Melasma Treatment in Seoul, Korea
Why Melasma Is Common in Korea
Melasma appears frequently in Asian and melanin-rich skin types due to higher pigment activity. Korea has developed specialized approaches that focus on:
- Gentle laser protocols
- Skin barrier repair
- Anti-inflammatory care
- Long-term pigment control
- Avoiding triggers like excessive heat and irritation
Common Melasma Treatment Options in Seoul
1. Laser Toning (Low-Fluence Nd:YAG)
- Gentle, repetitive laser passes
- Gradually reduces pigmentation without overheating the skin
- Safe for darker skin tones
- Often done weekly or biweekly
2. Pico Laser for Stubborn Pigment
- Short-pulse laser energy breaks down deeper pigment clusters
- Helps resistant or dermal melasma
- Used with caution to avoid rebound pigmentation
3. IPL (Selective Use)
- May help certain mixed-pigmentation cases
- Must be used carefully to avoid worsening melasma
- Usually combined with cooling or calming treatments
4. Tranexamic Acid Therapy
- Oral or topical options
- Helps reduce pigment formation from within
- Often paired with laser toning
5. Skin Barrier Repair Programs
- Hydrating facials
- LDM water therapy
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
- Strengthens skin before and between laser sessions
6. Brightening Ingredients
Used in clinic or home care:
- Niacinamide
- Arbutin
- Azelaic acid
- Retinoids (as tolerated)
- Vitamin C
- Cysteamine
- Kojic acid
7. Chemical Peels (Mild Formulas)
- Mandelic acid or lactic acid peels
- Improve tone and texture without triggering irritation
- Avoid overly strong or repeated deep peels
8. Sun Protection Protocols
- Daily SPF 50+
- Infrared-blocking sunscreens
- Reapplication every 2–3 hours
- Broad-spectrum protection is essential for controlling melasma
Treatment Strategy in Seoul: Gentle + Consistent
Melasma requires a long-term, non-aggressive plan. Typical Korean treatment programs focus on:
- Gradual fading (not instant removal)
- Preventing rebound pigmentation
- Strengthening the skin barrier
- Reducing inflammatory triggers
- Combining lasers with topical care
- Adjusting treatments seasonally
Sudden aggressive treatments can worsen melasma, so Korean dermatology emphasizes caution and tailored protocols.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Consultation & pigmentation analysis
- Gentle laser or topical sessions (depending on the plan)
- Cooling and calming care
- Barrier-repair hydration
- Sun protection reminders
Each visit typically takes 20–40 minutes.
Downtime & Recovery
Most melasma treatments are designed to have minimal downtime:
- Slight redness for a few hours
- Mild dryness or flaking after laser toning or peels
- Gradual brightening over several weeks
- Consistent improvement with repeated sessions
Pico laser may cause brief swelling depending on the intensity.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Melasma requires ongoing care:
- Laser toning: weekly or biweekly for 6–12 sessions
- Pico laser: every 3–6 weeks as needed
- Barrier treatments: weekly or biweekly
- Tranexamic acid: several months for optimal results
Maintenance sessions are often recommended to keep pigmentation under control.
Typical Cost in Seoul
Costs vary depending on the method and treatment duration:
- Laser toning: ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 per session
- Pico laser: ₩120,000 – ₩350,000
- Mild chemical peels: ₩40,000 – ₩120,000
- Barrier repair facials: ₩40,000 – ₩150,000
- Comprehensive melasma programs: packaged rates for multiple sessions
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates include those with:
- Brown/gray-brown cheek patches
- Hormonal pigmentation
- Post-pregnancy melasma
- Sun-induced discoloration
- Mixed epidermal and dermal pigment
- Skin prone to inflammation or redness
Melasma can affect all skin tones but requires especially careful handling for those with melanin-rich skin.
Safety & Considerations
- Avoid aggressive lasers or deep peels
- Sun exposure can reverse progress
- Heat (sauna, hot yoga) may worsen melasma
- Results appear gradually
- Gentle consistency is key
- Pregnant individuals usually postpone laser treatments