai’s humidity, particularly during summer, can disrupt the skin barrier function. A compromised barrier allows more UV penetration and increases transepidermal water loss, both of which contribute to melanocyte instability. Patients often cycle between extreme humidity outdoors and dry, air-conditioned environments indoors — and this constant fluctuation is not kind to melasma-prone skin.
Visible Light Exposure
Visible light — the light you can see, including blue light from screens — has been shown to trigger melasma, particularly in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). A landmark study by Mahmoud et al. demonstrated that visible light caused more intense and longer-lasting hyperpigmentation in darker skin compared to UVA1 radiation. In Dubai, where outdoor visible light intensity is extreme, this is a significant and often overlooked trigger.
Melasma and Darker Skin Tones: Why It Requires Extra Care
This is a subject I feel strongly about, because I see the consequences of poorly considered treatment in darker skin tones on a regular basis.
Patients with Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types — which includes many of the Arab, South Asian, Filipino, and African patients I treat in Dubai — have melanocytes that are inherently more reactive. This means:
- Greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Any treatment that creates inflammation — aggressive lasers, deep peels, or even overly harsh topicals — can trigger new pigmentation that is worse than the melasma itself.
- Rebound hyperpigmentation: Treatments that are too aggressive can cause a paradoxical darkening response. The melanocytes, already overactive, respond to the trauma by producing even more pigment.
- Longer recovery timelines: Darker skin tones typically need lower-intensity treatments delivered over more sessions, which means the treatment journey takes longer — and requires more patience from both doctor and patient.
- Fewer “safe” laser options: Many laser wavelengths that work beautifully on lighter skin carry unacceptable risks on darker skin. Choosing the wrong device can cause burns, scarring, or permanent dyspigmentation.
This does not mean darker skin tones cannot be treated successfully. They absolutely can. But it means the treatment protocol must be designed by someone who understands melanin-rich skin — not someone who applies the same settings and protocols to every patient who walks in.
Melasma Treatment Options: What Actually Works
There is no single “best” melasma treatment. The right approach depends on your melasma type, your skin tone, your triggers, and your lifestyle. Here is a thorough overview of the options I use and recommend in my practice.
Topical Treatments — The Foundation
Topical therapy is the first line of melasma treatment globally, and for good reason. It is the safest, most controlled approach, and in many cases it delivers meaningful improvement on its own.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone remains the gold standard topical depigmenting agent. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that drives melanin production. At concentrations of 2-4%, it can significantly lighten melasma patches over 8-12 weeks.
However, hydroquinone requires careful management. Prolonged, unsupervised use (beyond 4-5 months continuously) can cause ochronosis — a paradoxical blue-grey darkening that is extremely difficult to reverse. I prescribe hydroquinone in controlled cycles: typically 3-4 months on, followed by a rest period using non-hydroquinone maintenance agents. This cycling approach gives patients the benefit of hydroquinone’s efficacy while avoiding its risks.
Tranexamic Acid (Topical and Oral)
Tranexamic acid has become one of the most exciting developments in melasma treatment over the past decade. Originally used as an anti-bleeding medication, it was discovered to inhibit the plasminogen-activator pathway in melanocytes — essentially interfering with the signalling cascade that tells melanocytes to produce excess pigment.
I use tranexamic acid in multiple forms:
- Topical (3-5% concentration): Applied as a serum or cream, effective for mild to moderate epidermal melasma. Excellent safety profile across all skin tones.
- Oral (250mg twice daily): Growing evidence supports low-dose oral tranexamic acid as an adjunct therapy for stubborn melasma. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed significant improvement compared to placebo. I use this selectively, after screening for contraindications (history of blood clots, certain medications).
- Intradermal microinjections: Delivered via mesotherapy or microneedling, tranexamic acid can be deposited directly into the affected dermis — particularly useful for the dermal component of mixed melasma.
Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene)
Retinoids accelerate epidermal cell turnover, which helps shed pigmented keratinocytes more quickly. They also enhance the penetration of other topical agents. I typically incorporate a retinoid into melasma protocols — usually tretinoin 0.025-0.05% — but with a critical caveat: retinoids can be irritating, and irritation can trigger PIH in darker skin tones. I start low, go slow, and titrate based on tolerance.
Other Topical Agents
- Azelaic acid (15-20%): A tyrosinase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. Safe for long-term use and during pregnancy — one of the few melasma treatments that is.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, 10-20%): An antioxidant that also inhibits tyrosinase. Useful as a maintenance agent and for added photoprotection.
- Niacinamide (4-5%): Inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. Well-tolerated, good for sensitive skin.
- Arbutin and kojic acid: Botanical tyrosinase inhibitors. Gentler than hydroquinone but less potent. Useful for maintenance phases.
Chemical Peels for Melasma
Chemical peels accelerate the removal of pigmented epidermal cells and can improve the penetration of topical treatments. For melasma, I favour superficial to medium-depth peels — aggressive deep peels carry too much risk of PIH, especially in darker skin tones.
The peels I use most frequently for melasma include:
- Glycolic acid (30-50%): An alpha-hydroxy acid that provides gentle, even exfoliation. Excellent for Fitzpatrick I-IV skin types.
- Lactic acid (30-40%): Gentler than glycolic acid, with melanocyte-inhibiting properties of its own. My preferred choice for darker skin tones.
- Modified Jessner’s peel: A combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid. Effective for mixed melasma without the intensity of a TCA peel.
- Mandelic acid (30-40%): A larger-molecule AHA that penetrates more slowly, reducing the risk of irritation. Excellent for sensitive, darker skin.
I typically recommend a series of 4-6 peels, spaced 2-4 weeks apart, always in combination with a comprehensive topical regimen. Peels alone are not enough — they are one component of a larger strategy.
Learn more about our medical-grade chemical peels and how they are customised for your skin type.
Laser and Light Treatments — With Important Caveats
Lasers can play a role in melasma treatment, but this is where many patients run into trouble. The wrong laser, the wrong settings, or the wrong skin type selection can make melasma dramatically worse.
Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser (1064nm) — Low Fluence
This is the most commonly used laser for melasma, delivered at low fluence (energy) settings — sometimes called “laser toning.” The 1064nm wavelength penetrates deeply and targets melanin without causing significant epidermal damage. When used conservatively, it can be effective for dermal melasma that has not responded to topicals alone.
The protocol typically involves multiple sessions (6-10) at 1-2 week intervals. Results are gradual, not dramatic after a single session. I use this approach selectively and always in combination with topical therapy and rigorous sun protection.
Picosecond Lasers
Picosecond technology delivers energy in trillionths-of-a-second pulses, shattering pigment particles with less surrounding thermal damage than traditional nanosecond lasers. Early evidence suggests improved efficacy and safety for melasma, though long-term data is still maturing. I consider picosecond treatment for melasma that has plateaued with other approaches.
What I Do Not Recommend for Melasma
There are laser treatments I actively avoid for melasma, and I want to be transparent about this:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Too broad-spectrum and unpredictable for melasma. High risk of rebound in darker skin tones.
- Ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium) at standard settings: Too aggressive. The thermal damage triggers PIH and can worsen melasma significantly.
- High-fluence Q-Switched treatments: Overly aggressive energy levels can cause confetti-like depigmentation (hypopigmented spots) and rebound darkening.
If a clinic is offering you a single aggressive laser session as a “cure” for melasma, be cautious. Melasma does not respond well to aggression — it responds to strategy.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for Melasma
PRP has emerged as a valuable adjunctive treatment for melasma. Your own blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma, and then reintroduced into the skin via microneedling or microinjection.
The growth factors in PRP have anti-inflammatory effects and appear to modulate melanocyte activity. Several clinical studies have shown that combining PRP with microneedling produces better outcomes for melasma than microneedling alone. I frequently incorporate PRP into my melasma protocols, particularly for patients with a significant inflammatory or vascular component to their melasma.
PRP is also one of the safest treatment options across all skin tones because it is autologous — derived from your own body. There is no risk of allergic reaction or foreign substance complications.
Read more about PRP therapy and mesotherapy treatments at our Dubai Healthcare City clinic.
Microneedling for Melasma
Microneedling with a medical-grade device (such as Dermapen) creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, stimulating collagen remodelling and allowing enhanced penetration of topical active ingredients. When combined with tranexamic acid or vitamin C serums applied immediately after needling, the results for melasma can be impressive.
The key advantage of microneedling for melasma — especially in darker skin tones — is that it is largely chromophore-independent. Unlike lasers, microneedling does not target melanin with light energy, which means the risk of paradoxical pigmentation is significantly lower. I typically recommend 3-6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.
Combination Protocols — Where Real Results Happen
In my experience, the most effective melasma treatment is never a single modality. It is a personalised combination tailored to the individual. Here is an example of the kind of multi-phase protocol I design for my patients:
Phase 1 — Preparation (4-6 weeks): Topical regimen to stabilise melanocyte activity. Typically includes hydroquinone (cycled), retinoid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, and high-factor sunscreen. This primes the skin and reduces the risk of PIH from any in-clinic procedures.
Phase 2 — Active Treatment (8-16 weeks): Depending on the patient’s melasma type and skin tone, this may include a series of chemical peels, microneedling with tranexamic acid, PRP sessions, and/or low-fluence laser toning. Treatments are typically spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
Phase 3 — Maintenance (ongoing): Transition to non-hydroquinone topicals (tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C). Periodic in-clinic maintenance treatments every 2-3 months. Year-round sun protection protocol.
This is not a quick fix. It is a structured programme that acknowledges what melasma actually is — a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
Treatment Comparison: Melasma Options at a Glance
| Treatment | Sessions Needed | Downtime | Best For | Skin Tone Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical therapy (HQ, TXA, retinoids) | Ongoing (daily) | None | All types; first-line treatment | All tones (with supervision) |
| Chemical peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) | 4–6 sessions | 0–3 days | Epidermal melasma, texture improvement | All tones (agent selection varies) |
| Microneedling + tranexamic acid | 3–6 sessions | 1–2 days redness | Mixed melasma, treatment-resistant cases | Excellent for darker tones |
| PRP therapy | 3–4 sessions | 1 day mild swelling | Inflammatory melasma, adjunctive use | Safe for all tones |
| Low-fluence Nd:YAG laser | 6–10 sessions | None to minimal | Dermal melasma, stubborn cases | Cautious use in IV–VI |
| Picosecond laser | 4–8 sessions | Minimal | Treatment-resistant, plateau cases | Promising but requires expertise |
| Oral tranexamic acid | Ongoing (3–6 months) | None | Widespread or recurrent melasma | All tones (screening required) |
Dr. Inaam’s Approach to Melasma Treatment
Every melasma patient who comes to my clinic in Dubai Healthcare City starts the same way: with a thorough consultation. I do not prescribe treatments on the first visit based on what I think I see. I examine the skin under magnification and a Wood’s lamp, take a detailed history of triggers, previous treatments, hormonal factors, and medication use, and — critically — I assess the Fitzpatrick skin type to determine which treatments are safe.
From there, I build a personalised treatment protocol. Not a menu of options to choose from — a sequenced, phased plan that addresses your specific melasma type and works within the safety parameters of your skin tone.
What Makes My Approach Different
- Tone-safe protocols: I have spent my entire career treating patients across the full Fitzpatrick spectrum — I through VI. I do not offer one-size-fits-all laser treatments, and I do not use aggressive energy settings on melanin-rich skin. Every treatment choice is filtered through a skin tone safety assessment.
- Realistic timelines: I will tell you on day one that melasma improvement is measured in months, not days. Patients who understand this from the outset are the ones who achieve lasting results, because they stick with the programme.
- Combination over monotherapy: I almost never treat melasma with a single modality. The evidence consistently shows that combination protocols produce superior and more sustained results.
- Trigger management: Treatment without trigger management is incomplete. I work with my patients on sun protection strategies, heat avoidance, hormonal considerations, and skincare routines that support what we are doing in clinic.
- Honest communication: Melasma is a chronic condition. I do not promise “cures” or permanent removal. I promise a clear, evidence-based plan and consistent, compassionate follow-up.
Explore our full range of pigmentation treatments designed for every skin tone.
What to Avoid: Melasma Treatment Red Flags
Over twenty years in aesthetic medicine, I have seen the damage that poorly considered melasma treatment can do. Please be cautious of the following:
Aggressive Laser Treatments on Dark Skin
If a practitioner recommends high-energy laser treatment for melasma without assessing your skin type, or if they use the same laser settings on Fitzpatrick V-VI skin that they use on Fitzpatrick I-II, find another practitioner. Aggressive lasers on melanin-rich skin can cause burns, permanent hypopigmentation (white spots), and severe rebound hyperpigmentation that is harder to treat than the original melasma.
Unqualified Practitioners
In Dubai’s aesthetic market, not every person offering skin treatments has the medical background to manage a complex condition like melasma. Chemical peels require precise formulation and timing. Lasers require understanding of tissue interaction physics. Melasma requires understanding of hormonal pathways, melanocyte biology, and skin of colour dermatology. Ask about your practitioner’s qualifications, training, and specific experience with melasma and with your skin type.
Over-the-Counter “Miracle” Products
Products marketed as melasma “cures” or “erasers” — particularly those sold online without medical oversight — can contain unregulated concentrations of hydroquinone, mercury, or potent corticosteroids. These can cause serious, sometimes irreversible skin damage. Any depigmenting agent above a cosmetic concentration should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician.
Treating Without Diagnosis
Not all brown patches are melasma. Conditions that can mimic melasma include drug-induced hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, lichen planus pigmentosus, and even certain fungal infections. Treating the wrong condition with the wrong protocol is how patients lose time, money, and confidence. A proper diagnosis should always come first.
Maintenance and Prevention: Protecting Your Results in Dubai
Achieving improvement with melasma is one thing. Maintaining it — especially in Dubai — is another. This is the part of the conversation that many clinics skip, and it is arguably the most important.
Sunscreen: Your Most Important Treatment
I tell my patients this without reservation: sunscreen is the single most effective melasma treatment you will ever use. Without rigorous sun protection, every other treatment I provide is compromised.
For melasma patients in Dubai, sunscreen requirements are specific:
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum covering UVA and UVB
- Iron oxide-containing formulations: Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides provide protection against visible light — which, as discussed earlier, is a significant melasma trigger in darker skin tones. A 2020 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that iron oxide-containing sunscreens provided superior melasma protection compared to standard UV-only sunscreens.
- Reapplication every 2 hours during any outdoor exposure, and after sweating or wiping the face
- Indoor application: Yes, even indoors. UVA penetrates windows, and visible light from screens and overhead lighting contributes to melanocyte stimulation
A Maintenance Skincare Routine for Melasma
Between clinic visits, your home routine is doing most of the work. Here is the framework I recommend for melasma-prone skin in Dubai:
Morning:
- Gentle cleanser (no exfoliating acids in the morning)
- Vitamin C serum (antioxidant + mild tyrosinase inhibition)
- Moisturiser with niacinamide (barrier support + pigment transfer inhibition)
- Tinted SPF 50+ with iron oxide (UV + visible light protection)
Evening:
- Double cleanse (oil-based first, then gentle water-based cleanser) to thoroughly remove sunscreen
- Active treatment serum: azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, or retinoid (rotated based on your protocol phase)
- Moisturiser (barrier repair, ceramide-based preferred)
Additional recommendations:
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat during outdoor activities
- Avoid direct heat sources (hot ovens, saunas, steam rooms) when melasma is active
- Use UV-protective film on car windows if you spend significant time driving
- Review hormonal medications (oral contraceptives, HRT) with your prescribing doctor — they may be contributing to your melasma
In-Clinic Maintenance
Even after achieving significant improvement, I recommend my melasma patients return for maintenance treatments every 2-3 months. This might be a light chemical peel, a microneedling session, or simply a clinical assessment and skincare adjustment. Think of it the way you think of dental cleanings — regular professional maintenance keeps the condition managed and catches any early recurrence before it becomes established.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melasma Treatment in Dubai
Can melasma be permanently cured?
Melasma is a chronic condition, and in most cases it cannot be permanently cured. However, it can be very effectively managed. With the right combination of treatments, trigger avoidance, and a disciplined maintenance routine, many of my patients achieve dramatic improvement and maintain clear, even-toned skin for extended periods. The goal is long-term control, not a one-time fix. I am always honest with my patients about this from the initial consultation, because realistic expectations lead to better adherence and better outcomes.
How long does melasma treatment take to show results?
Most patients begin to see visible lightening within 6-8 weeks of starting a comprehensive treatment protocol. Topical treatments alone may take 8-12 weeks to show meaningful improvement. In-clinic procedures like chemical peels and microneedling can accelerate results, with noticeable improvement often visible after 2-3 sessions. The full treatment programme typically spans 4-6 months of active treatment, followed by an ongoing maintenance phase. Patience is essential — rushing the process or seeking aggressive shortcuts often leads to setbacks.
Is laser treatment safe for melasma on dark skin?
Certain laser treatments can be used safely on darker skin tones, but only when the correct device, wavelength, and energy settings are selected by an experienced practitioner. Low-fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1064nm) is generally the safest laser option for Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types. I strongly advise against IPL and high-energy ablative lasers for melasma on dark skin due to the significant risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and rebound darkening. The key factor is not the laser itself — it is the expertise of the person operating it.
Will my melasma come back after treatment?
Recurrence is common with melasma, particularly if triggers are not managed. UV exposure, hormonal changes, heat, and discontinuing maintenance skincare can all cause melasma to return. This is why I design my treatment protocols with a built-in maintenance phase and educate my patients on lifelong trigger management. Patients who maintain their sunscreen regimen, continue using maintenance topicals, and attend periodic clinic visits have significantly lower recurrence rates than those who stop treatment once their skin has cleared.
What is the best sunscreen for melasma in Dubai?
For melasma patients in Dubai, I recommend an SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains iron oxides — typically available as tinted formulations. Iron oxides provide protection against visible light, which is a significant but often overlooked melasma trigger, particularly in darker skin tones. The sunscreen should be applied generously (a full teaspoon for the face alone) and reapplied every two hours during sun exposure. I also recommend applying sunscreen indoors, as UVA penetrates window glass and visible light from artificial sources can contribute to melanocyte stimulation.
Is melasma treatment safe during pregnancy?
Many melasma treatments — including hydroquinone, retinoids, and most laser procedures — are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, some safe options exist. Azelaic acid (up to 20%) is classified as Category B and is generally considered safe. Vitamin C, niacinamide, and rigorous sun protection are also appropriate during pregnancy. I always adjust protocols for pregnant and breastfeeding patients, prioritising gentle maintenance until more active treatments can safely resume.
How much does melasma treatment cost in Dubai?
The cost of melasma treatment in Dubai varies depending on the combination of modalities used, the severity of the condition, and the number of sessions required. A comprehensive treatment programme — including consultation, topical prescriptions, and a series of in-clinic treatments — is an investment in a multi-month process rather than a single procedure. During your consultation at our Dubai Healthcare City clinic, I provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing tailored to your specific needs.
Can men get melasma?
Yes, absolutely. While melasma is more common in women — approximately 90% of cases — men do develop melasma, particularly in regions with high UV exposure like the Gulf. The diagnostic and treatment approach is the same, though hormonal triggers differ. I see male melasma patients regularly in my practice and treat them with the same personalised, combination approach. If anything, men are less likely to be using daily sunscreen, which means trigger management education is especially important.
Take the First Step
If you are dealing with melasma in Dubai, you do not have to navigate it alone — and you should not accept treatments from someone who does not understand the complexity of this condition or the nuances of your skin tone.
I offer one-to-one consultations at my clinic in Dubai Healthcare City (American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital) where we take the time to properly diagnose your melasma, assess your triggers and skin type, and design a treatment plan that is evidence-based, tone-safe, and realistic.
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Dr. Inaam Faiq is a board-certified aesthetic medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience. She practices at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City, specialising in personalised aesthetic treatments for all skin tones. She holds certifications from the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.