Facial Melasma: Pattern, Symptoms and Skincare

Recognising a possible pattern

Melasma commonly appears as patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper-lip area, sometimes on both sides of the face. This pattern can suggest a question to raise with a healthcare professional; it does not confirm a diagnosis. Other pigment changes can look similar.

When the description does not fit

Have new, changing or unexplained pigmentation assessed, especially when there are additional symptoms such as pain or itch. Do not treat every facial mark as harmless melasma or try to remove it with a peel before its cause is understood. Your product and medicine history may be useful during assessment.

Skincare and sunlight

Sun protection is an important part of caring for melasma-prone skin. Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and follow the product's application and reapplication directions, alongside shade and protective clothing. Visible light can also contribute to melasma; a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may be useful. SPF alone does not describe visible-light protection, and no sunscreen guarantees that pigmentation will not return.

Avoiding irritation

Keep cosmetic skincare gentle. A cleanser and moisturiser that you tolerate can support a comfortable routine, but hydration is not a treatment for the cause of melasma. Stop using a cosmetic product that causes burning or persistent irritation and seek advice if symptoms continue. Do not try to scrub, peel or bleach a patch away with household ingredients. Natural origin and a home patch test do not guarantee that a product is safe for your skin.

Treatment and wellbeing

Melasma can persist or recur, and no treatment guarantees a particular result. Peels and laser procedures can worsen pigmentation, so their suitability needs individual assessment. If appearance changes are affecting your confidence, discuss support as well as treatment questions. Optional camouflage can change the appearance temporarily without being a medical treatment.

Scope

This information concerns cosmetic skincare and questions to raise with a healthcare professional. It does not diagnose pigmentation, prescribe treatment or establish that Dr Sknn offers a medical melasma service. A medicine or procedure should not be selected from an online description alone.