Melasma vs. Pigmentation: How to Tell the Difference and Choose the Right Treatment

Two of the most confusing problems in connection with skin problems are melasma and pigmentation. These two states result in dark spots on the skin but the cause, look and treatment of the disorders differ. Such differences should be known to choose the right skincare strategy and have healthy, even-toned skin.

What Is Pigmentation?

All darkening of the skin that is due to the overproduction of melanin which is the substance that makes our skin, hair, and eyes their color is called pigmentation. This could be as a result of various causes that could include excess exposure to the sun, acne, hormonal disturbance, certain medications or skin damages.

There are different forms of pigmentation such as:

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Brown spots are left behind after acne or burns, or skin inflammation.
2. Sunspots or Age Spots: These are formed due to several years of consistent exposure to UV radiations.
3. Freckles: This is normally hereditary and is more conspicuous when a person is under the sun.

The pigmentation can occur in any part of the body and it is not limited to a specific tone of the skin. The most crucial one is the stimulation of melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) which evenly distribute the pigment on the skin surface.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a type of pigmentation disorder in which brown or grayish-brown pigmentations occurs in symmetrical locations on the face, most frequently on cheeks, forehead, upper lip and nose. Melasma affects mostly women and typically results from hormonal shifts caused by pregnancy, oral contraceptives or thyroid illnesses. Its prevalence tends to rise during periods of rapid weight gain or loss as well.

The disease is also referred to as the mask of pregnancy because it happened then. Melasma is also precipitated by genetic predisposition and exposure to UV.

What to do in order to differentiate Melasma and Pigmentation?

Even though the two conditions result in darkened skin, they exhibit some signs upon which they can be distinguished:

1. Appearance: Melasma generally has symmetrical designs in which the pigmentation can be in the form of individual spots or patches.
2. Color Tone: The color of Melasma is brown or gray-brown, whereas the pigmentation is light brown or deep brown or even black.
3. Causes: Pigmentation can be induced by external factors like sun damage or acne and in the instance of melasma the fact is highly reliant on internal hormonal changes.
4. Location: pigmentation may occur anywhere on the body but location of prima facie Melasma is limited to the face.

Melasma and Pigmentation: Treatment 

However, with the proper care and medical counseling, these two conditions can be controlled. The commonest interventions that are prescribed include:

1. Topical creams: Dermatologists are partial to using topical creams containing such an ingredient as hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or even niacinamide to lighten dark spots.
2. Chemical peels: These help to lose the skin surface and cell rejuvenation.
3. Laser treatment: Laser treatment with localized spots can treat deeper colouration although much caution has to be observed in the laser treatment especially in melasma.
4. Sun protection: It should be remembered that every day one should use a broad spectrum sunscreen to make sure that the results of the treatment are not darkened and to protect them.

Conclusion

The dermatology experts at Soul Derma seek to determine the root cause of all the skin problems, the melasma and pigmentation among them, acne, and sensitivity among others and refer the patients to the most effective, evidence-based care plans. Through the assistance of a professional, you will be in a position to get sustained awareness and interact with your skin.