Melasma and hyperpigmentation are two main skin conditions responsible for discoloration, and though they are not the same, the terms dark spots, age spots, pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and melasma are sometimes used interchangeably. Here are some details about each:
Hyperpigmentation
- Can appear as freckles, sun spots, dark spots, or larger dark patches.
- Can cover smaller areas on the face or be expansive and cover the face, trunk, and/or extremities.
- Can be caused by sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, or injury.
- Treatment options include topical products containing ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and niacinamide, along with procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy.
Melasma
- Often presents as broad patches of discoloration, especially on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper lip.
- Can be caused by hormonal changes, sun exposure, or genetics.
- Can worsen during the summer months due to sun exposure.
- Treatment options include prescription oral remedies like tranexamic acid, topical products containing ingredients like hydroquinone, and procedures like lasers.
- Can be treated with Mesopeels, chemical peels, VBeam laser treatment, and Cosmelan peels.
When it comes to ingredients or materials, a systematic review of clinical studies found that natural ingredients like azelaic acid, aloesin, mulberry, licorice extracts, lignin peroxidase, kojic acid, niacinamide, ellagic acid, arbutin, green tea, turmeric, soy, and ascorbic acid have been evaluated for their effect on pigmentation disorders, but much of the data that exist for these agents consist primarily of in-vitro studies and a handful of clinical trials. Topical products containing hydroquinone are usually the most effective for treating hyperpigmentation.
