{"id":5044,"date":"2026-09-16T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T08:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/?p=5044"},"modified":"2026-09-04T10:26:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T09:26:45","slug":"pigmentacao-por-melasma-dublin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/pt\/posts\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\/","title":{"rendered":"O Melasma N\u00e3o \u00c9 Apenas \u201cDemasiado Melanina\u201d \u2014 A Biologia da Pele por Tr\u00e1s da Pigmenta\u00e7\u00e3o Recorrente"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5044\" class=\"elementor elementor-5044\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de733ef e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"de733ef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9469cb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" 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class=\"ec-blog-widget\">\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-quick-answer\">\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-quick-answer__label\">Quick answer<\/p>\n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma is a chronic, recurrent pigmentation disorder. It is not simply \u201ctoo much melanin sitting on the skin.\u201d Melanocytes are one part of a network involving ultraviolet and visible light, hormonal signalling, inflammation, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, blood vessels, mast cells and changes in the basement membrane and sun-damaged dermis.<\/span><\/p>\n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why removing visible pigment without controlling the biology behind it often gives temporary results. Good treatment begins with diagnosis and photoprotection, then adds topical or procedural options according to skin type, triggers and risk. Recurrence is possible even after excellent improvement.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-pullquote\">\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-pullquote__label\">From Dr. Eliana<\/p>\n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma frustrates intelligent, consistent patients because they feel they have \u201cfailed\u201d the treatment. They have not.<\/span><\/p>\n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma behaves like a memory. You can quiet the pigment pathway, but repeated light exposure, inflammation, heat or hormonal signalling may switch it on again. Once you understand that, treatment stops being a hunt for the one miracle cream and becomes a long-term strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is a much more useful conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-takeaways\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dark patch is the end of a biological process, not the beginning.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melanocytes produce melanin, but melasma involves multiple epidermal and dermal changes.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UVA and visible light can contribute to melasma, including in darker skin types.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormones can influence melanogenesis, but not every case is \u201chormonal melasma.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma commonly recurs; \u201ccure forever\u201d is not an honest promise.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation from overly aggressive treatment can worsen pigmentation.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower autumn UV can make some procedures easier to plan in Ireland, but UVA protection still matters.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis comes before treatment because not every brown mark is melasma.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is melasma, exactly?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma is an acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation, usually appearing as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on sun-exposed facial skin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is more common in women and particularly common in people with medium to deeper skin tones. Pregnancy, hormonal exposure, family history and light exposure are well recognised associations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But modern research has changed the way dermatology describes the condition. The older explanation \u2014 \u201cmelanocytes are making too much pigment\u201d \u2014 is incomplete.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reviews now describe changes in the epidermis, basement membrane and upper dermis, including vascular changes, mast-cell activity, solar elastosis and senescent fibroblasts. In other words, melasma is a disorder of the skin microenvironment, not just one overactive cell type. At EC Clinic in Dublin, that starts with a doctor-led <a href=\"\/service\/skin-consultation\/\">skin consultation<\/a> rather than a treatment package.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How does a visible dark patch form in the first place?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To understand melasma, it helps to follow the pigment from signal to surface.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 1: a trigger creates a signal.<\/strong> Ultraviolet radiation, visible light, inflammation and hormonal signalling can all increase melanogenic signals in susceptible skin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 2: keratinocytes and other cells \u201ctalk\u201d to melanocytes.<\/strong> Keratinocytes are the main cells in the epidermis. After light exposure or inflammation, they release signalling molecules that can stimulate nearby melanocytes. Pigmentation is therefore a conversation between cells.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 3: the melanocyte switches on melanin production.<\/strong> Inside the melanocyte, several biochemical pathways regulate pigment production. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in converting the amino acid tyrosine through steps that ultimately produce melanin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 4: pigment is packaged.<\/strong> Melanin is packaged inside small cellular structures called melanosomes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 5: melanosomes are delivered to keratinocytes.<\/strong> Melanocytes have branching extensions called dendrites. Through these, melanosomes are transferred into neighbouring keratinocytes. The melanin then sits above the keratinocyte nucleus like a microscopic umbrella, helping protect DNA from radiation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That protective system is normal. Melasma is what happens when the signalling and tissue environment keep driving pigment production in a focal, persistent way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why does melasma keep coming back after I lighten it?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the visible pigment is only one layer of the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peer-reviewed reviews describe several changes in melasma skin:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyperactive melanocyte signalling<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased or redistributed melanin in epidermis and sometimes dermis<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">basement-membrane disruption<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solar elastosis, a sign of chronic photodamage<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased vascularisation<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mast-cell activity<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">senescent fibroblasts and altered dermal signalling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helps explain why a treatment can reduce colour and still leave the biological environment ready to reactivate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the skin remains highly light-exposed, inflamed or hormonally stimulated, pigment production can begin again.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recurrence is not proof that treatment \u201cdid nothing.\u201d It is part of the natural history of a chronic pigment disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is the role of visible light? I thought only UV mattered.<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UV remains central, but visible light matters too, particularly in pigmentation-prone skin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research has shown that high-energy visible light can stimulate pigmentation through photoreceptors and melanogenic pathways. UVA1 \u2014 the longer-wave portion of UVA \u2014 also contributes to pigment and dermal change.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This matters because visible light is not captured perfectly by the simple idea \u201cI wore SPF, therefore all light was blocked.\u201d Some patients with melasma benefit from photoprotection strategies designed for visible light as well as UV.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The clinical point is not to create fear of daylight. It is to recognise that melasma management often requires more consistent photoprotection than someone treating an occasional sun spot.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Are hormones the cause of melasma?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes they are an important contributor. They are rarely the whole explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma is strongly associated with pregnancy and can occur or worsen with hormonal exposures in susceptible patients. Oestrogen and progesterone signalling can influence melanogenesis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But an association does not mean every woman with melasma needs a hormone panel, needs to stop contraception or has a gynaecological disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If pigmentation appeared during pregnancy, perimenopause or after a hormonal treatment change, that history is relevant. It may influence the conversation. It does not automatically dictate the treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where having gynaecology and aesthetics in the same clinic can be useful: hormonal history is considered without turning every skin problem into \u201chormonal imbalance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-pullquote\">\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-pullquote__label\">From Dr. Eliana<\/p>\n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I never want a patient to stop an effective contraceptive or hormone treatment because someone online told her the pigment proves her hormones are \u201ctoxic.\u201d We assess the whole picture first. Skin is hormonally responsive; that is not the same as saying hormones are always the culprit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Does heat make melasma worse?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heat is frequently reported as a trigger by patients, and inflammation can influence melanogenic pathways. But the evidence is more complex than the evidence for ultraviolet and visible light.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practical approach is individual: if heat exposure repeatedly worsens your pigmentation, we take that pattern seriously. We do not need to invent a universal rule for every patient.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What I would avoid is aggressively inflaming melasma-prone skin in the hope that \u201cmore treatment\u201d must mean \u201cmore result.\u201d In pigmentation, more inflammation can mean more pigment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is every brown patch on the face melasma?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, and this is why diagnosis comes before the treatment menu.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other possibilities include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which follows acne, dermatitis, injury or procedures<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solar lentigines, often called sun spots<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pigmentation from medication or inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benign lesions with their own biology<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lesions that require dermatology assessment because their pattern is atypical or changing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A treatment appropriate for one diagnosis may be ineffective or inappropriate for another.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The question I prefer is not \u201cWhat laser removes dark spots?\u201d It is \u201cWhat is this pigment, and what keeps producing it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why can aggressive laser or peeling make melasma worse?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because pigment-producing cells respond to inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many procedures work by creating controlled injury. In the right condition, right skin type and right settings, this can be useful. But melasma is already a pigment-reactive disorder. If a procedure creates excessive inflammation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or rebound melasma can follow.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is especially important in richer skin tones, where the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation is higher.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not that procedures are \u201cbad.\u201d It is that indication, energy, depth, density, timing and skin type matter. Where resurfacing belongs in a plan at all, it is selective \u2014 see our page on <a href=\"\/co2-laser-resurfacing\/\">CO2 laser resurfacing<\/a> for how that modality is used at EC Clinic when clinically appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clinic that has only one device will often see every pigmentation problem as a reason to use that device. A medical consultation should work in the opposite direction: diagnose first, then choose whether a device belongs in the plan at all.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What are the evidence-based principles of melasma treatment?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact treatment is individual, but the strategy usually has several layers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>1. Photoprotection.<\/strong> This is foundational. If light keeps activating the pathway, every other treatment is working uphill.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>2. Reduce avoidable triggers and inflammation.<\/strong> That can include reviewing irritating skincare, unnecessary procedures or personal patterns that repeatedly worsen the pigment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>3. Use appropriate topical medical therapy where indicated.<\/strong> Topical treatments can reduce melanogenesis through different pathways. Because public advertising of prescription-only medicines is restricted in Ireland, this article discusses treatment categories rather than promoting prescription products by brand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>4. Use procedures selectively.<\/strong> Peels, resurfacing and other procedures can play a role in carefully selected cases, but they are not automatically first-line and not automatically better than topical management.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>5. Plan for maintenance.<\/strong> Melasma often needs long-term management. A realistic plan includes what happens after the visible improvement, not only how to create it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is autumn the best time to treat melasma in Ireland?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autumn can be a practical treatment window because average UV exposure falls and patients are less likely to have intense holiday sun exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But \u201cIrish autumn\u201d does not mean \u201cno UVA.\u201d UVA is present through cloud and can pass through glass. Visible light is also still present.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So autumn changes the risk environment, not the biology of melasma. It can make certain procedures easier to plan safely, but photoprotection remains part of the treatment throughout the year. Our guide to <a href=\"\/posts\/best-time-laser-skin-treatments-ireland\/\">why autumn and winter are the best time for laser skin treatments in Ireland<\/a> covers the seasonal UV side of that calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why does skin type change the plan?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melanin is protective, but pigment-rich skin also has a stronger tendency to respond to inflammation with hyperpigmentation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That means a patient with a higher Fitzpatrick skin type may need:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more conservative procedural settings<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more careful preparation<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">longer intervals between treatments<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more emphasis on barrier control and photoprotection<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">realistic discussion of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no single \u201cmelasma protocol\u201d that should be applied to every face.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What does a good melasma consultation actually look like?<\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It begins with diagnosis and history, not a treatment package.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I want to know:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when the pigment began<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whether pregnancy or hormonal change coincided with it<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whether acne, dermatitis or a procedure came first<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what treatments have already been tried<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whether the pigment worsens with sun, heat or inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what your skin does after spots, burns or procedures<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what skincare and photoprotection you actually use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then we examine the pattern and decide whether this looks like melasma, another form of hyperpigmentation, or something that should be assessed by dermatology.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is a much more valuable first appointment than simply selling the strongest treatment available.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ec-blog-reviewed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medically reviewed by Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and Aesthetic Specialist \u00b7 14 September 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ec-blog-signature\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda<br>Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and Aesthetic Specialist \u00b7 Medical Director, EC Clinic Dublin<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-faq\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"elementor-toggle\">\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8601\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8601\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can melasma be cured forever?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8601\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8601\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can often be improved significantly, but recurrence is common. Long-term photoprotection and maintenance are realistic parts of care.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8602\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8602\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is melasma caused by too much melanin?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8602\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8602\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The visible colour comes from melanin, but melasma involves a wider network of epidermal and dermal changes.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8603\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8603\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can contraception cause melasma?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8603\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8603\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal contraception can be associated with melasma in susceptible people, but it is not the cause in every patient. Do not stop contraception without clinical advice.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8604\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8604\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Does pregnancy melasma always disappear after birth?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8604\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8604\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may improve, but it can persist or recur, especially with light exposure.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8605\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8605\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do I need hormone blood tests for melasma?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8605\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8605\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually not simply because melasma is present. Testing should be driven by the wider clinical history.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8606\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8606\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Does heat worsen melasma?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8606\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8606\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some patients report heat as a trigger and inflammation can influence pigment pathways, but the effect varies.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8607\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8607\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is laser the best treatment?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8607\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8607\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. The wrong laser or overly aggressive settings can worsen pigmentation. Diagnosis and skin type come first.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8608\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8608\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do I still need sunscreen in Irish autumn?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8608\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8608\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Lower seasonal UV helps treatment planning, but UVA and visible light remain relevant.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n    <h3 id=\"elementor-tab-title-8609\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-8609\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n        <span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n      <a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What if my \u201cmelasma\u201d is changing shape or looks different from my other spots?<\/a>\n    <\/h3>\n    <div id=\"elementor-tab-content-8609\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-8609\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment. Not every pigmented lesion is melasma.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can melasma be cured forever?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It can often be improved significantly, but recurrence is common. Long-term photoprotection and maintenance are realistic parts of care.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is melasma caused by too much melanin?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The visible colour comes from melanin, but melasma involves a wider network of epidermal and dermal changes.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can contraception cause melasma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Hormonal contraception can be associated with melasma in susceptible people, but it is not the cause in every patient. Do not stop contraception without clinical advice.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does pregnancy melasma always disappear after birth?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It may improve, but it can persist or recur, especially with light exposure.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I need hormone blood tests for melasma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually not simply because melasma is present. Testing should be driven by the wider clinical history.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does heat worsen melasma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Some patients report heat as a trigger and inflammation can influence pigment pathways, but the effect varies.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is laser the best treatment?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. The wrong laser or overly aggressive settings can worsen pigmentation. Diagnosis and skin type come first.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I still need sunscreen in Irish autumn?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Lower seasonal UV helps treatment planning, but UVA and visible light remain relevant.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What if my \u201cmelasma\u201d is changing shape or looks different from my other spots?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It should be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment. Not every pigmented lesion is melasma.\"}}]}<\/script>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"MedicalWebPage\"],\"headline\":\"Melasma Is Not Just \u201cToo Much Melanin\u201d \u2014 The Skin Biology Behind Recurrent Pigmentation\",\"description\":\"Melasma is more than excess pigment. Dr Eliana explains melanocytes, visible light, hormones, inflammation, recurrence and safe treatment planning.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-IE\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-14\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-14\",\"lastReviewed\":\"2026-09-14\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":\"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/posts\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\/\",\"about\":[\"Melasma\",\"Facial pigmentation\",\"Photoprotection\",\"Hormonal pigmentation\"],\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Physician\",\"name\":\"Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Physician\",\"name\":\"Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda\"},\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalClinic\",\"name\":\"EC Clinic\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/\"}}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-sources\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Sources and evidence<\/h2>\n<ul>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rajanala S, Maymone MBC, Vashi NA. Melasma pathogenesis: a review of the latest research, pathological findings, and investigational therapies. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31735001\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PubMed PMID 31735001<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update on Melasma \u2014 Part I: Pathogenesis. Review describing multifactorial disease involving external factors, hormones, inflammation, epidermis, basement membrane and dermis. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35904706\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PubMed PMID 35904706<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pathogenesis of Melasma Explained. Review of epidermal, basement-membrane, vascular, mast-cell, fibroblast, hormonal and visible-light mechanisms. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40022484\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PubMed PMID 40022484<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n  <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melasma: the need for tailored photoprotection to improve clinical outcomes. Review of UVA1 and visible light. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35229368\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PubMed PMID 35229368<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ec-blog-cta\">\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-cta__lead\">Book a skin consultation at EC Clinic<\/p>\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-cta__contact\">\n    <a href=\"tel:+35319125590\">01 912 5590<\/a><span class=\"ec-blog-cta__sep\">\u00b7<\/span><a href=\"\/service\/skin-consultation\/\">Book Online<\/a><span class=\"ec-blog-cta__sep\">\u00b7<\/span><a href=\"mailto:info@ecclinic.ie\">info@ecclinic.ie<\/a>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-cta__details\">Doctor-led assessment \u00b7 Realistic treatment planning \u00b7 EN \u00b7 ES \u00b7 PT \u00b7 <a href=\"\/price-list\/\">Price list<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/contact-us\/\">Contact<\/a><\/p>\n  <p class=\"ec-blog-cta__address\">Trinity Central, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 Y8N7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\n  (function () {\n    var widget = document.querySelector(\".ec-blog-widget\");\n    if (!widget) return;\n    widget.querySelectorAll(\".elementor-tab-title\").forEach(function (title) {\n      title.addEventListener(\"click\", function () {\n        var item = this.closest(\".elementor-toggle-item\");\n        var content = item.querySelector(\".elementor-tab-content\");\n        var isActive = this.classList.contains(\"elementor-active\");\n        widget.querySelectorAll(\".elementor-tab-title\").forEach(function (t) {\n          t.classList.remove(\"elementor-active\");\n          t.setAttribute(\"aria-expanded\", \"false\");\n        });\n        widget.querySelectorAll(\".elementor-tab-content\").forEach(function (c) {\n          c.style.display = \"none\";\n        });\n        if (!isActive) {\n          this.classList.add(\"elementor-active\");\n          this.setAttribute(\"aria-expanded\", \"true\");\n          content.style.display = \"block\";\n        }\n      });\n    });\n  })();\n<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick answer Melasma is a chronic, recurrent pigmentation disorder. It is not simply \u201ctoo much melanin sitting on the skin.\u201d Melanocytes are one part of a network involving ultraviolet and visible light, hormonal signalling, inflammation, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, blood vessels, mast cells and changes in the basement membrane and sun-damaged dermis. That is why removing visible [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":5053,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Melasma in Dublin: Why It Returns &amp; What Helps | EC Clinic<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Melasma is more than excess pigment. Dr Eliana explains melanocytes, visible light, hormones, inflammation, recurrence and safe treatment planning.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/pt\/postos\/pigmentacao-por-melasma-dublin\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"pt_PT\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Melasma in Dublin: Why It Returns &amp; What Helps | EC Clinic\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Melasma is more than excess pigment. Dr Eliana explains melanocytes, visible light, hormones, inflammation, recurrence and safe treatment planning.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/pt\/postos\/pigmentacao-por-melasma-dublin\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"EC Clinic\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-16T08:00:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ecclinic.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Melasma-in-Dublin-Why-It-Returns-What-Helps-EC-Clinic.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"933\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Escrito por\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Tempo estimado de leitura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dr. Eliana Casta\u00f1eda\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/pt\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/928ba7fd4758814ff357e60ee6ae6a54\"},\"headline\":\"Melasma Is Not Just \u201cToo Much Melanin\u201d \u2014 The Skin Biology Behind Recurrent Pigmentation\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-16T08:00:14+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2141,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/pt\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/Melasma-in-Dublin-Why-It-Returns-What-Helps-EC-Clinic.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Posts\"],\"inLanguage\":\"pt-PT\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/\",\"name\":\"Melasma in Dublin: Why It Returns & What Helps | EC Clinic\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/pt\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/posts\\\/melasma-pigmentation-dublin\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ecclinic.ie\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/Melasma-in-Dublin-Why-It-Returns-What-Helps-EC-Clinic.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-16T08:00:14+00:00\",\"description\":\"Melasma is more than excess pigment. 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