Dark spots or patches on the skin are cosmetic issues that many people have to deal with. However, all skin discolorations are not the same. Hyperpigmentation and melasma are two different skin discoloration issues that present with similar symptoms.
Who doesn't love clear and smooth skin? Of course, almost everyone does. It can be distressing to notice dark spots and patches on your face or any other part of your body. If this happens, understand that skin discolorations are common and usually not harmful. In most cases, it simply means you are experiencing either hyperpigmentation or melasma, which are not life-threatening conditions.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma are two related but different skin conditions that can result in an uneven skin tone or skin covered with spots or dark patches.
Understanding the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma can help you choose an effective treatment option and successfully prevent outbreaks or reoccurrences.
Hyperpigmentation is a general term for any skin condition that causes any area of the skin to be darker than the surrounding skin. It is caused by the excess production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin, hair, and eyes their natural color.
Hyperpigmentation can be triggered by many factors, such as:
Melasma is a common type of hyperpigmentation that occurs on the face and other exposed parts of the body, such as the neck and shoulder. It appears as a brown-to-grayish patch on the face.
Although melasma can affect both males and females of any race, it is more common in women and people of the Black race. Although the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it is believed melasma occurs due to genetic predisposition, and it is triggered and worsened by certain factors such as:
The main difference between melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation lies in the cause.
Melasma is triggered by hormonal changes and worsens with exposure to sunlight. It is very common in women, especially during pregnancy, such that it has been nicknamed “the mask of pregnancy.”
On the other hand, the other types of hyperpigmentation are triggered by different factors. For instance, sunspots are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by injuries or skin conditions like cuts, burns, acne, or eczema.
While hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, melasma usually appears on the face. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs on any part of the body where there has been an injury, acne, or eczema flare-up, while sunspots appear on skin areas that are frequently exposed to the sun—usually the face and hands.
Melasma can occur as larger patches and blotches, while sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may appear as tiny spots that look like freckles. Also, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more focused only on the affected spot or area.
Below is a summary of the differences between hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Hyperpigmentation | Melasma | |
---|---|---|
Definition of terms | Hyperpigmentation is any form of skin discoloration. It ranges from regular acne marks and freckles to skin conditions like age spots, sun spots, and melasma. | Melasma is a common type of hyperpigmentation. |
Symptoms/pattern | Hyperpigmentation causes small dark freckles, like spots, or large dark patches of skin. They can be flat, smooth, or bumpy. | Melasma causes dark, blotchy patches of darkened skin with a distinct border. |
Common causes | Hyperpigmentation can be caused by an extended exposure to sunlight, aging, skin injury, and inflammatory conditions such as acne and eczema. | Melasma is typically caused by hormonal changes (mostly pregnancy) and exposure to sun radiation. |
Where it usually appears | Hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body. | Melasma commonly appears on the face – cheeks, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. |
Melasma and hyperpigmentation share similar symptoms.
Melasma often doesn’t cause pain and isn’t itchy. But it can occur as:
Hyperpigmentation is any darkening of the skin. The discolorations can take any of the following forms:
There are many options for treating hyperpigmentation and melasma, and each of the options is geared towards achieving an even-toned skin.
Although most of the treatment options are the same for melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation, melasma is more difficult to treat. This may be because melasma is triggered by internal factors such as changes in hormonal levels and is linked to genetics—both of which are factors that are hard to fix, especially with topical treatments.
Melasma triggered by pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives, or other medications may fade away on its own after giving birth or stopping the medications.
The treatment options for melasma and hyperpigmentation include:
The sun's rays are one of the factors that cause hyperpigmentation and worsen melasma. Protecting your skin from direct sunlight can help fade sunspots and melasma. You can protect your skin from the sun by:
This involves the use of:
Tranexamic acid is a medication that prevents the production of melanin by reducing excess blood vessels in the skin.
Because melasma is more difficult to treat, it may require a combination of two or three treatments to achieve the desired result.
This involves the application of makeup to cover up the flaws on the face or body.
When hyperpigmentation and melasma do not improve with the use of topical and oral medications, more advanced procedures can be used. These procedures include:
Each procedural treatment option needs to be performed with caution to prevent worsening melasma or hyperpigmentation. So, it is best performed by a skin expert, particularly a certified dermatologist, as they are trained to know the best procedure for each patient and how to carry out the procedure safely.
You can prevent hyperpigmentation by:
Once you notice dark spots or patches appearing on your skin, it is advisable that you see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell you whether you have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots, melasma, or another condition.
A dermatologist will also recommend the best treatment plan to improve your condition and achieve clearer skin.
Although both hyperpigmentation and melasma involve the appearance of dark patches on the skin, melasma is mostly associated with hormonal fluctuations, while hyperpigmentation can occur due to many factors, including sun exposure and inflammation.
It is important to understand the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma to determine the right treatment option that can effectively treat dark spots and patches and achieve clear, smooth, and evenly toned skin.
Protecting your skin from direct sunlight and following a healthy skincare routine is important when it comes to preventing and managing any form of hyperpigmentation. It is also very important that you see a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan if you are experiencing any skin conditions.
Can skincare products help remove melasma?
How long does it take for melasma and hyperpigmentation to go away?
Read Next: