Melasma / Discoloration
If you have discoloration or small-to-large blotchy brown areas on your face, you may have melasma.
Clearer skin starts with the right diagnosis
Not all discoloration is the same. Whether you’re noticing melasma, dark patches, or uneven skin tone, Dr. Johnson and her team provide personalized treatment plans to help improve your skin’s appearance while protecting its long-term health.
What is melasma?
Melasma, or skin discoloration, is one of the most common reasons patients visit a dermatologist. While many people think of all dark spots as “melasma” or “sun spots,” several different skin conditions can cause uneven pigmentation. Identifying the cause is the first step toward choosing the most effective treatment.
Melasma causes symmetrical brown, gray-brown, or tan patches to develop on the skin. It occurs on the face almost exclusively. The most common areas include:
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Bridge of the nose
- Upper lip
- Chin
The condition occurs suddenly, so it’s not something that builds up over the years (although it may get worse or spread with time), and it’s not something you would have likely had in your teenage or even early adult years. Melasma occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) produce excess melanin in certain areas of the skin.
Dr. Johnson, who is a board-certified dermatologist, and her team evaluate changes in skin color, diagnose the underlying condition, and create individualized treatment plans designed to improve your skin safely. Because pigmentation disorders often develop from multiple factors, including sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, genetics, and aging, successful treatment typically combines medical expertise with consistent skin care and sun protection.
Although melasma is harmless, many patients find it frustrating because it can be persistent and often returns without ongoing management.
Symptoms of melasma
Melasma typically appears as:
- Flat patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration
- Symmetrical areas on both sides of the face
- Well-defined borders
- No pain, itching, or scaling
Unlike some other skin conditions, melasma affects skin color without changing the skin’s texture.
Melasma treatment, at a glance
Treatment depends on the cause, depth, and severity of pigmentation. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Topical Medications
Prescription creams may help gradually reduce excess pigment while preventing new discoloration from forming.
Medical-Grade Skin Care
Professional skincare products can improve pigmentation, support healthy skin turnover, and complement prescription treatments.
Chemical Peels
Carefully selected chemical peels may improve certain forms of pigmentation by encouraging the skin to renew itself. Treatment must be tailored carefully, as overly aggressive procedures can worsen pigmentation in some patients.
Laser Treatments
Certain laser treatments and technologies may help improve selected pigmentation concerns when performed under appropriate medical supervision. Not every patient with melasma is a candidate for laser treatment, and treatment recommendations are individualized.
Daily Sun Protection
Consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most important parts of successful treatment. Sun protection helps reduce recurrence and supports long-term improvement.
Schedule a Visit
An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right treatment.
Melasma FAQs
The top factors that contribute to melasma and discoloration include:
- Sun exposure and other ultraviolet (UV) light
- Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy
- Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Family history
Even brief daily sun exposure can stimulate pigment production, making diligent sun protection an essential part of treatment.
Not every dark spot is melasma. During your evaluation, Dr. Johnson will determine whether discoloration is caused by another condition, such as:
- Sun damage (solar lentigines or age spots)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following acne or eczema
- Freckles
- Medication-related pigmentation
- Hormonal changes
- Skin irritation
- Certain medical conditions affecting pigmentation
Accurate diagnosis is important because treatments that work well for one type of discoloration may be ineffective — or even worsen the problem.
Schedule a consultation if you notice:
- New patches of darkened skin
- Pigmentation that continues to worsen
- Discoloration that developed during pregnancy or after starting hormones
- Dark spots that don’t improve with over-the-counter products
- Pigmentation that affects your confidence
Pregnancy is one of the most common triggers because hormonal changes can increase pigment production. Melasma may also develop from birth control pills, hormone therapy, or sun exposure.
Sometimes pregnancy-related melasma fades after the baby is born, but many cases persist and benefit from professional treatment and ongoing maintenance.
Skin discoloration is often considered a chronic condition. While many patients achieve significant improvement, pigmentation may return over time, especially after sun exposure or hormonal changes.
With ongoing treatment, proper skin care, and diligent sun protection, many patients successfully maintain clearer, more even skin.
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent melasma from worsening and to help maintain treatment results.
Some laser treatments may help certain patients, while others can actually worsen melasma. That’s why it’s important to be evaluated by an experienced dermatologist before pursuing laser treatment.
Some products may provide mild improvement, but prescription medications and physician-directed treatment plans are often more effective for moderate or persistent melasma.
No. Melasma is a cosmetic pigmentation disorder and is not skin cancer. However, any new or changing areas of pigmentation should be evaluated to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Brighter, more even skin begins with expert care
Not all discoloration is the same. Dr. Johnson and her team can identify the cause of your discoloration and recommend personalized treatment options designed to help restore a more even, healthy-looking complexion.
Schedule your consultation with Steele Dermatology today.
Request an appointment
Schedule online, call (770) 464-6000 or text us, and one of our specialists will assist you.
