By Courtney Gill, PA-C | Owner, Refine Aesthetics
Summer in Austin has a rhythm all its own. The days are long, the light is golden, and the pace slows down just enough to make space for reflection. For many, it’s a time to relax. For others, especially those of us with melasma, it’s also when our skin demands a little extra TLC.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re all too familiar with the patchy, persistent pigmentation that comes with melasma. Maybe you’ve tried every different cream, facial, or laser, only to feel frustrated when it flares again—especially during the summer heat. I see you, and I’ve been there too.
Melasma is more than a skin condition—it’s something that can mess with your confidence, your routine, and your sense of control. But what if I told you that taking care of it could actually be a powerful act of self-care?
Let’s talk about how, and why that’s something I care about deeply—on a very personal level.
First, a Quick Melasma Refresher
Melasma usually shows up as blotchy brown or grayish patches on the face—commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. It’s often linked to hormones, genetics, sun exposure, and heat. And unlike sun spots or post-acne marks, melasma tends to run deeper, which is why it’s harder to treat and more likely to return.
What makes summer especially tricky is that it’s not just UV rays that trigger melasma—heat, visible light, and even inflammation can all wake it up. That’s why even with sunscreen, you might still see flares in warmer months. It’s frustrating, I know. But that’s where education, consistency, and a little kindness toward your skin—and yourself—can go a long way.
My Melasma-Safe Summer Routine
If you’re struggling with melasma, here’s what I recommend for navigating the summer months:
1. Sunscreen, Every Morning (No Ifs, Ands, or Buts)
Choose a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 50+ with zinc oxide and iron oxides (tinted formulas are great). Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. I stash powder SPF in my purse and glovebox for easy touch-ups—especially when I’m chasing my kids around outside.
2. Protect With Style
I’m rarely seen without a hat and a pair of sunglasses in the summer—not just because I’m trying to look cute (that’s a perk, though), but because every bit of coverage helps. Seek shade, especially mid-day, and do your skin a favor by keeping it cool.
3. Heat Awareness
Melasma is sneaky—it responds to heat and inflammation, not just UV. Avoid saunas, hot yoga, and long outdoor workouts when you can. Post-outdoor cooldowns with a hydrating mist or cold compress are small things that can make a big difference.
4. Smart, Gentle Skincare
You don’t need to go hard with peels or lasers in the summer. Instead, lean into products that support your skin gently:
- Tranexamic acid: Helps reduce pigment production over time
- Niacinamide: Calms and brightens
- Vitamin C: Defends and corrects
- Azelaic acid: Targets pigmentation without irritation
We offer custom skincare regimens at Refine that make this simple and sustainable—because nobody has time for 12 steps.
5. Low-Impact In-Office Treatments
In the summer, I favor lighter in-office treatments—like gentle chemical peels, MOXI, calming facials, and microneedling with pigmentation-safe serums. These options help you maintain progress without risking flare-ups.
Why This Is Self-Care
Taking care of melasma isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself in the small ways—day after day—even when progress is slow. That’s what self-care really is: not bubble baths and spa days (though I’m not against those!), but the daily rituals that remind us we’re worth caring for.
For me, skincare became a deeper form of self-care after a big turning point in my life.
In 2020, I hit a wall—mentally, physically, and emotionally. I had been practicing as a PA in Dermatology for nearly nine years, juggling a career, marriage, motherhood, and trying to hold it all together. That year, I left my job, packed up my husband and two kids, and we hit the road for six weeks. I needed time to breathe. Time to ask the hard questions: What does life look like now? What matters to me? Who am I if I’m not running on autopilot?
That trip gave me clarity—and courage. I decided to stop waiting and start building what I truly wanted: a space that felt honest, warm, and grounded. A medspa that didn’t just focus on “fixing” but on helping people feel whole, empowered, and seen. That’s how Refine Aesthetics was born.
And that’s why I see treating melasma—or acne, or wrinkles, or whatever brings someone in—not just as a cosmetic issue, but as a care issue. These things impact how we see ourselves, how we move through the world, and how we show up in our lives.
Be Kind to Yourself
If melasma is part of your story, I want you to know that managing it doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be part of a larger, gentler commitment to yourself. Your skin doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. And taking care of it doesn’t make you vain—it makes you wise.
If you’re ready for guidance that comes with heart and expertise, we’d love to welcome you to Refine. This journey isn’t about covering up who you are—it’s about revealing more of the real you, one step at a time.
With love and SPF,
Courtney Gill, PA-C
Founder, Refine Aesthetics
