Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma: Understanding the Differences

Many people struggle with uneven skin tone, but not all dark patches are the same. You might notice symmetrical brown patches appearing on your cheeks during pregnancy, or perhaps isolated dark spots have developed after acne breakouts or sun exposure. The confusion often arises between hyperpigmentation vs melasma - two distinct yet closely related skin conditions that affect millions worldwide. While both involve excess melanin production leading to darker areas of skin, their underlying causes, appearance patterns, and response to treatments can be dramatically different.

Misdiagnosing these conditions isn't just frustrating - it can lead to ineffective treatments, wasted money, and even worsening symptoms. Using the wrong skincare ingredients or procedures for melasma when you actually have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or vice versa, can set your skin journey back months or even years. The stakes are particularly high for individuals with darker skin tones, where aggressive treatments can trigger additional pigmentation issues. Understanding the scientific, dermatological, and treatment-based differences between these conditions - supported by peer-reviewed studies and expert dermatological sources - is crucial for anyone seeking clearer, more even-toned skin.

What is Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma?

To understand why these conditions require different approaches, we need to start with clear definitions rooted in dermatological science. Hyperpigmentation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, refers to any darkening of the skin that occurs when excess melanin - the pigment responsible for skin color - forms deposits in the skin. Think of hyperpigmentation as the umbrella term encompassing all forms of skin darkening, whether it's a small acne scar, age spots from years of sun exposure, or those stubborn dark patches that appeared during pregnancy.

Melasma, as defined by the National Library of Medicine, represents a specific and chronic pigmentation disorder characterized by brown or gray-brown patches that develop primarily due to a complex interplay of hormones, sunlight exposure, and genetic predisposition. Unlike other forms of hyperpigmentation that might result from injury or inflammation, melasma is fundamentally a hormonally-driven condition. This is why it's often called "the mask of pregnancy" - 50-70 per cent of pregnant women develop some degree of melasma according to research published in the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance.

The key distinction that many people miss is this: hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term, while melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. It's similar to how "headache" is a general term, but "migraine" is a specific type of headache with distinct triggers and characteristics. This difference isn't just semantic - it's clinically crucial because melasma's hormonal component means it behaves differently than other pigmentation issues, often proving more stubborn to treat and more likely to recur.

What makes melasma particularly unique is its relationship with female hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone fluctuations. Research in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology shows that melasma affects women nine times more frequently than men, with onset typically occurring during reproductive years. The condition often first appears during pregnancy (chloasma), with oral contraceptive use, or during hormone replacement therapy. This hormonal connection explains why melasma can mysteriously fade after pregnancy or stopping birth control, only to return with subsequent hormonal changes.

From a cellular perspective, both conditions involve melanocytes - the cells that produce melanin - becoming overactive. However, in melasma, this overactivity is sustained and cyclical, driven by hormonal fluctuations that can persist for years or even decades. Studies using advanced imaging techniques like reflectance confocal microscopy reveal that melasma involves not just excess melanin production, but also structural changes in the skin including increased blood vessel formation and altered collagen architecture.

Understanding these fundamental differences is the first step toward effective treatment. While a post-acne dark spot (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) might respond well to consistent use of vitamin C and retinoids over several months, melasma often requires a multi-pronged approach addressing both the pigmentation and the underlying hormonal triggers that keep it active.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma on Face

The face serves as the primary battleground for both hyperpigmentation and melasma, making facial pigmentation one of the most common dermatological concerns worldwide. Both conditions show a distinct preference for the central facial areas - particularly the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and upper lip - regions that receive the most direct sunlight exposure throughout the day. This isn't coincidental; these areas have the highest concentration of melanocytes and are most vulnerable to the UV radiation that can trigger and exacerbate pigmentation disorders.

However, the triggers that activate these conditions tell very different stories. Hyperpigmentation on the face typically develops as a direct response to skin trauma or inflammation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), as documented in PubMed research, most commonly results from acne breakouts, aggressive skincare treatments, cuts, burns, or even harsh scrubbing. Sun exposure then acts as an amplifier, darkening existing spots and making them more persistent. Each pimple that heals improperly, every harsh extraction, and even overwashing can potentially leave behind a dark reminder that may take months to fade naturally.

Melasma on the face, conversely, emerges from an internal hormonal storm that makes the skin hypersensitive to light. According to the National Institutes of Health, the primary triggers include pregnancy hormones (affecting up to 70% of pregnant women), oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and even stress-induced hormonal fluctuations. What makes facial melasma particularly challenging is that even minimal sun exposure - the kind you get walking from your car to a building - can reactivate dormant patches that seemed to have faded.

The risks of incorrect treatment cannot be overstated, especially for facial pigmentation. Many people, desperate for quick results, turn to aggressive treatments like high-concentration hydroquinone (over 4%) or potent topical steroids without proper dermatological supervision. These approaches can backfire spectacularly, causing rebound hyperpigmentation, skin atrophy, or even ochronosis - a permanent blue-black discoloration. For melasma specifically, overly aggressive treatments can trigger the condition to become more widespread and resistant to future therapy, a phenomenon dermatologists call "melasma flare."

Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma: Recognizing Dark Patches on Face

Learning to visually distinguish between hyperpigmentation and melasma can save you months of ineffective treatments and help you communicate more effectively with dermatologists. The patterns these conditions create on your face are like fingerprints - each tells a unique story about what's happening beneath your skin's surface.

Hyperpigmentation typically appears as isolated, irregular spots scattered across the face like a constellation. These patches often have well-defined borders and can vary dramatically in size - from tiny pinpoint dots left by small pimples to larger irregular patches from more significant inflammation. Post-acne marks might cluster in areas where you typically break out (T-zone, jawline), while sun spots usually appear on the most exposed areas like the cheekbones and forehead. Each spot often has its own timeline and intensity, reflecting the individual inflammatory event that caused it.

Melasma, in stark contrast, presents as symmetrical patches with diffuse, blurred borders - almost like watercolor paint that has slightly bled beyond its intended lines. The classic melasma pattern appears almost identical on both sides of the face, creating what dermatologists call the "butterfly pattern" across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. The patches often have a lacy, interconnected appearance and can range from light brown to deep gray-brown, sometimes with a slightly blue undertone in deeper skin types.

For proper diagnosis, dermatologists employ specialized tools that reveal what the naked eye cannot see. Wood's lamp examination uses ultraviolet light to highlight the contrast between normal and hyperpigmented skin - melasma typically shows enhanced contrast under Wood's lamp, appearing much darker and more extensive than visible in regular light. Dermoscopy (dermatoscopy) provides magnified visualization of pigment patterns within the skin, helping distinguish between epidermal melasma (which responds better to treatment) and deeper dermal melasma (which proves more stubborn). These diagnostic tools are crucial because treating melasma with hyperpigmentation protocols - or vice versa - often leads to disappointing results and can sometimes worsen the condition.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma on Neck

While facial pigmentation dominates most discussions, neck involvement represents a unique challenge that many people don't expect. The neck presents a different terrain for both hyperpigmentation and melasma - an area where clothing friction, heat, and humidity create the perfect storm for persistent discoloration.

Why the neck is different:

• Skin thickness variations - thinner skin means treatments absorb differently
• Friction zones from clothing collars, jewelry, and natural skin-on-skin contact
• Higher sweat concentration creating inflammatory conditions
• Less UV protection from regular sunscreen application

Clinical Reality Check: Neck pigmentation is particularly common in individuals with darker phototypes (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI), where even minor irritation can trigger lasting discoloration that persists for months or years.

Hormonal connection is key - especially for melasma extending to the neck area. During pregnancy or hormonal therapy, the neck can develop the same symmetric, blotchy patterns seen on the face. This isn't random; it follows the same hormonal pathways that make facial skin hypersensitive to triggers. Sun exposure amplifies everything - even indirect UV reflection from car windows, water, or pavement can maintain and worsen neck pigmentation.

The treatment challenge: Neck skin is notoriously sensitive to active ingredients that work well on facial skin. What clears facial hyperpigmentation in 8 weeks might take 6 months on the neck, or worse, cause additional irritation and darkening.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma in Dark Skin

The melanin paradox: Darker skin types possess a natural advantage - built-in UV protection from higher melanin content - yet this same protective mechanism becomes a liability when inflammation or hormonal triggers activate excessive pigment production.

The Science Behind Darker Skin Vulnerability

Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI face unique challenges:

Why darker skin is more susceptible:

• ↑ Melanocyte activity - more reactive to inflammation
• ↑ Melanin transfer - pigment moves more readily to skin surface
• ↓ Natural fade rate - darker pigmentation persists longer
• ↑ Treatment sensitivity - higher risk of irritation-induced darkening

Critical Insight: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types can be more emotionally distressing than the original condition that caused it. A simple pimple can leave a dark mark that lasts 6-18 months without proper treatment.

The Gentle Treatment Imperative

Why "gentle" isn't optional for darker skin:

❌ Aggressive treatments that backfire:

• High-concentration acids (can trigger more inflammation)
• Harsh scrubs or exfoliation tools
• Laser treatments without proper skin type expertise
• DIY chemical peels or home remedies

✅ Dermatologist-approved gentle approaches:

• Start low, go slow with active ingredients
• Barrier repair first before targeting pigmentation
• Consistent sun protection as non-negotiable foundation
• Professional guidance for any procedural treatments

The stakes are higher - one wrong treatment move in darker skin can create pigmentation that's harder to treat than the original problem, leading to a cycle of worsening discoloration and frustrated treatment attempts.

Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma vs Freckles: Understanding Your Treatment Path

Not all spots are created equal - and neither are their treatments. Understanding whether you're dealing with freckles, hyperpigmentation, or melasma determines everything from your daily skincare routine to professional treatment investment.

The Spot Spectrum Breakdown

Treatment Strategy Comparison

Freckles: The "Maintenance Mode" Approach

• Primary goal: Prevention > treatment
• Core strategy: Sunscreen (SPF 30-50) + sun avoidance
• Professional options: Laser therapy for cosmetic improvement
• Reality check: Will likely return with sun exposure
• Investment level: Low to moderate

Hyperpigmentation: The "Active Correction" Plan

• Primary goal: Accelerate natural fade process
• Core strategy: Targeted ingredients + time + patience
• Key ingredients:
• Retinoids - speed cell turnover and pigment cycling
• Vitamin C - antioxidant protection and brightness
• AHAs/BHAs - gentle exfoliation and renewal
• Timeline: 3-6 months for visible improvement, 6-12 months for significant fading
• Investment level: Moderate

Melasma: The "Long-term Management" Strategy

• Primary goal: Control flares + prevent recurrence
• Core strategy: Multi-pronged approach addressing hormones, sun, and pigmentation
• Medical-grade treatments:
• Topical hydroquinone (gold standard depigmentation)
• Tranexamic acid (oral/topical - emerging star ingredient)
• Triple combination creams (hydroquinone + retinoid + mild steroid)
• Professional procedures: Chemical peels, specialized lasers (with caution)
• Timeline: Ongoing management, not "cure"
• Investment level: High, long-term commitment

The Treatment Decision Tree

Start here: What triggered your pigmentation?

• Sun exposure in childhood/teens → Likely freckles → Focus on prevention 
• Recent acne, wound, or irritation → Likely PIH → Active treatment worthwhile
• Pregnancy, birth control, or hormonal changes → Likely melasma → Professional evaluation recommended

Pro tip: Many people have a combination of all three conditions, which is why a comprehensive skin analysis by a dermatologist can save months of trial-and-error with ineffective treatments.

Professional Consultation Required: Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider before: starting any new skincare treatment regimen, using prescription or over-the-counter medications for pigmentation, undergoing cosmetic procedures or professional treatments, making changes to hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy, self-diagnosing skin conditions based on visual appearance.

Maturational Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma: The Age Factor

The confusion is understandable - both conditions often appear during a woman's 30s and 40s, leading many to assume they're the same thing. But the driving forces behind these pigmentation patterns tell completely different stories about what's happening in your skin.

Maturational Hyperpigmentation: The Slow Burn of Time

What it really is: The cumulative effect of decades of living - sun exposure, environmental stress, and natural cellular aging combining to create gradual pigmentation changes.

The timeline tells the story:

• 20s: Subtle changes, maybe some freckles darkening
• 30s: First noticeable age spots, usually on hands and décolletage
• 40s+: More widespread pigmentation, "liver spots," uneven skin tone

Characteristic patterns:

• 📍 Location-specific: Hands, forearms, chest, shoulders - wherever sun hit most
• ⏰ Gradual onset: Develops over years, not months
• 🌅 Seasonal stability: Doesn't fluctuate dramatically with hormones
• 🎯 Predictable progression: Follows sun damage patterns

Reality check: Maturational hyperpigmentation is essentially your skin's "photo album" - a visual record of every unprotected beach day, tennis match, and daily commute from decades past.

Melasma: The Hormonal Wild Card

What makes it different: Melasma can strike at any age during reproductive years, triggered by internal hormonal changes rather than external aging factors.

The hormone-age intersection:

• Peak onset: Ages 20-40 (reproductive years)
• Trigger independence: Can appear suddenly regardless of sun history
• Pattern consistency: Symmetric facial distribution
• Cyclical behavior: Worsens and improves with hormonal fluctuations

Side-by-Side Comparison

Stress Prevention and Lifestyle: The Hidden Connection

Why does stress matter for both conditions?

The stress-skin connection:

• Cortisol elevation → increased inflammation → pigmentation triggers
• Sleep disruption → impaired skin repair → slower pigment turnover
• Oxidative stress → accelerated aging → more maturational changes

Lifestyle prevention strategies:

Daily stress management:

• Meditation or mindfulness (even 10 minutes daily)
• Regular exercise (but not excessive sun exposure)
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours for optimal skin repair)

Environmental protection:

• Year-round sunscreen (prevents both conditions)
• Antioxidant-rich diet (combats oxidative aging)
• Consistent skincare routine (supports natural renewal)

Hormonal awareness:

• Track pigmentation changes with menstrual cycles
• Discuss hormonal contraception impacts with healthcare providers
• Consider hormone level monitoring if melasma is severe

Mottled Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma: Decoding the Patterns

Pattern recognition is everything when it comes to effective treatment. These two conditions can coexist on the same face, but they require completely different approaches to achieve clear, even skin.

Mottled Hyperpigmentation: The Scattered Story

Visual characteristics:

• Irregular, patchy distribution like scattered puzzle pieces
• Varied intensities - some spots light, others very dark
• Different sizes from pinpoint to quarter-sized patches
• Sharp borders where pigmentation starts and stops

The photoaging connection:

Think of it as: Your skin's "reception map" showing exactly where UV rays hit strongest and most frequently over the years.

Common locations:

• Temples and forehead (driver's side often worse)
• Cheekbones and nose (high points catching most sun)
• Upper chest and shoulders (V-neck and tank top zones)

Melasma: The Symmetric Signature

Visual characteristics:

• Butterfly or mask-like pattern across both sides of face
• Diffuse, blurred edges like watercolor bleeding
• Perfect symmetry - what appears on left cheek mirrors right
• Uniform color within each affected area

The hormonal blueprint:

• Central face focus: Cheeks, forehead, upper lip, bridge of nose
• Bilateral distribution: Almost identical on both sides
• Seasonal fluctuations: Often darker in summer, lighter in winter

Treatment Strategy Differences

Why Both Need Sunscreen (But Different Strategies)

For Mottled Hyperpigmentation:

• Goal: Prevent new spots from forming
• Strategy: High SPF (30-50) daily application
• Focus: Consistent coverage on affected areas

For Melasma:

• Goal: Prevent existing patches from darkening
• Strategy: Broad-spectrum protection + visible light blocking
• Focus: Year-round vigilance, even on cloudy days

The sunscreen reality: Both conditions will worsen without proper sun protection, but melasma can flare from sun exposure so minimal it wouldn't even cause a sunburn.

When They Coexist: The Treatment Challenge

Combination approach needed:

1. Identify dominant pattern through dermatological assessment
2. Treat melasma first (more sensitive, requires hormonal consideration)
3. Address mottled pigmentation with targeted treatments
4. Maintain results with prevention-focused routine

Success markers:

• Symmetric patterns improving = melasma responding
• Individual spots fading = mottled pigmentation resolving
• Overall tone evening = both conditions under control

Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma Treatment

The treatment landscape for hyperpigmentation and melasma has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with evidence-based approaches now offering more targeted and effective solutions than ever before. However, success depends entirely on matching the right treatment to the specific condition - what works brilliantly for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may prove ineffective or even counterproductive for melasma.

Evidence-Based Topical Treatments

Hydroquinone remains the gold standard for both conditions, with extensive PubMed research supporting its efficacy as a tyrosinase inhibitor. Concentrations of 2-4% show significant improvement in 8-12 weeks for hyperpigmentation, while melasma often requires longer treatment periods and combination therapy. Retinoids, particularly tretinoin, accelerate cellular turnover and enhance the penetration of other lightening agents - studies show 0.025-0.1% tretinoin can improve pigmentation by 40-60% when used consistently over 6 months.

Azelaic acid offers a gentler alternative with anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly valuable for sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate hydroquinone. Research demonstrates 15-20% formulations provide comparable results to hydroquinone with lower irritation rates. Kojic acid, derived from fungi, shows promise in clinical studies as both a standalone treatment and in combination formulations, though stability and potential sensitization remain considerations for long-term use.

Professional Consultation Required: Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider before: starting any new skincare treatment regimen, using prescription or over-the-counter medications for pigmentation, undergoing cosmetic procedures or professional treatments, making changes to hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy, self-diagnosing skin conditions based on visual appearance.

Oral Interventions

Tranexamic acid represents a breakthrough in melasma management, with controlled clinical trials showing 250mg twice daily can reduce melasma severity by up to 45% over 12 weeks. This oral medication works by inhibiting plasmin activity and reducing inflammation, addressing melasma's complex pathophysiology from within. However, it's primarily effective for melasma rather than general hyperpigmentation, and requires medical supervision due to potential thrombotic risks.

Professional Procedures: Promise and Pitfalls

Chemical peels using glycolic acid (20-70%) or trichloroacetic acid show excellent results for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, with 70-80% of patients seeing significant improvement after a series of treatments. However, melasma presents a more complex challenge - while superficial peels can provide temporary improvement, deep peels risk triggering rebound pigmentation that can be worse than the original condition.

Fractional lasers and microneedling offer mixed results with notably high recurrence rates in melasma patients. Studies indicate that while initial improvement may reach 50-70%, recurrence within 6-12 months is common without ongoing maintenance and strict sun protection. The key insight: procedural treatments work best as part of a comprehensive regimen rather than standalone solutions.

Lifestyle Modifications: The Non-Negotiables

Strict photoprotection isn't optional - it's foundational. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 must be applied daily, with reapplication every 2 hours during sun exposure. For melasma patients, even incidental light exposure from windows or electronic devices can trigger flares, making mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particularly valuable.

Hormonal management requires individualized approaches, from timing treatments around menstrual cycles to collaborating with gynecologists on contraceptive choices. Some patients benefit from hormone level monitoring to identify patterns that predict melasma flares.

Advanced Regenerative Options

Exosome-based serums represent an emerging frontier in pigmentation treatment, showing promise in skin regeneration and cellular repair mechanisms that support natural pigment regulation. Products like Exosome Serum by MyExosthetics demonstrate how cutting-edge biotechnology can support post-treatment recovery and help maintain pigmentation balance through enhanced cellular communication and tissue regeneration. While research is still evolving, early clinical observations suggest exosome therapy may help optimize treatment outcomes and reduce recurrence rates when integrated into comprehensive treatment protocols.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Serum

The cosmeceutical serum landscape has transformed pigmentation treatment by making medical-grade ingredients accessible for daily home use. Understanding which serums target your specific condition can accelerate results and prevent the frustration of using incompatible products.

Targeted Cosmeceutical Ingredients

Vitamin C serums, particularly L-ascorbic acid in 10-20% concentrations, provide both antioxidant protection and gentle lightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition. Research shows consistent use over 12 weeks can improve overall skin brightness and help prevent new pigmentation from forming. However, stability and pH considerations make professional-grade formulations significantly more effective than many over-the-counter options.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) offers unique dual benefits - reducing inflammation that can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while simultaneously inhibiting melanosome transfer to skin cells. Clinical studies demonstrate 2-5% niacinamide formulations can reduce hyperpigmentation by 35-68% over 8 weeks, making it particularly valuable for sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate stronger actives.

Tranexamic acid in topical formulations (2-5%) brings the proven benefits of oral therapy directly to affected areas. This ingredient specifically targets melasma's inflammatory component, with studies showing topical application can be as effective as oral supplementation without systemic side effects.

Advanced Regenerative Serums

Exosome serums represent the next evolution in cosmeceutical technology, delivering concentrated growth factors and cellular communication molecules that optimize skin repair and regeneration processes. These advanced formulations work at the cellular level to enhance natural healing mechanisms, potentially improving how skin responds to pigmentation treatments and maintains results over time. While traditional serums target symptoms, exosome-based products address underlying cellular dysfunction that can perpetuate pigmentation disorders.

The integration of regenerative serums into existing treatment regimens may help overcome the plateau effect that many patients experience with conventional therapies, offering a biological approach to supporting long-term pigmentation control and skin health optimization.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Awareness Month

July marks Melasma Awareness Month, an initiative supported by dermatology organizations worldwide including the American Academy of Dermatology and International Melasma Foundation. This annual observance serves a critical purpose beyond simple education - it addresses the psychological and social impact of pigmentation disorders that often goes unrecognized in clinical settings.

Breaking the Silence Around Pigmentation

The stigma surrounding hyperpigmentation and melasma creates barriers to treatment that extend far beyond medical access. Many individuals, particularly women and people of color, report feeling self-conscious, avoiding social situations, or experiencing reduced quality of life due to their skin concerns. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reveals that melasma patients score significantly lower on quality-of-life assessments compared to those with other chronic skin conditions.

Education as Treatment Catalyst

Awareness campaigns during July focus on dispelling common myths that prevent people from seeking appropriate care. These include misconceptions that pigmentation is "just cosmetic," that darker skin doesn't need sun protection, or that over-the-counter products are sufficient for all pigmentation types. Educational initiatives emphasize that effective treatment exists and that early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

The month also highlights the importance of treatment adherence - studies show that patients who understand the chronic nature of their condition and commit to long-term management strategies achieve significantly better results than those expecting quick fixes. By fostering realistic expectations and providing ongoing support, awareness efforts directly contribute to treatment success rates and patient satisfaction.

Melasma Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder that pigmentation disorders deserve the same attention, research funding, and treatment respect as other chronic dermatological conditions, ultimately advancing both scientific understanding and patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Hyperpigmentation appears as scattered, irregular spots with well-defined borders, typically following areas of previous inflammation or sun damage. Melasma presents as symmetrical, diffuse patches with blurred edges across both sides of the face, often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy or birth control use.

Is melasma same as hyperpigmentation?

No, melasma is a specific subtype of hyperpigmentation. Think of hyperpigmentation as the umbrella term for all skin darkening, while melasma is one particular type characterized by hormonal triggers and symmetric facial patterns.

Can kojic acid treat melasma?

Evidence from PubMed studies supports kojic acid's efficacy in mild melasma cases, particularly when combined with other lightening agents like hydroquinone or azelaic acid. However, it works best as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen rather than as a standalone solution.

How to treat melasma on the face during pregnancy? 

Safe pregnancy options include strict sun protection with mineral sunscreens and azelaic acid (15-20%), which is FDA pregnancy category B. Avoid retinoids and hydroquinone during pregnancy, and always consult your dermatologist and obstetrician for personalized guidance, as recommended by Mayo Clinic guidelines.

How do you treat hyperpigmentation in children? 

Treatment options are extremely limited for children. Focus on gentle broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and avoid all active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or hydroquinone. Always consult a pediatric dermatologist before attempting any pigmentation treatment in children, as emphasized by American Academy of Dermatology recommendations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist before starting any new skincare treatment, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions or are pregnant/nursing.