Best clinic for melasma in Dubai: how to choose safe pigmentation care

Key facts

• Not all dark patches are melasma; diagnosis comes first
• Daily tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential
• Prescription creams are the main treatment
• Aggressive lasers can worsen melasma in darker skin
• Dr. Abdullah Anis: long-term, step-by-step melasma plans

Confirm the diagnosis first

Not every dark patch is melasma. Sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne or eczema, freckles, drug-induced pigmentation and less common conditions can look similar, and each responds differently. A dermatologist examines the pattern and colour of the patches and asks about pregnancy, hormonal contraception, thyroid problems, cosmetics and sun exposure. Magnified examination of the skin, and in some clinics a Wood's lamp, can help estimate whether pigment is mainly superficial or deeper, which affects how well it responds. Ask whether your clinic will diagnose the type of pigmentation before suggesting a package of sessions; good pigmentation care begins with knowing exactly what you are treating.

Sun protection and prescription treatment come first

Melasma is triggered and worsened by ultraviolet and visible light, and by heat. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, ideally a tinted sunscreen that also blocks visible light, reapplied through the day, plus hats and shade, is the foundation of treatment in Dubai's climate. Prescription creams may include hydroquinone for limited periods, or combinations with a retinoid and mild steroid, as well as alternatives such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, cysteamine or tranexamic acid. Oral tranexamic acid can be considered for some patients after checking medical history. A dermatologist chooses and monitors these medicines to balance effectiveness with avoiding irritation, which can itself darken the skin.

Conservative procedures only when appropriate

Procedures can help some patients but must be chosen carefully. Gentle superficial chemical peels, done in a series and combined with topical treatment, are a common option. Some lasers and energy devices are used for melasma at conservative settings, but strong or poorly chosen laser treatment can trigger rebound pigmentation, especially in darker skin. A careful clinic will explain the risks honestly, may test a small area first and will usually prefer gentle, repeated approaches over aggressive single sessions. Be cautious of anyone promising to remove melasma completely in a few sessions; melasma is usually controlled rather than cured.

Maintenance and realistic expectations

Even after good improvement, melasma tends to return with sun exposure, heat, hormones or stopping treatment. A long-term maintenance plan usually includes strict daily sun protection, a gentle maintenance cream and periodic reviews, with treatment stepped up before summer or after flare-ups. Improvement usually takes several weeks to months to become noticeable. Hormonal factors, such as pregnancy or contraceptive pills, should be discussed. A dermatologist who explains that melasma is a chronic condition and works with you over time will usually achieve better and safer results than a single course of strong treatment. Keep photos to track progress objectively.

Melasma care with Dr. Abdullah Anis at Manhal

At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, melasma and pigmentation are treated by Dr. Abdullah Anis, Specialist Dermatologist and Venereologist with more than 25 years of experience (DHA licence 00141155-008). He holds an MD from the University of Aleppo, a Master's in dermatology and venereology and a dermatopathology fellowship from St John's Institute of Dermatology in London. He examines your skin to distinguish melasma from other causes of pigmentation, explains the likely triggers and builds a step-by-step plan that may include sun protection, prescription creams, oral treatment where suitable and gentle chemical peels. Procedures are chosen cautiously for your skin type, and follow-up is planned for maintenance. Consultations are in English and Arabic.

Pigmentation has several causes — sun, hormones, inflammation — and melasma in particular can worsen with aggressive treatment. A dermatologist chooses gentle, evidence-based combinations.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.