Melasma Explained: Causes, Triggers, and a Breakthrough Treatment

Hey, y’all! I am Dr. Jessica and melasma is one of the most common and most stubborn skin conditions we treat at Rejuvenate Austin. Characterized by blotchy brown or gray patches across the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip, melasma can take a real toll on confidence. The good news? A next-generation approach using SkinPen Precision Elite microneedling to deliver WCPR by Toskani offers a precise, efficient way to target pigmentation deep in the skin. And the best news… it is wayyy safer than a Laser or BBL treatment.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a chronic pigment disorder caused by overactive melanocytes (the pigment- producing cells). Unlike a simple age spot, melasma tends to be diffuse, symmetrical, and heavily influenced by hormones, sunlight, heat, and inflammation.

Who Gets Melasma?

It can affect anyone, but it’s most common in:

Women aged 20–50
Pregnant women (“the mask of pregnancy”)
People with medium to darker skin tones
Those with a family history of pigmentation issues

Common Triggers

Melasma often flares or worsens due to:

Sun exposure (even short, unprotected exposures)
Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, birth control, menopause)
Heat/inflammation (saunas, hot yoga, aggressive treatments)
Blue light exposure (screens, LEDs)

WCPR by Toskani Delivered via Microneedling

At Rejuvenate Austin, we use SkinPen Precision Elite microneedling to deliver WCPR (Whitening Complex Poli Revitalizing). Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels that allow the WCPR formula to reach the deeper skin layers where pigment originates, making it more effective than topical application alone. We can dial the SkinPen from 0.25mm to 2.0mm in depth and see great results on all depths. This is customizable to your dermal thickness and comfort level.

PRO TIP: A superficial treatment of only 0.25mm can be used for sensitive people and you still
get great results with the serums because they absorb into those deeper layers of the skin.

WCPR’s key ingredients include:

Oligopeptide-34 & SH-Oligopeptide-2 — peptides that regulate pigmentation pathways
Alpha Arbutin + Licorice Extracts — tyrosinase inhibitors to reduce melanin production
Vitamin C + Glutathione — antioxidants that lighten existing pigment and protect against oxidative stress
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — reduces inflammation and pigment transfer
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract — mushroom extract that helps balance melanogenesis
Soybean oil + Hydrogenated Lecithin — improve delivery and support the skin barrier

Speed & Performance: SkinPen Elite vs. Other Devices

One of the standout features of SkinPen Precision Elite is its speed and consistency. The motor runs at approximately 7,000 RPM (± 700) and is validated to create more than 1,600 controlled micro-injuries per second. This ensures uniform penetration, efficient delivery of WCPR, and consistent results across different skin types.

Bottom line: SkinPen Elite is FDA-cleared, consistent, and maintains its RPM even under varying skin resistance. That makes it a reliable choice for delicate conditions like melasma, where stability and safety are critical.

Why Consistency & Safety Matter

Melasma is a chronic condition. Aggressive or inconsistent treatments can trigger rebound pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin types. Using a device that maintains speed, depth, and uniformity—like the SkinPen Precision Elite—reduces these risks while enhancing delivery of WCPR’s pigment-modulating actives.

Our Approach at Rejuvenate Austin

When you visit us, we’ll create a customized plan for you that may include:

SkinPen Precision Elite microneedling with WCPR boosters
Medical-grade brightening skincare
Sun protection and lifestyle recommendations
Together, these approaches help fade stubborn pigment, improve skin health, and restore your confidence.

In summary: Melasma can be frustrating, but advances like WCPR by Toskani delivered with SkinPen Precision Elite give us new, safer, and more effective tools to manage it. With consistent care, clearer, brighter skin is within reach.

Book your free consultation today at Rejuvenate Austin and start your melasma journey.

References
1. Toskani Official Product Page: WCPR shop.toskani.com
2. Cutis Medical Supplies – WCPR Ingredient Profile cutismedical.com
3. SkinPen Provider Information – Technology Specs skinpen.com