When it comes to treating a client with melasma, it is important to adhere to the three Ps for maximum results – patience, persistence and precaution. You and your client will need patience in getting results and you will need to manage your client's expectations. Since melasma is persistent, it will take regular visits to a skin care center along with daily care to manage and resolve this condition. Remember that hormones continuously trigger the condition so treatment of hormone-induced melasma should only begin after the client has finished breastfeeding or changed their contraceptive medication. Finally, precaution is crucial because you could inadvertently worsen the melasma pigmentation by triggering inflammation in the skin. Chemical peels can improve the appearance of epidermal melasma skin, but utmost care is needed when choosing the correct peel formulation and treatment protocol to avoid hyperpigmentation. Clients who tend to get melasma are also more sensitive to UV and harsh chemicals which can trigger hyperpigmentation; recommending the correct daily care products is very important for treatment outcome. Even though clients come in regularly for treatment, their skin may be different each time they visit. Pay special attention to your client's stress level as the stress hormone cortisol can sensitize skin and trigger inflammation. Since melasma pigmentation can worsen if the client is stressed, you may want to tackle the inflammation before the pigmentation.