Is It Pigmentation or Melasma? Understanding the Difference
If you have noticed brown or darker patches appearing on your face, you may have wondered: “Is this pigmentation or melasma?”
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
Pigmentation is a broad term used to describe areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. Melasma is a specific chronic pigmentary condition that can have different triggers and requires a more considered approach to treatment.
At Epicell Skin Clinic in Pascoe Vale, Melbourne, we assess the skin and the pattern of pigmentation before recommending a treatment pathway.
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation, often referred to as hyperpigmentation, is a general term for increased colour in an area of skin.
There are several different types of pigmentation that can appear on the face and body, including:
Sun spots and solar lentigines
Freckles
Post-inflammatory pigmentation following acne or inflammation
Pigmentation associated with ageing
Hormonal pigmentation
Other forms of acquired pigmentation
The appearance, depth and cause of pigmentation can vary considerably.
This is why pigmentation treatment in Melbourne should be tailored to the type of pigmentation being treated, rather than using the same treatment for every brown mark.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a common chronic pigmentary condition that causes patches of brown, grey-brown or deeper pigmentation.
It commonly appears on the:
Cheeks
Forehead
Upper lip
Nose
Chin
Melasma is often relatively symmetrical, with pigmentation appearing on both sides of the face.
It can be influenced by a combination of factors, including ultraviolet radiation, visible light, hormonal influences and heat. Melasma can also be persistent and may recur even after improvement.
This is one of the reasons melasma treatment requires an individualised approach.
What is the difference between melasma and other pigmentation?
One of the biggest differences is the way the pigmentation behaves.
A single well-defined sun spot, for example, may be quite different from the broader, symmetrical patches commonly associated with melasma.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation can also look different again and may occur after acne, inflammation, irritation or injury to the skin.
However, pigmentation conditions can overlap. A person may have melasma as well as post-inflammatory pigmentation or sun-related pigmentation.
Identifying what type of pigmentation you have is an important part of choosing an appropriate treatment.
Why getting the diagnosis right matters
Not all pigmentation should be treated in the same way.
Some forms of pigmentation may respond well to treatments such as targeted laser, superficial resurfacing or chemical peels.
Melasma, however, can be more complex.
An overly aggressive treatment approach may cause inflammation and, in some individuals, contribute to further pigmentation.
This is why at Epicell we don't simply look at a brown spot and recommend a treatment.
We assess the skin first.
How we assess pigmentation at Epicell Skin Clinic
Your consultation begins with an assessment of your skin and your individual concerns.
We use the Observe skin analysis system to help assess the skin and identify areas of concern that may not be as obvious under standard lighting.
We also consider:
The pattern and distribution of pigmentation
Your skin type
Your history of sun exposure
Previous acne or inflammation
Hormonal factors
Previous pigmentation treatments
Your current skincare routine
How your skin has responded to previous treatments
This helps us develop a treatment plan based on your skin rather than simply treating the colour you can see on the surface.
Can melasma be treated?
Melasma can often be improved, but it is important to understand that it is a chronic condition that can recur.
Treatment may involve a combination of approaches depending on your skin, pigmentation and individual circumstances.
These may include:
Medical-grade skincare
Pigment-targeting skincare
Consistent broad-spectrum sun protection
Visible-light protection
Chemical peels
Carefully selected laser or light-based treatments
Ongoing maintenance
Laser is not automatically the answer for every person with melasma.
A considered treatment plan is particularly important for people who are prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation or have previously experienced worsening pigmentation after treatment.
What about pigmentation after acne?
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is common following acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
You may notice brown or darker marks remaining after a pimple or acne lesion has healed.
This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
PIH is different from melasma, although it is possible to have both conditions at the same time.
For this reason, your treatment plan may need to address both the underlying skin condition and the pigmentation that remains afterwards.
What treatments can help pigmentation?
Depending on the type of pigmentation and your skin's individual characteristics, treatment options may include chemical peels, pigment-targeted skincare, laser treatments and other skin rejuvenation treatments.
At Epicell, treatments are selected according to the type of pigmentation, your skin type and your treatment history.
For some clients, a combination approach may be appropriate.
For others, improving the skin barrier and controlling the underlying triggers may be the first step.
There is no single pigmentation treatment that is right for everyone.
When should you have pigmentation assessed?
If you have noticed a new, changing or unusual pigmented lesion, it is important that it is appropriately assessed before cosmetic treatment.
Not every brown mark is simply pigmentation.
If a lesion appears suspicious or requires further medical assessment, we can recommend appropriate medical review rather than treating it cosmetically.
This is particularly important when considering laser treatment of pigmented lesions.
Melasma and pigmentation treatment in Melbourne
If you're looking for melasma or pigmentation treatment in Melbourne, starting with a professional skin assessment can help you understand what you are actually treating.
At Epicell Skin Clinic in Pascoe Vale, our nurse-led approach combines skin assessment, evidence-informed treatment options and personalised skincare.
Our aim is not simply to remove pigment as quickly as possible. We want to understand why the pigmentation is there and what approach is appropriate for your skin.
Is it melasma or pigmentation?
If you're unsure what is causing the pigmentation on your face, don't guess based on appearance alone.
Start with an assessment.
We can assess your skin, discuss your concerns and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
Epicell Skin Clinic110 Cumberland Road, Pascoe Vale, Melbourne
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