The Difference Between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation.

Distinguishing between hyperpigmentation and melasma can be very challenging when you have dark spots in areas of your skin. The two can look and act similarly usually caused by the same factors, but there are also some clear distinctions between them.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a broad term that refers to any form of discoloration on the skin.  It’s a very common skin condition that can cause darkening of some skin areas due to an excessive production of melanin. This can cause spots or patches on the skin that range from brown, black, gray, to red or pink. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma.

There are several types of hyperpigmentation, such as:

• Melasma - Well-defined, light brown, brown, or gray macules that commonly appear on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. Melasma can be caused by pregnancy, hormonal factors, and sun exposure. A common condition causing brown patches on the face, often triggered by sun exposure and hormonal changes
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) - which results from skin injury or inflammation like acne, and age spots (also known as liver spots or solar lentigines), which are caused by sun exposure.
• Sunspots/Age Spots - are flat, brown spots varying in size and shapes. They are usually caused by sun exposure, usually appear on sun-exposed areas like face, arms, shoulders and hands. These are also called age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines
• Freckles- these are small brown spots that usually appear in areas that are frequently exposure to the sun, such as the face. Freckles are caused due to UV radiation from the sun. This stimulates the skin to produce excess melanin as a form of protection, and causing small, flat brown spots to appear on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation can take several forms such as;  

• Freckles, age spots and sunspots
• Acne scarring and post-inflammatory
• Sun damage and melasma
• Hormonal factors and genetics

When there is prolonged exposure to the sun, this can result in hyperpigmentation and it’s usually very difficult to treat. Sun protection is important for long periods of sun exposure.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is another type of hyperpigmentation. It is a skin condition that is characterized by brown or gray patches on the skin. Melasma is extremely common and typically appears on the face.

These spots typically appear around the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, chin, or upper lip, while hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body. It is mostly common in people with darker skin tones and those who live in sunny climates.

Melasma can be caused by a variety of factors like sun exposure or even chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.  Melasma usually improves during the winter months for many people, but it may return in the hold summer due to sun exposure.

Any hormonal changes can also trigger melasma. Hormonal changes may include the following:

• Pregnancy
• Hormonal therapy
• Birth control (starting or stopping)

The Differences Between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation

Both hyperpigmentation and melasma can have very similar symptoms, but there are some key ways to tell the difference between them.

• Melasma typically appears on the face, while hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body.
• Melasma is also usually symmetrical, meaning that it will appear on both sides of the face.
• Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, can be asymmetrical.
• Finally, melasma is more likely to fade in the winter months, while hyperpigmentation may not.

If you are unsure whether you have melasma or hyperpigmentation, it is best to consult with a dermatologist. They can perform a physical examination and order tests, if necessary, to make a diagnosis.

Treatments and Prevention

Treatments for reducing excess melanin in the cases of melasma and hyperpigmentation can often overlap. There are many ways to treat hyperpigmentation including Melasma, from topical skincare products like acids and retinoids to more advanced treatments like chemical peels to laser. Here are some common treatments:

Sun Protection

Sunscreen is key! It helps for preventing both melasma and hyperpigmentation, as over exposure to sun can exacerbate both conditions. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Topical Treatments

Skin-lightening products can help fade dark spots. Here are the best Lovinah Skincare products to try for treating the appearance of hyperpigmentation and melasma.

• Lovinah Skincare Blue Agave Multi-Acid Overnight Peel- is a powerful but gentle exfoliant for removing dull skin cells to smooth and healthy skin texture, brightness and clarity over time. When you exfoliate your skin with the help of acids, new skin cells emerge to take the place of the old ones. The process helps even out your skin tone and make it smoother overall.
• Lovinah Skincare Dragon’s Blood Rapid Dark Spots Corrector- A potent antioxidant-based serum with 8 skin brightening ingredients to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Lovinah Skincare Retinal-C & EGF – a powerful retinal and egf serum that encourages skin cell turnover and brighten acne scars over time. It’s formulated with skin brightening ingredients to help reduce the appearance of dark spots as well as boost the production of collagen and elastin in the skin for a more youthful, even complexion.
• Lovinah Skincare Royal-C – an advanced serum with 30% vitamin c and 8 skin brightening ingredients, effective for treating melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Professional Treatments

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy can help reduce the appearance of melasma and hyperpigmentation.Always consult with a professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific skin type or condition.