Have you ever noticed those stubborn dark spots on your skin? Confused whether these spots are melasma or hyperpigmentation? And even after using home remedies & other skin care products, those spots are in no mood to leave your skin, right?
Be it melasma or hyperpigmentation, both concerns can leave your skin uneven and disappointing. The following blog will throw light on the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation, their causes, and how one can treat them by using skin care products.
Difference Between Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
Dark spots and skin discoloration are frustrating and confusing. You may ask why. Well, discoloration is a major concern and is caused by hyperpigmentation and melasma. Both are blatant as dark spots or patches on the skin, but their root causes and characteristics are different.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition, usually experienced when the melanin content forms a blanket, making certain areas darker than others. Sun exposure, skin injury, or inflammation are the leading factors overproducing melanin. However, this skin darkening doesn't make the area itchy or painful, but makes a person self-conscious, affecting confidence. This skin condition can be cured using hyperpigmentation products. But, before diving into that, let’s understand the cause of hyperpigmentation.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Various factors are responsible for hyperpigmentation. The causes, however, vary in every person, depending on the lifestyle, hormones, etc.
- Medications
Antibiotics and certain other medications might cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect. In most cases, hyperpigmentation might last even after discontinuation of these medicines.
- Sun Exposure
Skin's exposure to UV rays is a major factor behind melanin production. Prolonged exposure to the sun leads to hyperpigmentation and dark spots on hands, face, arms, and other exposed areas.
- Cosmetic Treatments
Cosmetic treatments are meant to improve the skin's texture and health. But, avoiding taking measures after cosmetic treatments & facials, might lead to temporary hyperpigmentation.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, periods, menopause, oral contraceptives, etc. trigger melasma. This causes face skin to darken and leave the black or brown patches.
What is Melasma?
A type of skin condition, in melasma, the body overproduces melanin, leaving dark patches on the forehead, chin, face, and around the mouth. It is commonly said, melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but not every hyperpigmentation is melasma.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma is seen in women, usually, during their pregnancy, however, it can also occur in men. The major causes of this skin condition are as follows:
- Genetic Factors
Melasma sensitivity may run in the family. You are more likely to get the condition if any members of your immediate family already have it.
- Skin Type
Though melasma can affect any skin type, it is slightly easier to affect medium and darker skin tones.
- Hormonal Fluctuations
A minor hormonal change during your menopause, ovulation, or pregnancy, could lead to melasma.
How to Know the Difference Between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation?
Is hyperpigmentation and melasma the same? No. They are not. Since melasma is a kind of hyperpigmentation, it is quite difficult to figure out whether you are experiencing melasma or hyperpigmentation. But, a few of the factors could help you out in knowing the difference. For instance, if you are someone, who since childhood, likes to catch the rays most of the time (without sunscreen), or if you are on any specific medication, then it is likely that what you're facing is hyperpigmentation. The clue for melasma is the dark and asymmetrical patches on the face. These patches are likely to be seen on cheeks, upper lips, forehead, or nose.
Ways to Treat Melasma and Hyperpigmentation
Whether it's melasma or hyperpigmentation, both skin conditions can be treated using various methods and skin care products.
- Do not bask in the sunlight without applying sunscreen. A sunscreen will create a shield between your skin and the UV rays, protecting the face, hands, and arms from sun damage.
- You can undergo chemical peel treatment under the guidance of an expert Dermatologist. This procedure ensures the exfoliation of the skin and reduces pigmentation. Depending on the type of peel and the skin condition, one might require more than a few sessions.
- If you are dealing with melasma, a topical treatment, Hydroquinone, is a good option. It works as a skin-lightening agent and reduces melasma. It puts a brake on melanin production and helps in lightening the dark spots and patches.
- Herbal products infused with Vitamin C like White Face Toner can reduce the appearance of dark spots and bring back the skin's radiance. Regular application gives faster results.
- Use skin care products infused with Niacinamide. This lightens the dark spots and improves skin texture. According to the skin experts, it's the top recommendation for hyperpigmentation.
- Lastly, following a proper skincare routine by using gentle exfoliants and hydrating products could lead to the prevention of further dark spots and patches.
Final Thoughts!
To conclude, the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation is clear. However, they may be similar; their characteristics and causes may vary. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist before taking any medication. While you are going through a medicated skin treatment, ensure that you do not apply any chemicals without consulting your doctor. Besides, adding herbal skin care products to your regimen could help you with melasma and hyperpigmentation. By keeping your skin healthy and using hyperpigmentation and skin products, you can actively cure melasma & hyperpigmentation, leading to soft, radiant, and glowing skin.
