Ano ang melasma? A guide to facial pigmentation

Patches commonly appear on both sides of the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline. They are usually not sore or scaly, but their visibility can affect confidence.

Melasma develops when pigment-producing skin cells make extra melanin. Sunlight and visible light can deepen the colour. Hormonal changes, including pregnancy or some hormonal medicines, can also contribute in susceptible people.

The pattern may fade and return as triggers change. Melasma itself is not contagious, and it does not turn into skin cancer. However, not every dark patch is melasma, so an uneven or unusual mark deserves examination.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and support it with shade, a hat, and reapplication when outdoors. A tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may also reduce exposure to visible light. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products if irritation tends to darken your skin.

A dermatologist may prescribe pigment-reducing creams or discuss procedures for selected cases. Chemical peels, microneedling, and laser-based treatments require careful selection because heat or inflammation can worsen pigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones.

Book a dermatology visit if the diagnosis is uncertain, patches are changing despite careful protection, or pigmentation is affecting your wellbeing. Prompt assessment is appropriate for a spot that bleeds, forms a sore, becomes raised, has several colours, or changes noticeably in shape.

Tell the clinician if the pigmentation began during pregnancy or after starting a medicine. Do not stop prescribed hormonal treatment without discussing the reason and alternatives with its prescriber.

Ask how the pattern was distinguished from other pigment conditions, which active ingredients fit your skin and pregnancy plans, what irritation signs mean you should pause a product, and how a proposed procedure could affect your skin tone.