Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes irregular patches of brown or grayish-brown pigmentation, usually on the face. It most often affects the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin but can also appear on the neck or arms. Melasma is triggered by overactive melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and is often influenced by sun exposure, heat, hormones, or skin inflammation. It is most common in women and in medium to darker skin tones, especially during pregnancy, after birth control use, or during hormonal fluctuations. Although melasma is not harmful or contagious, it is notoriously difficult to treat and can worsen without medical guidance. Effective melasma care requires a combination of pigment suppression, inflammation control, and strict sun protection, ideally guided by a trained provider.

• Irregular patches of brown or gray pigmentation
• Most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin
• Can darken with sunlight, heat, or stress
• Often symmetrical in appearance
• Not painful but can be emotionally distressing
• May appear in combination with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)