If you do a quick Google search, you’ll quickly understand just how many services and products are offered today when it comes to melasma. Dig a little further online, and you’ll also realise that there is a severe lack of knowledge when it comes to treating different types of melasma on different skin tones. The biggest problem melasma patients face is not a lack of treatment options, but a huge shortage of guidance and knowledge.

This is why, even with a host of affordable options, melasma patients struggle to find treatment options that actually work long term, do not cause a rebound, and do not worsen the condition of their skin. And let’s not even get started about the fact that some professionals themselves are almost clueless about the true efficacies of the technology they are using on their clients.

Be careful about the types of melasma treatments you pick, as they could make your condition worse.

What Causes Melasma?

At its core, melasma is caused by melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanin production, going into overdrive. These pigment-producing cells become overstimulated and start releasing too much melanin into the skin. Several common triggers are known to set off this response:

• Sun or UV exposure: Even minimal sun exposure can aggravate melasma, making it darker and more persistent.
• Hormonal changes: This is especially common during pregnancy, when taking oral contraceptives, or due to hormonal imbalances.
• Other causes: Genetics, certain medications, heat, and even stress can play a role in melasma flare-ups.

Because these triggers are so common in our everyday lives and often beyond our control, melasma is notoriously difficult to treat and even harder to manage long-term.

How Does Ageing Contribute To Melasma?

As we age, our skin undergoes changes that can make melasma more stubborn and resistant to treatment. Thinning skin, accumulated sun damage, and slower cell turnover all contribute to how melasma presents in older individuals.

In ageing skin, the natural barrier becomes weaker and more prone to inflammation. Combined with a lifetime of sun exposure, this creates the perfect environment for melanocytes to react and produce uneven pigmentation. 

Ageing also reduces collagen and elastin in the skin, which makes the appearance of pigmentation more pronounced. This is why treating melasma in older patients demands a thoughtful, layered approach that restores the skin’s structure while targeting the root cause.

Why Might The Current Melasma Treatment Not Work?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: many conventional melasma treatments don’t work because they only focus on pigment removal. They do little to address the deeper underlying causes, such as inflammation, heat response, and overactive melanocytes.

Treatments like chemical peels, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, and some types of lasers may offer short-term improvement, but the results are usually inconsistent, and the pigmentation often comes back.

In fact, some laser treatments can worsen melasma. The heat generated by these devices can stimulate the melanocytes even further, triggering the formation of more pigment weeks after treatment. This often leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or, in some cases, hypopigmentation, which can be even more distressing than the original condition.

Melasma Treatment: A Multi-pronged Approach That Works

To truly manage melasma, treatment needs to go beyond just fading dark patches. It must address the deeper triggers like inflammation, vascular activity, and a weakened skin barrier.

Here’s how we approach melasma differently: with a multi-pronged strategy that not only clears pigment but also rebuilds your skin for long-term resilience.

Pigment removal and vascular control

The visible brown patches of melasma are only one part of the problem. What’s often overlooked is the role of vascular activity and inflammation beneath the skin, which silently fuels pigment production.

That’s why we don’t solely rely on aggressive, heat-based lasers. Instead, we use our proprietary Mulgwang Laser and Quinta Laser programmes, pigment treatments that:

• Break down melanin clusters safely and effectively, with a lower risk of rebound
• Regulate vascular activity, reducing the inflammatory triggers that stimulate melanin
• Stabilise the skin environment, so results last longer and flare-ups are less likely

This step helps reduce pigmentation gently, while minimising the risk of PIH.

Collagen-boosting skin rejuvenation

Melasma-prone skin tends to be fragile, inflamed, and hypersensitive. Treating the pigment alone without repairing the skin’s foundation often leads to short-lived results and frequent recurrences.

To reinforce the skin from within, we introduce collagen-stimulating treatments like Baby Collagen and PDLLA Skin Booster. These therapies:

• Rebuild collagen and elastin, improving the skin’s structure and resilience
  
• Strengthen the skin barrier, making it less prone to triggers like heat, sun, or irritation
  
• Improve overall texture and tone, giving the skin a healthier, more even appearance
  
• Prolong treatment results, reducing the chances of pigment returning
  

Hydration treatments to soothe and restore

Hydrating treatments restore balance and resilience. It is a critical yet often overlooked part of melasma management. Dry, dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to irritation and pigmentation triggers.

Our hydrating treatments, like Hyaluronic Acid (HA) + Glycerol and Zoey Skin, help to:

• Deeply hydrate and plump the skin, reducing dryness and dullness
• Smoothes skin texture, softening the look of pores and wrinkles
• Soothe inflammation, calming skin sensitivity that can worsen melasma
• Support the skin’s natural healing processes, enhancing overall skin health
• Boost the effectiveness of pigment and collagen treatments by creating an optimal skin environment

These layers of treatment make our melasma protocols effective and sustainable because when the skin is healthier, it’s better equipped to resist future pigment formation.

The importance of finding a melasma treatment approach that works

In many practices, quality pre-procedure discussions are not always available to clients, and this deeply saddens me. Factors such as ethnicity, skin tone, and more are all crucial components that your dermatologist must fully understand before recommending any form of treatment. After all, melasma treatments only work if your dermatologist truly understands your skin’s needs and the technology they are using.

That’s why at Ozhean Zoey, we take painstaking measures to ensure every laser program is tailored to each client’s specific condition, skin age, skin thickness, and more. 

If you’re looking for an effective melasma treatment, don’t settle for quick fixes that only tackle part of the problem. Instead, choose treatments guided by experience and designed to treat melasma from all angles - because when your skin is healthier and more balanced, managing melasma becomes that much more achievable. 

If you’re unsure where to start, our team of doctors are here to guide you. Book a consultation with us and let’s take the time to understand your skin so we can design a treatment plan that’s right for you.

About Dr. Park Ji-Youn

Dr. Park Ji-Youn is the founder and managing director of the Ozhean Group. As a board-certified dermatologist, she has published more than 30 scientific papers on dermatology and is the creator of Ozhean’s SKIN FIT program, which was conceived in 2015 and continues to successfully retain 80% of its original customers.

Singapore’s beauty landscape continues to thrive as Singaporeans pay more attention to taking care of their face, skin, and body. In line with this growing demand for aesthetic solutions, beauty and skincare clinics continue to introduce refined, science-backed treatments to cater to the aesthetic needs of the Singaporean lifestyle.

The number of aesthetic treatments to choose from can be quite overwhelming. But we will narrow everything down for you so that you’ll know what's trending in the aesthetic scene in Singapore and what exactly should suit your personal needs.

Non-Surgical Facelift: Ultherapy Prime

Ultherapy Prime is a non-invasive skin lifting treatment that is common among dermatologists and patients alike. If your main concern is sagging skin or volume loss, this non-surgical lift can be ideal.

Ultherapy Prime uses micro-focused ultrasound energy that reaches the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, which is crucial in collagen and elastin stimulation. This is also the same layer that’s typically targeted in surgical facelifts, only that Ultherapy Prime does it without going under the knife. The process of collagen stimulation delivers long-term effects as it gradually tightens and lifts the skin over the course of 8 to 12 weeks. This trending aesthetic treatment can be used to redefine the jawline, lift the drooping eye area, and form the neck and decolletage. The visible lifting effect has made it attractive to both celebrities and everyday individuals seeking a refreshed, youthful look with minimal downtime.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Targeted treatment: Targets 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm with real-time imaging
• Minimal Downtime: Skin redness goes down in just a few hours.
• Lasting Results: Natural lift and tightening over several weeks, lasting up to 18 months

Sculpted, Modelesque V-Line: Supreme HIFU

A sculpted V-Line has gained attention thanks to its popularisation by Korean celebrities. Supreme HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is another non-surgical treatment that sculpts and redefines facial contours by delivering targeted ultrasound energy deep into the skin’s dermal layers. Supreme HIFU acts by triggering the formation of new collagen fibres (also known as neocollagenesis) to deliberately tighten and enhance the skin’s elasticity.

What sets this aesthetic treatment apart from earlier sculpting technologies is the control it gives doctors over treatment and improved comfort for patients during the procedure. The pulses can be finely adjusted to target specific areas, even those that are typically harder to reach with previous, bigger devices. Supreme HIFU can address areas such as the jowls, chin, and nasolabial folds with minimal discomfort. It also offers fat-reducing benefits to help contour the double chin, further enhancing your V-line. With minimal downtime, it’s an ideal choice for busy individuals navigating Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Visible Lift: Improvement in facial firmness and contour
• Safety Profile: Non-invasive, tolerable discomfort, and minimal downtime
• Sculpting Efficacy: Can reduce fat in targeted areas like the jaw or under the chin

Radiant & Porcelain-like Skin: Quadralase Laser

Another trending aesthetic treatment in Singapore is the Quadralase Laser, which combines four distinct laser modalities: Yellow Laser, Long Pulse Laser, Q-Switched Laser, and Pico. These lasers work in synergy to target multiple layers of the skin simultaneously, resulting in a radiant complexion. Quadralase Laser uses each type of laser to address discolourations, texture, and collagen loss.

One of the main reasons why it’s one of the most talked-about treatments in the beauty scene these days is because of how it aligns with the fast-paced Singaporean lifestyle, delivering results with minimal downtime. Usually in just one session, a natural, glowing skin is apparent, achieving that minimalist, healthy, no-makeup look.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Dermal Collagen Boost: It enhances the synthesis of Type I and III collagen.
• Texture Transformation: Adds volume to the skin for a uniform surface
• Customizable Treatment: Features varying depths and intensities tailored to your skin’s needs

Korean Celebrity Glass Skin: Mulgwang Laser

Translucent, glass-like glow - this is the essence of the popular Mulgwang Laser as it captures the modern Korean beauty aesthetic of having that healthy, radiant shine on the skin with very minimal makeup. Mulgwang, a Korean term that translates to “water glow”, is a K-Beauty trend that is typically achieved by enhancing the moisture levels of the skin, and this is exactly what Mulgwang Laser does.

This treatment uses a multi-modal laser technology that specifically targets micro-pigmentation, lack of hydration, as well as dullness. Mulgwang Laser works by carefully creating controlled thermal zones in the skin layers to stimulate cellular renewal without compromising the epidermal surface, and instead, strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Just like the previous trending treatments we mentioned, Mulgwang Laser also delivers visible results with minimal. What is notable about this treatment is that it works from within, not just replenishing moisture on the surface, which is suitable for Singapore’s hot and humid weather.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Hydration: Deeply replenishes moisture at the dermal level
• Clear, Translucent Skin: Addresses dark spots for a bright and even complexion
• Minimal Downtime Glow: This can be a pre-event or lunchtime procedure

The Skin Rejuvenators: PDLLA Skin Booster & OZ Baby Collagen

For many years, injectables have been mostly limited to filling in volume to achieve firmer skin. But as modern technology advances, aesthetic skincare injectables now serve multiple benefits; they brighten, firm, hydrate, and rejuvenate deep into the skin’s layers. PDLLA (Poly-D-L-lactic acid) Skin Booster and OZ Baby Collagen are also trending in Singapore’s aesthetic scene these days as they help stimulate collagen, giving the skin a naturally youthful and glowing look.

PDLLA Skin Booster triggers collagen synthesis in the dermis to tighten the skin and improve its resilience. On the other hand, OZ Baby Collagen leverages the regenerative power of polynucleotides that activate fibroblasts to reduce stress from the skin and restore its ability to repair itself.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Improved Collagen Production: Promotes native collagen and elastin growth
• Clinical Backing: Multiple trials report measurable improvements in skin quality
• Versatility: Can be customised by pairing it with other aesthetic treatments such as laser or micro needling

Youthful Eyes: Collagen Filler and Trout DNA Skin Booster

The eye area is a sensitive region that usually shows the first signs of ageing. The skin around the eye area is prone to thinning and volume loss, which can lead to an exhausted appearance, and this is where collagen fillers come into the picture. The Singaporean lifestyle is quite busy and fast-paced, usually leading to many sleepless nights and stress, so it makes sense that collagen fillers and boosters for the eye area are common aesthetic treatments.

Collagen-based fillers address eye area concerns by naturally restoring volume to soften the hollows of your eyes without puffiness. When paired with Trout DNA Skin Booster, the natural regeneration process of the skin works efficiently on a cellular level. These eye skincare treatments will not only plump and lift your skin, but also improve skin texture and brightness.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Volume Restoration: Collagen fillers and Trout DNA Skin Booster help replenish the hollows of the eye area
• Skin Barrier Reinforcement: Strengthens the delicate skin around the eye area
• Safety and Synergy: Studies show favourable safety and complementary results

The Swiss Precision Booster: Amino Acid Replacement (AART)

AART (Amino Acid Replacement Treatment) is a Swiss bio-revitalisation treatment. It works differently compared to other injectables, but also delivers long-term results. It works by determining the root causes of skin ageing and then specifically targets these structural causes. This injectable treatment doesn’t just fill but also strengthens the skin from within by using a blend of amino acids and hyaluronic acid.

This treatment is often performed in a series and can be paired with other treatments, such as Ultherapy Prime, to improve the skin’s ability to efficiently produce collagen. AART is both a preventive and corrective strategy to help the skin regain its plumpness and youthfulness.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Cell Renewal: It stimulates fibroblast function and collagen production
• Non-invasive Comfort: Quick procedure and no major recovery needed
• Rugosity Reduction: Helps with texture issues like acne scars and unwanted bumps

Contoured, Beach-ready Body: Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) & Celluject

Beach season or not, a sculpted physique is always a coveted look, and treatments like Cryolipolysis and Celluject can help you achieve that without going through a drastic diet or surgical procedure. Because of how these modern sculpting treatments deliver results without major discomfort, they’re commonly chosen by patients here in Singapore.

Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis) uses controlled cooling technology to crystallise and permanently destroy fat cells in the targeted area. The dead fat tissues will eventually disintegrate and will be flushed out of your system. Think of it as a convenient alternative to liposuction. Meanwhile, Celluject is an injectable that gives a localised fat-dissolving approach. This is ideal for smaller problem areas like love handles or underarms. Both treatments can be used strategically together. So, depending on your condition, a trained professional can help you tailor a schedule to have these two work in harmony.

What makes it trendy and in-demand:

• Minimal Recovery: Minimal downtime, and you can carry on with normal daily activities the very next day
• Visible Results: Treated areas are visibly sculpted, such as the waist, thighs, arms, etc.
• Patient Satisfaction Levels: There’s 73 to 84% overall satisfaction from people who have already tried Cryolipolysis (based on multiple studies)

How do you know which trending aesthetic treatment is for you?

While it’s interesting to know what aesthetic treatments are trending and what everyone is talking about, it all still goes down to choosing what’s right for your specific needs. What your skin needs involves several factors, like your skin type and lifestyle. With this mentioned, it’s no surprise that deciding on what aesthetic treatment to get can get very confusing.

It's a common challenge among Singaporeans: investing in treatments that genuinely work for their skin. Fortunately, with technology advancing rapidly, tools like QuantifiCare 3D Imaging now offer a way to plan your aesthetic journey. This modern system scans and analyses your facial structure, skin texture, and pigmentation, giving you a realistic preview of potential outcomes before committing to a treatment plan. By incorporating QuantifiCare 3D Imaging, your provider can craft a personalised treatment strategy tailored to your unique needs.

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The Essential Insights

Ultimately, the key to achieving good, long-lasting results is not about going for what’s trendy but having a full understanding of your personal skin needs. It’s also important to understand the scientific foundations of your aesthetic treatment options to make sure you’re getting the most out of your beauty investment. This 2025, beauty standards are leaning towards cumulative enhancement that looks natural, where less is truly more. The focus of these aesthetic treatments is to enhance your natural features, not alter them.

Another important insight about getting aesthetic treatments is that preventive maintenance will help delay the natural course of ageing. Skin ageing is inevitable, but with professional guidance, you can create a plan that protects and enhances your skin now and in many years to come.

Here’s a visual chart to summarise all these trending treatments in Singapore and what they can do for you:

With guidance from a clinic and medical professionals, your aesthetic journey becomes not only effective but also intelligent and intuitive.