Melasma and hyperpigmentation: Difference, treatment, and prevention (2024)

Pigmentation issues can cause dark spots and patches on your skin. Two of the most common are Melasma and Hyperpigmentation. While they may look similar, Melasma and Hyperpigmentation have critical differences in underlying causes, affected skin areas, and ideal treatments.

Understanding the distinctions is essential for adequately diagnosing these conditions and creating an effective skincare regimen to fade discolouration and prevent future dark spots. This article covers everything you need to know about recognising, treating, and avoiding Melasma and Hyperpigmentation.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by tan or brown patches that often appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. It typically affects women and is sometimes referred to as "the mask of pregnancy". This is because the fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy can trigger Melasma.

While the exact cause of Melasma is unknown, several factors can contribute to the development of Melasma:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy

• Women on birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy can also develop Melasma.

• Genetics

• Excessive exposure to Sun and UV radiation

• Skin irritation

• Thyroid imbalance

Melasma can be tricky to treat because it often recurs, even after the discolouration has successfully faded the previous time. It is considered a chronic condition that requires long-term management.

Also read: Melasma on face: Signs and symptoms of melasma

Treatment for Melasma

Clearing Melasma involves blocking its underlying causes and using ingredients to fade visible dark spots. Essential treatment methods include:

Sun Protection

Strict sun protection with broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher prevents further skin damage and darkening from UV exposure. Wear sunscreen daily, reapply often, and limit direct sunlight. You could use The Pink Foundry's Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen to protect your skin with new-generation filters.

Gentle Skincare

Avoid irritating your skin with harsh scrubs, toners, or chemical peels, which can worsen Melasma. Stick to gentle cleansers, serums with brightening ingredients, and rich moisturisers.

Lightening Creams

If used consistently, over-the-counter and prescription creams containing hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, and retinoids can help fade melasma discolouration over time.

Medical Procedures

When performed by an experienced dermatologist, in-office laser treatments, chemical peels, and microneedling can speed up Melasma fading. Combining these with at-home remedies and therapy can be most effective.

Always consult your dermatologist before starting a skincare treatment. Your dermatologist can help you determine the best plan for your case of Melasma. It might take 3-6 months of consistent skin care and avoiding triggers to see improvement.

Also read: Melasma treatment: How to treat melasma on face

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Unlike Melasma, a chronic hormonal condition, Hyperpigmentation is a broad term for darkened spots and patches caused by excess melanin production. While it appears similar to Melasma initially, Hyperpigmentation has some distinguishing characteristics. They are:

• Hyperpigmentation is caused by skin inflammation or trauma, such as acne, cuts, burns, and rashes. Melasma is not caused by skin damage or scarring.

• Melasma appears as small, scattered dark spots. It can also appear as larger patches, often called "masks."

• Hyperpigmentation can appear on anybody, including the hands, neck, chest, and back. Melasma is almost always limited to the face.

• It is not necessarily chronic. Once the triggering inflammation is resolved, it can be temporary, and the spots will fade over time.

What causes Hyperpigmentation varies widely, although the common causes include acne breakouts, eczema or contact dermatitis, and psoriasis plaques. Cuts, burns, surgical wounds, chemical peels, and laser burns can also cause Hyperpigmentation. Notably, excessive sun exposure can also lead to dark spots/freckles.

Because Hyperpigmentation has so many potential causes, you need to understand what triggered it so that you can find the most effective treatment.

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

Just as with Melasma, protecting skin from the sun is crucial for allowing hyperpigmentation spots to fade and preventing new dark patches from forming after you experience skin inflammation.

Critical treatment approaches could include the following:

Let Your Skin Heal After Trauma/Inflammation

The first step is to resolve the issues causing skin damage. Look out for acne breakouts, rashes, and burns. Once the trigger is removed, dark spots fade over several months.

Over-the-counter fading creams

Brightening creams with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, azelaic acid, and liquorice extract can help speed up Hyperpigmentation fading. You could try The Pink Foundry's for healthier and more resilient skin.

Professional chemical peels and lasers

For correcting resistant dark spots, an experienced esthetician or dermatologist can safely perform chemical peels and laser treatments tailored to your Hyperpigmentation. Combining these with daily skin care can help you get the optimal results.

Melanin-blocking hydroquinone

With direction from a doctor, prescription-strength hydroquinone can help you inhibit melanin production, which could lead to lighten Hyperpigmentation. However, carefully monitor your skin for side effects like redness and irritation.

Also read: The Definitive Guide to Hyperpigmentation: Causes and Treatment

What's the Difference Between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation?

Although Melasma and Hyperpigmentation may initially look very similar, understanding the critical differences between them could help you determine the right course of treatment for your condition. Let us look at the essential differences between them:

While their appearance may overlap, tailored treatment plans can help you address the root factors driving your melasma or hyperpigmentation condition. Before beginning targeted treatment, confirm with a dermatologist whether Melasma or Hyperpigmentation causes the dark facial spots.

Conclusion

Distinguishing between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation can empower you to understand the driving forces behind skin discolouration and pinpoint the solutions correctly. Although initially challenging, various effective treatments are available for both these conditions, ranging from over-the-counter serums to professional procedures.

Being diligent about sun protection, avoiding inflammation triggers, and sticking to a customised skin care regimen can help minimise recurrent melasma and hyperpigmentation episodes.