What should you know about melasma hormonal pigmentation?

Melasma develops when pigment cells become more active and produce extra melanin. It may appear during pregnancy, with hormonal contraception or around other hormonal shifts, although light exposure remains a major influence. The patches are usually flat and symmetrical on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip. They may fade when a trigger changes, but pigment can persist or return. [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) and [Uneven Skin Tone](/symptoms/uneven-skin-tone/) can look similar and may need different care.

Use sunscreen daily, consider tinted protection for visible light, and add shade, a hat and sunglasses outdoors. Keep skincare gentle and avoid picking, abrasive scrubs and untested lightening mixtures. A dermatologist can review medicines or contraception without asking you to change them independently. Options may include a prescribed topical routine, chemical peel, microneedling or laser toning, selected according to skin tone and pigment depth. Read about [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) and [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/).

Seek assessment for a new mark that is rapidly changing, raised, crusted, bleeding, painful or persistently itchy, or for pigmentation that does not follow a typical facial pattern. Ask for tailored advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy before using active products or procedures. A clinician can also assess [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) that may not be melasma.

Ask which hormonal factors may be relevant, whether any current medicine needs review, what light protection suits your routine, and which treatment is safest if pregnancy is possible. Confirm how irritation will be managed and when your response should be checked.