1. What Is Melasma — And Why Is It So Common?
Melasma is one of the most frequently treated conditions at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet. It appears as brown, grey-brown, or dark patches — most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It is especially common among women, though men can also develop melasma.
In the Poipet region, melasma is extremely common due to the combination of intense sun exposure, heat, and the skin types of Vietnamese, Indonesian, Filipino, and Cambodian clients. Melanin — the pigment responsible for skin colour — is produced in higher quantities in response to UV exposure, hormonal changes, and skin inflammation.
Melasma is not dangerous, but it significantly affects appearance and confidence. Many clients at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet have tried multiple products before visiting the clinic — brightening serums, vitamin C creams, market whitening products — without lasting improvement. This is because melasma is not just a surface problem. It is a chronic condition that requires consistent management.
(ID) Flek hitam atau melasma sangat umum di Poipet karena paparan sinar matahari intens dan tipe kulit Asia Tenggara. DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet menggunakan Pico laser, chemical peel, dan rencana treatment yang disesuaikan untuk setiap klien.
(VI) Nám da và đốm nâu rất phổ biến tại Poipet do ánh nắng mặt trời mạnh và đặc điểm da của người Việt, Indonesia, Philippines và Campuchia. DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet dùng Pico laser, peel và kế hoạch điều trị cá nhân hóa.
2. Types of Pigmentation
Epidermal Melasma
Found in the upper layers of the skin. Appears as well-defined brown patches. Responds better to treatment — Pico laser, chemical peel, and brightening mesotherapy at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet can produce visible improvement.
Dermal Melasma
Deeper in the skin layers. Appears as grey-brown patches with less defined edges. Harder to treat. Results are slower and require more patience and consistent sessions.
Mixed Melasma
A combination of epidermal and dermal melasma. Most clients at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet have mixed melasma. A combination of treatments is usually needed.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks that appear after acne, irritation, or injury. Very common in Vietnamese, Indonesian, Filipino, and Cambodian skin types. Responds well to brightening treatments when approached correctly.
Sun Spots / Age Spots
Flat, well-defined dark spots from long-term sun exposure. More common on the face, hands, and upper chest. Respond well to Pico laser at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet.
3. Why Melasma Is Hard to Treat — Common Mistakes
Many clients come to DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet having tried treatments elsewhere that did not work — or that made their melasma worse. The most common reasons:
- Wrong laser selection — using CO2 laser or intense IPL on melasma-prone skin can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and make melasma worse.
- Too aggressive too fast — doing multiple strong sessions without allowing proper recovery stimulates more melanin production.
- Not using sunscreen — melasma is directly triggered by UV exposure. No treatment will hold without strict daily sunscreen use.
- Using market whitening products — some contain steroids or mercury that cause a rebound effect when stopped.
- Hormonal triggers not managed — melasma connected to oral contraceptives or hormonal changes requires additional management.
At DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet, we explain these risks during consultation. Melasma treatment works best when approached patiently, with the right methods and consistent homecare.
4. Treatment Options at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet
Pico Laser — Starting from $120
Pico laser is the safest and most effective laser option for melasma and pigmentation at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet. It delivers ultra-short pulses of energy that break pigment into micro-particles, which the body then removes naturally. Unlike CO2 laser, Pico laser does not create significant surface disruption — reducing the risk of worsening pigmentation.
Chemical Peel — Starting from $100
Pigmentation treatment peel at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet helps reduce surface pigmentation, improve skin clarity, and prepare the skin for deeper treatment. Peel type and strength are selected based on your skin condition and pigmentation level.
Brightening Mesotherapy — Starting from $120
Brightening meso delivers active brightening ingredients directly into the skin to reduce melanin production and improve overall skin tone. Suitable as a standalone treatment or combined with Pico laser at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet.
Pigmentation Program — 5 Sessions from $850
For clients with moderate to significant melasma or pigmentation, DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet recommends a structured 5-session program. Each session is assessed and adjusted based on skin response.
5. The DIVA Approach to Pigmentation
At DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet, melasma and pigmentation treatment always considers:
- Pigmentation type — epidermal, dermal, mixed, or PIH
- Skin tone and sensitivity — darker tones need gentler laser settings
- Trigger identification — sun, hormones, skincare products
- Strict sun protection protocol — sunscreen is non-negotiable
- Homecare review — adjusting skincare to support treatment
We do not promise complete melasma removal in a set number of sessions — because melasma is a chronic condition that can return without proper maintenance. But with the right approach at DIVA Skin Clinic Poipet, visible and lasting improvement is achievable.
