Melasma and Hyperpigmentation are skin conditions involving increased pigmentation, but they have different characteristics and causes. Explore differences between them in this article to find right treatment and restore your radiant appearance!
How is melasma different from hyperpigmentation?
With the rise of skin issues like melasma and hyperpigmentation, many people still misunderstand the distinction between the two. While both involve excess melanin production leading to darker skin, their causes are different.
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where skin areas become darker or more pigmented than surrounding normal skin. It occurs when body produces excess melanin, pigment responsible for skin color, hair, and eyes. When melanin concentrates in one area, it forms dark spots.
Common types of hyperpigmentation include:
● Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark spots or scars left behind after acne or other skin injuries, where inflammation process increases melanin production in affected area.
● Sunspots or Age spots: Brown or black spots that appear due to prolonged sun exposure, leading to melanin buildup in those areas.
● Freckles: Small, light brown or yellowish spots that are often hereditary or triggered by sun exposure.
Hyperpigmentation occurs in many areas of the body.
Melasma is a condition characterized by dark spots or patches appearance on skin caused by the melanin overproduction. It is a specific form of hyperpigmentation, primarily occurring on face, and is often associated with hormonal changes. Melasma is commonly seen in women, particularly those of reproductive age and during pregnancy (also known as "pregnancy mask").
According to a study published in International Journal of Dermatology, around 50-70% of pregnant women develop melasma. This condition, commonly referred to as chloasma (pregnancy-induced melasma), is believed to result from elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, which stimulates melanocytes (melanin-producing cells), forming dark patches on face.
Melasma is common in pregnant women. Source: Canva
Although melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, there are distinct differences between two that you should consider to identify your skin condition and determine appropriate treatment accurately. Following characteristics can help differentiate melasma from general hyperpigmentation:
Differences between melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Melasma and hyperpigmentation are chronic disorders. This means they can last for three months or more. Some individuals may experience melasma for many years or even for a lifetime, while others may only have it for a short period. While harmless, these dark spots can affect appearance, prompting many individuals to find ways to treat them. Below are some effective treatments for melasma.
These conditions can last for three months or longer if not treated properly Source: Canva
Melasma and hyperpigmentation can be improved with right treatment creams. These creams often contain ingredients that help brighten skin, reduce dark pigmentation, and prevent new spot formation.
Treatment creams can significantly improve skin condition Source: Canva
Cream for melasma typically contains ingredients such as Hydroquinone, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinoids (Vitamin A), Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Licorice Extract. These ingredients work together to brighten skin, fade dark spots, provide deep hydration, and improve skin texture from within.
Laser and light therapy treatments are popular methods for improving skin conditions such as aging, melasma and hyperpigmentation. These technologies use light and thermal energy to penetrate deep into skin, helping to fade dark spots and improve skin texture. Below are some of the most commonly used laser and light for hyperpigmentation treatment:
Laser and light are popular methods for hyperpigmentation treatment. Source: Canva
● Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL uses high-intensity light to target and break down melanin, helping to treat melasma and sun spots, while also improving skin texture and reducing redness.
● Fractional CO2 Laser
This powerful treatment resurfaces skin, stimulates collagen, and reduces pigmentation like melasma, allowing faster healing by leaving surrounding skin intact.
● Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser
Targets melanin directly to treat deeper pigmentation issues, breaking up pigment and reducing dark spots or melasma over time.
● Erbium Laser
Resurfaces skin to treat mild to moderate pigmentation and acne scars, with fewer side effects, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
● PicoSure Laser
Uses ultra-short pulses of energy to break down pigmentation, effectively treating melasma and sunspots with minimal downtime.
These treatments should always be performed by a licensed dermatologist or professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. They require multiple sessions to achieve noticeable results, and it is essential to follow post-treatment care to minimize side effects and protect skin.
In addition to treatment with creams or lasers, following a scientific skincare routine is crucial to maintain treatment results and protect skin in long term. First, using SPF 50+ sunscreen when going outdoors is essential to protect skin from harmful effects of UV rays, which are main causes of pigmentation and skin aging. Sunscreen not only helps prevent formation of new dark spots but also helps maintain healthy, even-toned skin.
Protect skin from the sun to avoid melasma and hyperpigmentation. Source: Canva
Besides sunscreen, incorporating moisturizers into your skincare routine is also vital. Moisturizing helps provide essential hydration, keeping skin soft and smooth, minimizing dryness and wrinkles, and supporting skin's recovery after treatment.
Maintaining a complete and scientific skincare routine will help keep skin healthy, prevent recurrence of melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Protect skin from the sun to avoid melasma and hyperpigmentation. Source: Canva
Here are a few frequently asked questions that people often have when learning about melasma and its treatment.
Frequently asked questions about melasma and hyperpigmentation treatment. Source: Canva
Melasma typically appears as brown or black spots, which can vary in shape and size. These spots usually appear on areas of skin that are more exposed to sunlight, such as cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
Melasma commonly appears on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Source: Canva
Hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment may require time and patience. Lightening creams and lasers help lighten dark spots over time but to achieve optimal results, it is essential to protect your skin from sunlight and maintain a proper skincare routine.
Understanding differences between melasma and hyperpigmentation helps you choose right treatment. For best results, use targeted treatments, protect your skin with SPF 50+, and maintain consistent skincare routine.