Melasma is one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat — chronic, recurrent, and stubbornly resistant to topical creams alone. Dermapen combined with depigmenting actives offers a protocol that finally gives lasting results when applied correctly.
Why melasma is so hard to treat
Melasma involves overactive melanocytes, often triggered by hormones (pregnancy, contraceptives), sun exposure, or heat. The pigment penetrates deep dermal layers, making topical creams alone insufficient. Treatment requires breaking the pigment AND inhibiting future production.
How Dermapen helps with pigmentation
Microneedling at controlled depth (0.5–1mm) creates pathways for depigmenting actives (tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid) to reach the melanin-producing cells where creams alone can't penetrate. The micro-channels also help break up existing pigment clusters.
Specific Dermapen + actives protocol
6–8 sessions every 3 weeks at 0.5–1mm depth. Each session followed by application of tranexamic acid serum + vitamin C. Daily home routine: tranexamic acid serum AM, retinol PM, and obsessive SPF 50+ reapplication every 2 hours during sun exposure.
What you should NOT do during treatment
No aggressive peels (can rebound melasma worse). No laser without melasma expertise (heat triggers more pigment). No harsh scrubs. No sun exposure without SPF 50+ reapplied every 2 hours. No hot showers or sauna (heat is melasma's enemy).
Realistic expectations and maintenance
Melasma can be controlled, not cured. With a 6–8 session protocol and strict aftercare, expect 60–80% improvement. Maintenance forever: daily SPF 50, monthly Dermapen for 6 months after the initial protocol, then quarterly. Stopping protection = relapse.
Book your melasma consultation with Dr. Catalina Henao
Office at Edificio Forum, Cl 7 S 42-70, Cons. 1001 · Medellín, Colombia
💬 Book via WhatsApp