If you’ve been lately noticing some dark patches on your skin and wondering if they’re melasma or just hyperpigmentation, then you’re not alone. Many people confuse these two common skin concerns, but knowing which one you’re dealing with makes all the difference in treatment.
While both result in uneven pigmentation, melasma, and hyperpigmentation stem from different causes, appear in distinct patterns, and often require separate approaches to manage effectively.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a broad term for dark spots or patches that appear when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This can happen due to:
- Sun exposure: UV rays trigger melanin production, leading to sunspots.
- Acne or injuries: After a pimple or cut heals, it may leave a dark mark (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Hormonal changes: Sometimes, medications or health conditions can cause darkening.
Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, regardless of skin type, and usually appears as flat, brown, or grayish patches.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation, often called the “mask of pregnancy” because hormonal changes commonly trigger it. Unlike regular hyperpigmentation, melasma usually:
- Appears as symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip
- Is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or while taking birth control
- Gets worse with sun exposure, heat, or hormonal fluctuations
- While melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation, it behaves differently and can be more stubborn to treat.
5 Key Differences Between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation
While both conditions cause dark spots, they differ in several ways, including:
- Causes: Hyperpigmentation is usually triggered by external factors like sun damage, acne, or injuries. Melasma, on the other hand, is heavily influenced by hormones, genetics, and sun exposure.
- Appearance: Hyperpigmentation appears as scattered dark spots, while melasma forms symmetrical, blotchy patches, often on the face.
- Common Areas: Hyperpigmentation can show up anywhere, on the face, hands, and chest, whereas melasma typically sticks to the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
- Triggers: Sun exposure worsens both, but melasma is also aggravated by heat and hormonal shifts.
- Treatment: Hyperpigmentation often fades with consistent skincare and treatments, but melasma may require a more cautious, long-term approach to prevent flare-ups.
Can Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Be Treated?
Yes, but the approach varies, for example:
For Hyperpigmentation
Since external factors often cause hyperpigmentation, treatments focus on fading dark spots and preventing new ones. Effective options include:
- Microneedling
- Laser Treatments (Candela)
- InMode Treatment (Lumecca)
For Melasma
Melasma is trickier because it’s linked to internal factors like hormones. Treatment usually involves:
- Sun protection
- Professional treatments
The Bottom Line
While melasma and hyperpigmentation both cause dark spots, they require different care. Hyperpigmentation often responds well to treatment, while melasma needs a gentler, long-term approach. If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, expert guidance can make all the difference.
At Aafiyat Advanced Aesthetics, our experienced team is here to help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin. Are you ready to explore your options? Give us a call at (289) 825-2332 to book your appointment today!