Apple Valley, MN · Safe for Deeper Skin Tones

Melasma Treatment in Apple Valley, MN

Fade stubborn dark patches with a gentle, medical-grade plan built for your skin tone. Nurse-led care for melasma on brown and Black skin, serving the Twin Cities south metro.

Book a Melasma Consultation Call 952-256-2223
Consultation$50, applied to treatment
VI Peel$350 or $900 for 3
Skin TypesFitzpatrick I to VI
PlanSeries of 3, then maintenance

What is melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip and jawline. It is not dangerous, but it can be frustrating because it is stubborn and often comes back. Melasma is driven by three things working together: hormones (pregnancy, birth control, hormone changes), sun and visible light, and heat. That is why it often shows up after pregnancy and gets darker in summer.

Why melasma is so common in deeper skin tones

People with brown and Black skin have more active pigment cells, so they are much more likely to develop melasma and dark spots after irritation. The good news: with the right plan, melasma on deeper skin can be improved safely. The key is choosing treatments that calm pigment instead of provoking it.

How we treat melasma at ABL

Every plan starts with a consultation. We look at your skin type, the depth and pattern of your pigment, your hormones and history, and your daily sun exposure. Then we build a plan that combines in-office treatment with home care.

$350 / $900 for 3

VI Peel

A medical-grade peel formulated for Fitzpatrick I to VI. Precision Plus and the hydroquinone-free Precision + Peptides are made for melasma and stubborn pigment. Learn about the VI Peel

$150 to $250

Glytone Peels

Gentler peels such as Mandelic and Glycolic help brighten and maintain results between VI Peels, chosen for your skin. Learn about Glytone peels

Daily

Medical-grade skincare + SPF

Brightening products and a sunscreen you will actually wear every day. This is what keeps melasma from coming back. Shop skincare

Melasma vs freckles vs dark spots

TypeWhat it looks likeMain causeBest approach at ABL
MelasmaLarger, blotchy patches on both cheeks, forehead or upper lipHormones, sun, visible light, heatVI Peel series, gentle peels, skincare, daily SPF
Dark spots after acne or irritationFlat dark marks where pimples or irritation wereInflammationPeels, acne care and SPF
Freckles and sun spotsSmall, defined brown spotsGenetics and UVLaser freckle removal on lighter skin types

Not sure which you have? That is exactly what the consultation is for. Treating melasma like a sun spot, with strong heat or the wrong laser, can make it darker.

Sunscreen is the most important melasma treatment

Our pick for deeper skin tones: Revision Intellishade Clear SPF 50

Many sunscreens leave a gray or white cast on brown and Black skin, so people skip them, and melasma comes right back. Revision Intellishade Clear goes on sheer with no white cast, doubles as a moisturizer, and gives broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection every day.

Wear it every morning, even on cloudy Minnesota days and indoors near windows, and reapply when you are outside. For extra protection from visible light, a tinted mineral option like Intellishade TruPhysical is a great choice.

Revision Intellishade Clear

SPF 50 · $89

Shop Sunscreen

Before your treatment

  • Book your consultation first so we can confirm it is melasma.
  • Start daily SPF right away. It protects your results from day one.
  • Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for about a week before a peel, or as your provider directs.
  • Tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.

After your treatment

  • Let your skin peel on its own. Do not pick.
  • Use the post-care products we give you.
  • Avoid sun, saunas, hot yoga and heavy sweating while you heal.
  • Wear SPF every day and keep up with maintenance visits.

Melasma treatment across the Twin Cities

Aesthetic Beauty Lab is at 15875 Emperor Ave Suite 120 in Apple Valley, MN. Clients come to us for melasma treatment from Lakeville, Eagan, Burnsville, Rosemount, Farmington, Bloomington, Savage, Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Med spa near LakevilleMed spa near EaganMed spa near BurnsvilleVI PeelChemical PeelsHydraFacialFreckle RemovalSkincare and SPF

Melasma FAQ

Where can I get melasma treatment in Apple Valley, MN?

Aesthetic Beauty Lab offers melasma treatment at 15875 Emperor Ave Suite 120 in Apple Valley, MN, minutes from Lakeville, Eagan, Burnsville, Rosemount and Farmington. Book a melasma consultation online or call 952-256-2223.

Is melasma treatment safe for dark skin?

Yes, when it is done carefully. We choose gentle, pigment-safe options such as the VI Peel, which is formulated for Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI, and we start conservatively. Aggressive heat and the wrong laser can make melasma worse on deeper skin, so we avoid them.

Why is melasma more common in darker skin?

Melasma is much more common in deeper skin tones because the pigment cells are more active. Hormones (pregnancy, birth control), strong sun and heat all trigger it, so many women with deeper skin tones develop it, often after pregnancy.

Can melasma be cured?

Melasma can be visibly improved, but it is a chronic condition and can return with sun, heat, pregnancy or hormonal changes. A treatment series plus daily sunscreen and the right home skincare gives the best long-term control.

Do you use laser for melasma?

We do not use our hair removal or pigment laser for melasma. Melasma can rebound with heat and laser energy, especially on deeper skin tones. We treat it with medical-grade chemical peels, gentle facials and skincare instead.

What is the best sunscreen for melasma on dark skin?

A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher worn every day, reapplied when you are outside. We love Revision Intellishade Clear SPF 50 because it goes on sheer with no white cast on deeper skin tones. Tinted mineral sunscreens also help block visible light, which can darken melasma.

How many treatments will I need?

Most clients start with a series of 3 VI Peels spaced about 4 weeks apart, then maintenance peels and daily skincare. Your plan depends on how deep and how widespread your melasma is.

How much does melasma treatment cost?

A melasma consultation is $50 and is applied toward your treatment. The VI Peel is $350 per peel or $900 for a series of 3. Glytone peels are $150 to $250 per session depending on the formula.

Can I treat melasma while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Many peels and skincare ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Daily sunscreen is the safest step. Talk to your provider and your doctor, and we will plan treatment for after that time.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If your melasma is severe, keeps coming back after treatment, or you are not sure the dark patch is melasma, see a dermatologist. We can work alongside your doctor's plan.

Medically reviewed by Nikita Musta, RN, BSN, owner of Aesthetic Beauty Lab, Apple Valley, MN. Updated September 2026.

Book a Melasma Consultation