What is hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation simply means patches of skin that are
What is melasma, specifically? Melasma is a chronic form of hyperpigmentation that typically
How can you tell them apart? A few clues help, though only a professional assessment is
- definitive:
- Pattern: melasma is usually symmetrical and patchy across larger areas; sun spots are smaller and
- more defined; PIH appears exactly where a previous spot or injury was.
- Triggers: melasma flares with hormones and heat; sun spots accumulate with years of UV; PIH
- follows acne or irritation.
- Behaviour: melasma is stubborn and recurrent; sun spots and PIH are often more straightforward
- to fade.
- Dermatologists may use a Wood's lamp (a special light) to judge how deep the pigment sits, which guides
- treatment.
Why does the difference matter for treatment? Because the same treatment can help one
and worsen another. Aggressive lasers or heat-generating treatments, for example, can aggravate melasma — particularly on darker skin tones — even while they help sun spots. That's why melasma treatment leans on gentle, gradual methods and strict sun protection, whereas isolated sun spots may respond well to more targeted approaches. Getting the diagnosis right first is the whole game.
What helps each one? Treatment is always personalised, but in general: sun spots and PIH may
respond to medical-grade chemical peels, targeted laser and a good topical routine; melasma needs a conservative, layered plan — sun protection, topical pigment-control, careful in-clinic treatments — focused on control rather than a one-time fix. Our pigmentation and melasma treatment page explains the options, and a dermatology consultation confirms which you have. Individual results vary.