Melasma Pigment Depth: Why Colour Is Not a Diagnosis

Can colour tell you the type of melasma?

Descriptions such as epidermal, dermal or mixed concern pigment distribution. Brown or grey colour in a mirror or photograph is not enough to classify your skin or choose a treatment. Lighting, skin tone and other causes of pigmentation make a simple colour checklist unreliable.

What assessment can address

A healthcare professional can examine the skin, consider its history and decide whether further assessment is needed. A Wood's lamp may be one tool; it is not a guarantee that pigment depth or response to treatment can be predicted. Mention any new symptoms, changes, medicines and products you use.

No depth-based home protocol

There is no single best treatment or guaranteed permanent cure for everyone. Melasma can persist or return, and an individual plan may need review. Peels and laser procedures can sometimes worsen pigmentation or cause scarring; a device name or a claim about removing surface pigment does not establish suitability. Ask about diagnosis, alternatives, risks for your skin and what would happen if the pigmentation worsened before considering a procedure.

Everyday care

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.

Appearance and support

Gentle cosmetic care and optional camouflage can be discussed separately from treatment. Do not aggressively exfoliate in an attempt to reach 'deeper' pigment or assume a combination cream will be better. Melasma can persist or recur, and support for its effect on confidence is valid even if you choose no cosmetic procedure.

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.