What should you know about base melasma?

“Base melasma” is not a separate diagnosis. It is often used informally to describe the background brown or grey-brown pigment that remains beneath more obvious patches. Melasma commonly affects sun-exposed facial areas and may look symmetrical. Sunlight, visible light, heat, hormones, and skin irritation can deepen the colour in some people. A clinician can distinguish melasma from post-inflammatory pigmentation or another cause of a changing patch.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, apply enough to exposed skin, and renew it after sweating, swimming, or prolonged outdoor exposure. A hat and shade add useful protection. Choose gentle cleansers and moisturisers because stinging, peeling, and aggressive scrubbing may worsen uneven pigment. A dermatologist may recommend a topical pigment treatment and can discuss procedures such as peels, microneedling, or laser toning when appropriate. Procedures can sometimes aggravate pigment, particularly after excessive heat or irritation, so the treatment should match your skin tone and history.

Book a skin review if a patch is new, one-sided, rapidly changing, raised, bleeding, painful, or unlike your usual melasma. Seek advice if pregnancy, hormonal medication, or a new product seems linked to the change; do not stop prescribed medicine without guidance. A review is also useful when home products cause persistent burning or when pigmentation is affecting your wellbeing.

Ask whether the colour pattern is typical of melasma, which light-protection approach suits your routine, and whether any current skincare may be irritating your skin. If a procedure is proposed, ask what result is realistic, how recurrence will be managed, and which signs after treatment require contact with the clinic.