Melasma—often called the “mask of pregnancy”—is a chronic skin condition characterized by dark patches or uneven skin tone, typically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. More than just a cosmetic issue, melasma often reflects deeper hormonal or internal imbalances, making it difficult to treat with conventional skincare alone.
At Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine in Korea, melasma is treated with a comprehensive integrative approach that combines modern laser dermatology with traditional Korean medicine (Hanbang). This powerful fusion not only targets visible pigmentation but also addresses the internal triggers that cause melasma to persist or worsen over time.
Whether your melasma is hormonal, stress-induced, or triggered by sun exposure, Jaseng provides a non-invasive, holistic pathway to radiant, balanced skin.
Understanding Melasma: A Deeper Root Than Skin Deep
Melasma is often caused by a combination of:
- Hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, birth control, menopause)
- Chronic sun exposure
- Heat sensitivity or inflammation
- Stress and liver imbalances
- Genetics and skin phototype
While many clinics offer topical brightening creams or lasers alone, these solutions often only provide temporary relief, and pigmentation tends to return. At Jaseng, melasma is seen as both a skin condition and a reflection of internal disharmony.
Jaseng’s Holistic Melasma Treatment: East Meets West
🌿 Korean Medicine Diagnosis
At your first consultation, a doctor of Korean medicine performs an in-depth constitutional diagnosis to identify internal triggers:
- Liver “heat” or blood stagnation
- Hormonal imbalance (estrogen dominance)
- Gut dysfunction and poor detox pathways
- Stress or emotional disharmony (affecting the spleen or heart systems)
This is followed by a customized herbal and acupuncture protocol, supporting the body from within while calming skin inflammation and pigment formation.
Combined Treatment Approach at Jaseng
1. 🌈 Laser & Light Therapy for Pigment Removal
Jaseng uses advanced dermatological lasers to gently break up pigment without damaging the skin barrier:
- Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) – Targets melanin deep in the dermis
- Low-fluence laser toning – Gradual brightening with minimal irritation
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) – Improves redness and sun-damaged skin
- LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) – Reduces inflammation and supports skin regeneration
The laser plan is tailored based on your skin tone, melasma severity, and sensitivity.
2. 🌿 Herbal Medicine for Internal Balance
Jaseng’s internal prescriptions aim to:
- Cool internal “heat” (which exacerbates pigment production)
- Detoxify the liver and improve blood circulation
- Regulate estrogen and progesterone balance
- Calm the nervous system to reduce stress-related triggers
The herbs are carefully selected based on your constitution and refined in granule or decoction form for optimal results.
3. 💆♀️ Facial Acupuncture & Moxibustion
- Facial acupuncture promotes microcirculation, lymph drainage, and melanin breakdown
- Body acupuncture targets hormonal and digestive meridians to regulate internal systems
- Moxibustion (warm therapy using herbal heat) is used to boost skin immunity and qi (energy) flow
4. 🧴 Topical Care and Natural Brighteners
Jaseng may supplement the plan with:
- Gentle, herbal-based skincare products
- Vitamin C or niacinamide formulations
- Soothing sun protection strategies
No harsh hydroquinone or steroid creams are used—treatments are natural and barrier-friendly.
What to Expect During Treatment
🩺 Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Skin evaluation using imaging and visual assessment
- Korean medicine tongue, pulse, and digestive review
- Lifestyle, menstrual, and stress pattern discussion
💉 Step 2: Treatment Sessions (Typically Weekly or Biweekly)
- Laser toning or IPL therapy
- Facial acupuncture and herbal detox therapy
- Optional cupping or lymphatic massage
🌱 Step 3: Herbal Medicine & Lifestyle Plan
- Take-home prescription for daily internal support
- Dietary advice (reduce heat-forming foods)
- Skincare and sunscreen regimen guidance
Expected Results & Timeline
- Week 2–3: Reduced inflammation and initial pigment lightening
- Week 4–6: Brighter, more even skin tone and improved skin texture
- 2–3 months: Deeper melasma fading, hormonal and stress balance
- Long-term: Reduced recurrence with internal regulation and maintenance sessions
Patients who combine laser + herbal + acupuncture therapies often see greater improvement and less relapse than those who rely on lasers alone.
Who Can Benefit from Jaseng’s Melasma Program?
- Women experiencing melasma from pregnancy, birth control, or menopause
- People with recurring pigment patches that worsen in heat or stress
- Those with sensitive or darker skin tones who react poorly to harsh peels or bleaching
- Patients looking for a natural, non-invasive solution
- Individuals suffering from both pigmentation and hormonal symptoms (fatigue, bloating, irregular cycles)
Why Choose Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine?
✅ Integrative care—combining the best of modern dermatology and traditional healing
✅ Internal-external approach for long-lasting melasma control
✅ Experienced Korean medicine doctors and dermatologic specialists
✅ Safe for sensitive, hormonal, or post-partum patients
✅ Trusted by international patients seeking holistic aesthetic solutions
International Patient Support
Jaseng offers full concierge services for overseas patients:
- English-speaking coordinators
- Customized treatment plans for short-term visitors
- Help with scheduling, translation, and follow-up
- Clinics in Seoul’s most accessible districts (Gangnam, Seocho)
Final Thoughts
If you’ve struggled with stubborn melasma that keeps coming back no matter what cream or laser you try, it may be time to treat your skin and your system together. At Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine, you’ll receive safe, natural, and science-supported care that focuses on true healing, not just surface whitening.
