Melasma Management in the Summer

Melasma Management in the Summer

Smart Strategies for Clearer, Calmer Skin

Summer in Niagara has a magic all its own. Long golden evenings, warm lake breezes, and an excuse to linger outside just a little longer. But for patients with melasma, that same season can also be the most challenging time of year.

At Aegis MD in St. Catharines, we hear the same concern from patients

“I worked so hard to fade my pigmentation… now it’s creeping back.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Melasma and hyperpigmentation are notorious for flaring in the heat, even when you think you’ve done everything right. But we’re here to tell you that you can still enjoy summer without watching your progress disappear.

Melasma shows up as symmetrical patches, often brown or grey-brown, across the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. What is the trigger? Overactive pigment cells…And summer gives them all the motivation they need:

  • UV Radiation – The biggest culprit, ramping up melanin production.
  • Heat – Even without direct sun, high temperatures can kick pigment cells into gear.
  • Visible Light – Yes, the light you see (including blue light) can deepen patches.
This is why many patients see changes within just a few weeks of longer, sunnier days.

A Summer Action Plan for Your Skin

Go Beyond SPF Basics

Sunscreen should always be your non-negotiable morning step. But this season, it’s not enough to “just put it on.”
  • Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, preferably mineral-based.
  • Opt for a tinted formula with iron oxides to help protect against visible light, a major player in melasma.
  • Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and don’t forget high-risk spots like the upper lip and hairline.

Stay Loyal to Your Routine

Summer isn’t the time for aggressive, skin-stripping treatments at home, but consistency is your best friend.
  • Keep up with pigment inhibitors like azelaic acid or niacinamide.
  • Work with your provider to adjust prescription creams so they’re safe for sun season.
  • Avoid triggering inflammation — harsh scrubs and untested actives can undo months of work.

Understand that Managing Melasma is a Long Game

Melasma isn’t something you “cure”. It’s something you manage. The goal in summer is to hold the line, keep pigment cells calm, and protect the gains you’ve made.

If you’re ready to create a summer-proof pigmentation plan, our team at Aegis MD in St. Catharines will help you choose the right mix of at-home products and in-clinic treatments so you can head into fall without feeling like you’ve lost ground.

Visit us at Aegis MD, a medical aesthetics clinic and proud partner of Dermapure St. Catharines, for a personalized consultation on facial fillers, wrinkle relaxers, laser hair removal, skin care, varicose vein treatments, and any other anti-aging concerns. We serve patients from Niagara, Hamilton, Oakville, and St. Catharines!