Nurturing Your Glowing Skin Post Treatment
The primary goal after Melasma treatment is to minimise inflammation and heat, as these factors can trigger the melasma to return, often worse than before (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH).
Skincare and Lifestyle Routine (First 7 Days)
Phase 1 — Immediate Healing (Days 1–7)
Strict Sun Protection
Avoid ALL sun exposure during peak hours (10 am – 4 pm). You must use your high-level tinted mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily, as the tinted iron oxides offer proven protection against Visible Light — a major trigger for Melasma that clear sunscreens miss. Reapply every 2 hours.
Heat & Inflammation
Continue to avoid strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for 48–72 hours. The heat and excessive perspiration can activate the melasma cells. Use a cold compress or a cool thermal spring water mist to reduce any lingering warmth.
Gentle Cleansing
Use only a pH-balanced, soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser and tepid water. The gentler you are, the faster your melanocytes (pigment cells) will settle down.
Soothing & Hydration
Use bland, barrier-supporting moisturisers rich in Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, or Panthenol (Vitamin B5). Ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) are excellent for their anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair benefits.
Active Avoidance
Absolutely no Retinoids, Hydroquinone, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, or high-dose Vitamin C until the skin is fully recovered (usually 7 days), and only then under your therapist's guidance.
Phase 2: Long-Term Maintenance (Ongoing)
To sustain your Enlighten III results, Melasma requires a permanent maintenance routine, often involving medical-grade pigment inhibitors.
- The Power of Topicals: Melasma is chronic, and the use of topical skin lighteners is often necessary to "suppress" the melanocytes and prevent the pigment from reforming.
- Medical Guidance is Essential: We recommend you start to re-introduce medical grade active ingredients skin care to your daily skin regimen, including:
- Azelaic Acid - It inhibits tyrosinase (like HQ) and also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is crucial since inflammation can trigger melasma. It's often gentler than HQ.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - It prevents the transfer of melanin pigment from the pigment cells to the surface skin cells (keratinocytes). It's also calming and supports the skin barrier.
- Kojic Acid - Derived from fungi, it's another tyrosinase inhibitor. It's an excellent ingredient to use in combination with others.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, reduces free radical damage, and helps inhibit the pigment-producing enzyme. It also boosts the protection offered by sunscreen.
- Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid (TXA) - A natural derivative of hydroquinone (often from the bearberry plant). It offers similar pigment-inhibiting benefits but is generally milder and less irritating.
- Hydroquinone - For skin lightening
- Retinoid - Increase cell turnover
- Corticosteroid - to reduce inflammation and irritation
- Maintain Your Active Skincare
- After your healing window of 7 days, gradually re-introduce your gentle Retinoid or Tretinoin product (if prescribed), as this helps increase cell turnover to shed remaining pigment and enhance the penetration of your pigment suppressors.
- Incorporate an Antioxidant Serum (like a gentle Vitamin C or E) in the mornings under your sunscreen to provide an extra layer of environmental and free-radical protection.
- The Lifestyle Commitment
- Stay Cool: Treat heat as an enemy. When exercising or spending time outdoors, be vigilant about cooling your face with cold water or a facial mist.
By adopting this layered approach—protecting against UV and Visible Light, soothing inflammation, and diligently suppressing pigment production—you give your skin the best chance to maintain the radiant clarity achieved by your Enlighten III treatment.
Best Practise for Best Results
The Glowtique guide to caring for your skin post treatment
Please carefully study the following tips to care for your skin after treatment. Not doing so may hinder your final results.
The Non-Negotiable: High-Level Sun Protection
Your newly treated skin is highly photosensitive and vulnerable to new pigmentation. Sun protection is non-negotiable for the entire healing period and beyond.
If you experience unexpected problems
If you experience anything that doesn't feel right contact your Glowtique expert immediately. You may be given special instructions or be forwarded to seek professional medical treatment.
Preparing for your treatment? Read the pre-treatment guidelines:
Before Care for The Advanced Melasma Protocol Book Now