RefinedMD
800 Pollard Road, Building A
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 688-2082
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: Please call for availability
Closed Sundays & Holidays
It’s most noticeable in the summertime, which leads some to believe that it’s connected to summer allergies—that isn’t true. Melasma isn’t contagious, cancerous, pre-cancerous, and it’s not an infection. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t bothersome and getting in the way of your beauty game. There’s no cure for melasma, but there are ways to drastically reduce its appearance. Protection against the sun is key for both melasma and avoiding skin cancer. Wear sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses when you’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time. If you want to take it to the next level, it’s time to consider advanced laser technology treatments.
Melasma, or abnormal pigmentation process, is sometimes called dyschromia on parts of the body besides the face. It’s most commonly seen in those with Mediterranean, Asian, and Central/South American heritage—but melasma can happen to anyone. Women suffer from it more often than men, making them scramble for foundation and their favorite BB-cream. Nobody knows what actually causes melasma, but we do know it’s a dynamic process involving increased pigment production and the deposit of melanin granules in skin cells. In other words, there’s no quick fix because the process is constantly shifting.
Tackling melasma usually involves a variety of skin treatments to reduce the pigment production while also removing excess pigmentation. This is a BOGO deal. You can’t do one without the other. Not following a customized melasma plan is the number one cause of minimal or no improvement.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma is a pigmentation disease comparable to diabetes or any other chronic condition. It demands continual control. You’ll still have good periods and bad periods, but can prolong the good times with the right strategy. Melasma is like a light switch. Once it’s turned on (or you “got it”), there’s no turning it off. However, we can add a dimmer switch to tone it down and give you more control.
The first rule of fighting melasma is understanding light and heat are your enemies. Avoid the sun, bleaching or lightening products for the skin, and exfoliators. Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, but ideally you should be using one with zinc oxide, iron oxide, or titanium dioxide, and reapplying every two hours. UV-A causes pigmentation (along with a host of other nasty condition like premature aging), but new research shows that VL (visible light) can also increase pigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Iron oxide-rich sunscreen is the only sunscreen that can block VL. All RefinedMD patients type IV and above must use iron oxide products as part of their treatment. Not sure what type you are? No worries, we’ll tell you during your consultation.
So, what treatments are there to slow down and reverse the signs of melasma? OBAGI skin care programs are a favorite for many patients. Key skin lightening systems such as Revision, Epionce, and Lumixyl can be effective for some patients, but don’t confuse these for over the counter alternatives. If you go over-the-counter with skin lightening treatments, the melasma might become more noticeable. Chemical peels can remove the uppermost layer of skin to reveal less pigmented skin below, while microdermabrasion offers similar results but at a much less severe degree. Popular chemical peels include The Perfect Peel, VI Peel, and Replenix Perfect Peel. Microneedling is often included with many treatments as a way to complement the procedures with a boost of collagen formation.
Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.
Meet Dr. Steven SwengelHowever, laser skin rejuvenation is by far the preferred method for the most dramatic results. The 1064nm Cutera skin resurfacing laser has yielded great results. Thulium’s 1927nm rays in the Clear and Brilliant laser, as well as the latest LaseMD system, are also highly effective. Certain patients may also be candidates for Tranexamic Acid treatments, and it may be offered in both services for men and women depending on skin type.
RefinedMD is an out-of-network clinic which means we do not have a contract or communicate with any health insurance providers. A payment receipt along with a super bill will be provided following your appointment, which you can use to seek possible reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please understand that payment is expected to be paid in full at the time of your appointment. Learn more about insurance at RefinedMD.
At RefinedMD we understand the emotional as well as the visible impact of melasma. This common pigmentary condition appears as gray-brown or tan patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and bridge of the …
As we welcome 2025, many of us are setting intentions for improved health and wellness. For those dealing with melasma, a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches, this could be the perfect time …
Hyperpigmentation and melasma often terms used interchangeably. There are many types of hyperpigmentation, and melasma is one that impacts over five million Americans—and can be improved at RefinedMD. This pigmentary condition mostly affects women, and …
You know that brown patches on the skin are common and often caused by sun damage, but what about when those patches are gray? RefinedMD treats a wide range of skin issues, including the lesser …
Curious about peptides and how they may fit into your wellness plan? Join us virtually on September 22nd at 6:00pm for an educational event on medically supervised peptide therapy. Learn what peptides are, how they are administered, and how our providers determine which options may be appropriate based on your individual goals and health history.
Refresh, replenish, and give your wellness routine a boost with RefinedMD’s physician-developed IV Therapy. Designed to deliver hydration, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream for rapid and efficient absorption, our IV treatments make it easy to choose support aligned with how you want to feel. Whether your goals include hydration and recovery, immune support, antioxidant support, or energy and metabolism, there’s an IV designed with your needs in mind. And now is the perfect time to experience IV Therapy at RefinedMD: choose from five of our most popular IVs and receive 20% off when you book your treatment on a Thursday or Friday with Nurse Denise. Want to personalize your drip even further? Ask about available add-ons, including glutathione, NAD+, and vitamin D3, for an additional wellness boost.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.
