Why does melasma cause uneven skin tone?

Uneven Skin Tone is a very common presentation of Melasma. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour, and melasma affects some areas more strongly than others. This produces flat tan, brown, or grey-brown areas rather than one uniform change across the face. The pattern often appears symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Sunlight and visible light can keep pigment cells active; hormonal shifts and skin irritation may add to that sensitivity. The colour can therefore become more noticeable after outdoor exposure even when the skin feels completely smooth.

Make light protection a daily habit with broad-spectrum sunscreen, shade, and a hat when outdoors. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, and introduce active products carefully so burning or peeling does not add irritation. A dermatologist may recommend a targeted topical treatment or a carefully selected procedure after examining your skin tone and pigment pattern. Take progress photos in similar lighting rather than judging changes from day to day.

Book an assessment when uneven tone is new, rapidly changing, one-sided, or associated with itch, pain, scale, bleeding, or a raised area. These features can point away from a simple melasma pattern. A clinician can also review hormonal medicines, pregnancy-related changes, and irritating skincare that may be maintaining the colour.

Ask which type of light protection suits your daily setting, whether your current products could be irritating your skin, and what treatment sequence is appropriate. Ask how to recognise improvement and when a follow-up review would be useful.