Pigmentation is a broad term covering any area of skin that appears darker than its surroundings, while melasma is a specific type of pigmentation that appears in symmetrical patches, usually triggered by hormonal changes.
The distinction matters because melasma tends to be more stubborn and reactive to sun exposure and hormonal shifts, requiring a longer-term, more conservative treatment approach compared to sun-induced spots.
If your dark patches are symmetrical, appear on both cheeks or the upper lip, and seem to worsen with sun exposure or hormonal changes, it’s worth getting evaluated specifically for melasma rather than treating it as general pigmentation.
