What should you know about melasma on black skin?

Melasma increases pigment in selected areas, producing flat brown, deep brown or grey-brown patches. On black skin, the contrast may vary with the person’s baseline complexion and the depth of pigment. Sunlight and visible light can make colour more persistent, while inflammation from acne, hair removal, harsh products or rubbing may leave darker marks that resemble melasma.

A clinician can assess the shape, distribution and surface of the patches. Melasma is generally a colour change rather than a rough or open lesion, but a different diagnosis is possible when the area is scaly, swollen, tender or changing quickly.

Protect exposed skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical coverage, including hats or clothing when practical. Keep the routine gentle: avoid picking, abrasive scrubs and products that sting. If a product causes burning or a rash, stop it and obtain advice, because inflammation can intensify post-inflammatory pigmentation.

A dermatologist may discuss prescription pigment care and whether Chemical Peel, Microneedling, Skin Brightening Treatment or Laser Toning suits your skin. Treatment settings and aftercare should be individualised; a cautious approach helps reduce the chance of a temporary light or dark mark after a procedure.

Book an assessment for a new patch that cannot be explained, especially if it is growing, raised, bleeding, crusted, painful or persistently itchy. Get advice about any pigment change that began after a cosmetic product, hair-removal method or medicine. Prompt examination helps separate melasma from irritation and other skin conditions.

Ask how your baseline skin tone affects treatment choices, whether the pattern could be post-inflammatory pigmentation, and how to test a product safely. Discuss expected changes, sun and visible-light protection, procedure settings, and what to do if the area becomes darker after treatment.