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Updated: Nov 28, 2025

Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
Published on: January 19, 2024
The Vascular Component of Melasma: A Systematic Review of Laboratory, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Evidence
Natasha Masub1,2, Julie K Nguyen1,2, Evan Austin1,2
1Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York.
Background:
Melasma is a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation, classically manifesting as symmetric brown patches on the face. Although the exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, vascular abnormalities have been implicated in melasma.
Objective:
To evaluate the laboratory and clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of antivascular agents for the treatment of melasma.
Methods:
A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane was conducted on May 13, 2020, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Original research articles investigating the role of vascularity and/or evaluating the use of antivascular therapeutics in melasma were included. Clinical recommendations were based on the American College of Physicians guidelines.
Results:
A total of 34 original research articles as follows were identified: 4 laboratory studies, 15 diagnostic studies, and 15 therapeutic studies.
Conclusion:
There is promising evidence supporting the use of tranexamic acid and laser/light therapies to treat the vascular component of melasma, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate their efficacy. Clinicians may consider treatment with one or more antivascular therapeutics in patients with melasma. Further research is warranted to characterize the role of cutaneous vascularization in melasma and may provide insights for novel therapies.
Insights
Antivascular agents show promise for treating melasma, a hyperpigmentation disorder. Tranexamic acid and laser therapies targeting vascular abnormalities are effective, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hyperpigmentation Disorders
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder.
- Symmetric brown patches on the face are characteristic of melasma.
- Vascular abnormalities are implicated in melasma pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate evidence on antivascular agents for melasma treatment.
- Assess the safety and efficacy of these therapies.
- Provide clinical recommendations based on current research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.
- Included original research on vascularity and antivascular therapeutics in melasma.
- Followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Main Results:
- Identified 34 original research articles.
- Included 4 laboratory, 15 diagnostic, and 15 therapeutic studies.
- Found promising evidence for tranexamic acid and laser/light therapies.
Conclusions:
- Tranexamic acid and laser therapies show potential for treating melasma's vascular component.
- More rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
- Antivascular agents may be considered for melasma treatment; further research is warranted.
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