Melasma vs Sunspots: How to Tell the Difference

Melasma usually appears as symmetric brown patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, and is strongly linked to hormonal factors — pregnancy, oral contraceptives and thyroid changes — with sunlight and heat as major triggers. Sunspots (solar lentigines) are scattered, well-defined spots caused by cumulative UV exposure over the years.

Why does this distinction matter so much? Because melasma is a chronic, relapsing condition. Aggressive lasers can make melasma worse, which is why proper melasma care focuses on trigger control, strict photoprotection, pigment-regulating treatment and long-term maintenance. Sunspots, by contrast, are usually more directly and permanently treatable.

Guessing at home leads to the wrong products and months of frustration. A structured skin analysis settles the question in a single visit.

Send RESET on WhatsApp for Dr. Fatima's free pigmentation guide, or book an analysis at Auraa, Hyderabad.