Melasma and dry skin: what to know

Melasma causes flat, usually brown or grey-brown patches, often on the face. Dryness can make skin feel tight, rough, flaky, or more sensitive to products. These are separate concerns, although a damaged skin barrier may make brightening products sting and may leave inflammation that temporarily deepens uneven colour.

Dry skin alone does not establish that a dark patch is melasma. A clinician may check the pattern, surface scale, recent product use, sun exposure, and other conditions such as Asteatotic Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, or Psoriasis.

Use a fragrance-free, creamy moisturiser after washing and whenever the skin feels tight. Choose a mild cleanser, lukewarm water, and short washing sessions; avoid scrubs, picking, and products that burn. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and shade or a hat outdoors, because light can darken melasma and irritate already dry skin.

If treatment is being considered, restore comfort first and introduce one product at a time under professional guidance. Emollient Therapy can support the skin barrier, while a dermatologist can decide whether a pigment treatment suits your skin and current dryness.

Arrange a dermatology review if a patch is new, changing, itchy, scaly, bleeding, painful, or different from the other patches. Seek prompt care for swelling around the eyes, blistering, or a widespread reaction after a product. A review is also sensible when dryness persists despite moisturising or prevents you from using routine skin care.

Could this pattern be melasma, dry-skin inflammation, or another condition? Which moisturiser and cleanser fit my skin? Should I pause any active products? What light-protection routine should I use, and how will we judge whether treatment is irritating my skin?