What should you know about melasma scars?

Melasma is a pigment condition that often appears symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. The surface generally stays smooth. A darker patch after acne, a peel, rubbing, or another injury may be post-inflammatory pigmentation rather than a melasma scar. Raised, indented, crusted, bleeding, or tender areas deserve a separate assessment because those features are not typical of uncomplicated melasma.

Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sun protection every day; visible light and heat may also deepen facial pigment. Avoid scrubbing, picking, and unplanned bleaching products. A clinician can distinguish melasma from other dark patches and discuss options such as skin brightening treatment, chemical peel, microneedling, or laser toning. Procedures can irritate pigment-prone skin, so the method and strength should be selected for your skin tone and current barrier.

Arrange an appointment if a mark changes quickly, becomes one-sided, develops a firm edge, bleeds, forms a persistent sore, or feels painful or itchy. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever after a procedure. A dermatologist can examine the pattern and decide whether the concern is melasma, post-inflammatory pigment, or another skin problem.

Could these marks be melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation, or true scar tissue? Which ingredients and procedures suit my skin tone? How should I protect the area after treatment, and what signs would mean I should stop a product?