Melasma vs. Hyperpigmentation: What’s the Best Way to Treat Them?

Dark spots, uneven skin tone, and stubborn pigmentation are common skin concerns, but not all pigmentation is the same. **Melasma and hyperpigmentation** are two conditions that often get confused because they both cause dark patches on the skin. However, they have **different causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches**.  

If you’re struggling with dark spots, understanding the **difference** between melasma and hyperpigmentation is key to finding the **right treatment**.  

  

What Is Hyperpigmentation? 

**Hyperpigmentation** is a **broad term** that refers to **any darkening of the skin** caused by an excess production of melanin. It can happen due to:  

✔ **Sun exposure** (UV radiation stimulates melanin production)  

✔ **Inflammation** (from acne, eczema, or injuries)  

✔ **Hormonal changes**  

✔ **Skin trauma** (cuts, burns, or aggressive treatments)  

**Types of Hyperpigmentation:**  

1️⃣ **Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)** – Dark spots that appear **after acne, eczema, or skin injuries**.  

2️⃣ **Sunspots (Lentigines)** – Caused by **prolonged sun exposure**, often on the face, hands, and shoulders.  

3️⃣ **Drug-Induced Hyperpigmentation** – Some medications (like certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs) can cause dark patches.  

**Characteristics of Hyperpigmentation:**  

✔ Can appear **anywhere on the body**  

✔ Often affects **one or multiple small areas**  

✔ Varies in color from **brown to black**  

✔ **More common in darker skin tones**  

What Is Melasma?  

**Melasma** is a **specific type of hyperpigmentation** that appears as **larger, symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches** on the face. It is caused by **hormonal changes** and **sun exposure** and is more common in women.  

**Triggers of Melasma:**  

✔ **Hormonal fluctuations** – Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy  

✔ **Sun exposure** – UV rays stimulate melanocytes, worsening melasma  

✔ **Genetics** – Family history increases the risk  

✔ **Heat & Blue Light** – Infrared heat and light from screens can trigger melasma  

**Characteristics of Melasma:**  

✔ **Appears symmetrically** on both sides of the face  

✔ Common areas: **forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, chin**  

✔ More common in **women (especially during pregnancy)**  

✔ Can be **stubborn and difficult to treat**  

💡 **Melasma is also known as the "pregnancy mask" because it commonly occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.**  

Melasma vs. Hyperpigmentation: Key Differences 

| Feature | Hyperpigmentation | Melasma |

|---------|-----------------|---------|

| **Cause** | Sun damage, inflammation, trauma | Hormones + Sun exposure |

| **Appearance** | Small, scattered spots | Large, symmetrical patches |

| **Color** | Brown, red, or black | Brown or gray-brown |

| **Location** | Anywhere on the body | Face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose) |

| **Common in** | All skin types | Women, especially pregnant women |

| **Treatment response** | Improves with treatments | Can be **stubborn & recurring** |

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation & Melasma

While both conditions involve **excess melanin**, their **treatment approaches differ**.  

Best Treatments 

✅ **Sun Protection** – Always wear **broad-spectrum SPF 50** to prevent further darkening.  

✅ **Topical Brighteners** – Look for ingredients like:  

   ✔ **Vitamin C** – Antioxidant that fades dark spots  

   ✔ **Niacinamide** – Reduces melanin production and inflammation  

   ✔ **Kojic Acid** – Derived from mushrooms, helps lighten pigmentation  

   ✔ **Arbutin** – Natural skin brightener  

✅ **Exfoliation** – Use **AHAs (glycolic acid)** or **BHAs (salicylic acid)** to remove pigmented cells.