Unlock Your Free SkinDeep Academy Video

Expert‑led skincare education that cuts through the noise and helps you achieve lasting results.

Meet Your Tutor

Jody Adele Taylor, the founder of Skin Deep is an industry professional with a career spanning almost three decades. Within this time, she has been involved in all aspects of the industry as a salon owner, college lecturer and head of a government approved aesthetic therapist academy. Her accolades are numerous, but ones of mention include winning the highly prestigious Professional Beauty Award for Therapist of the year UK and winner of the British Hair and Beauty Aesthetic Clinic of the year. Jody enjoys her role as UK brand ambassador for Circadia and Dermaceutic Skincare.

A regular professional magazine contributor, speaker, adviser and educator to hundreds of fellow industry practitioners she is regarded as an expert in her field

“Jody takes the time to listen to your concerns and tailors your treatments accordingly. Her knowledge is second to none.”

— Nichola

“Jody is both a genius and a lovely person. Her treatments are world class—sometimes life-changing.”

— Katie

“Jody always explains the ‘why’ behind everything. I’ve never felt so informed about my skin.”

— Joanna

“Always a pleasure to come to see Jody knowing that I’m in very knowledgeable and safe hands.”

— Kathryn

Trusted Expertise

What you will learn

Why you need this information

Melasma is a chronic, trigger‑sensitive condition shaped by skin architecture, hormones, and inflammation. Understanding where pigment sits (dermal vs. epidermal), how patterns present, and what drives activation gives you clarity to plan safely and realistically.

This module turns complexity into usable clinical insight—linking the DEJ, mast cells, and hormonal influences with practical tools like MASI, Glogau, and Lancer. You’ll learn how to time tyrosinase inhibitors, anchor SPF, and align diet and stress management to protect outcomes.

When you know how melanin is made, moved, and maintained, you set expectations honestly, reduce relapse and PIH risk, and build results your clients can trust over the long term..

In this lesson

Melasma fundamentals: Clear definitions, common patterns (centrofacial, malar, mandibular), and how dermal pigmentation presents clinically.

  1. Who it affects: Key demographics, Fitzpatrick types, and prevalence insights to guide risk assessment.

  2. Root causes and triggers: Genetics, UV, hormones, medications, and emerging pathways (stem cell, neural, vascular, local hormonal).

  3. Skin architecture essentials: The dermal–epidermal junction, mast cells, and their roles in inflammation, healing, and pigment behavior.

  4. Consultation frameworks: Practical classification tools (Glogau, Lancer) and the Melasma Area and Severity Index for consistent assessment.

  5. Treatment strategy: Evidence-backed use of tyrosinase inhibitors (retinoids, kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide), vitamin E’s supportive role, and SPF protocols.

  6. Protocol timing: How to prime skin pre‑treatment and maintain results post‑treatment to reduce PIH and improve outcomes.

  7. Hormonal influences: MSH, estrogen, cortisol, and how stress and endocrine factors modulate melanogenesis.

  8. Dietary support: Anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant‑rich nutrition and foods to moderate when estrogenic load may be a factor.

  9. Planning for results: Building a coherent, personalized treatment plan from consultation to maintenance.