What should you know about king melasma?

Melasma is a pigment condition that often appears symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, or jaw. It is usually flat rather than scaly or raised. Sunlight and visible light can stimulate pigment cells, while heat, hormonal shifts, and skin irritation may make colour more noticeable. The appearance can fade and return, and darker skin tones may be more prone to prolonged discoloration. A clinician can distinguish melasma from other causes of dark patches and uneven tone.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as directed, add shade or a hat, and avoid deliberate tanning and excess facial heat. Keep products gentle; stinging or peeling can worsen pigment. A dermatologist may suggest a topical pigment treatment or a supervised procedure. Options can include [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/), selected according to skin tone, depth of pigment, and sensitivity.

Arrange a skin assessment if facial patches are new, changing quickly, itchy, painful, bleeding, crusted, or different from the surrounding pattern. Seek advice before treating pigment during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or after a strong reaction to a product. A clinician should review pigment that does not fit a typical melasma pattern rather than assuming every dark patch is melasma.

Ask what supports the diagnosis, whether any medicines or hormonal changes may be contributing, which ingredients suit your skin, and how long to try a plan before reassessment. Also ask how to reduce irritation and what to expect if a procedure is recommended.