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Hyperpigmentation vs. Melasma: Understanding the Difference

Hyperpigmentation vs. Melasma

It can be hard to tell if the brown spots you have are simply hyperpigmentation or an indication of melasma. Though melasma and hyperpigmentation look alike, they are two different dermatological conditions requiring different types of pigmentation treatment in Singapore. Find out what are the differences between hyperpigmentation versus melasma.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a general word that refers to a variety of conditions in which one patch of skin becomes noticeably darker than the surrounding skin in the same place. Sun exposure is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. When we do not treat our skin, dangerous UV radiation from the sun can cause damage. The outcomes range from benign freckles to more serious illnesses such as skin cancer.

Common hyperpigmentation commonly appears as brown patches varied in colour and severity, although it can also appear as a patch, similar to melasma. Melasma, on the other hand, is distinct since the patches are frequently symmetric.

Brown spots, often known as age spots or sun spots, are the most frequent type of hyperpigmentation, developed from frequent exposure to the sun. Acne scarring, UV damage, and eczema irritation can all produce hyperpigmentation.

Another type of hyperpigmentation is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – the development of dark spots on the skin as a result of skin damage or inflammation. The inflammation that happens during the healing process of a wound leads your body to overproduce melanin, resulting in minor discolourations. After the primary skin injury has healed, these black spots will stay on the skin for weeks, months, or even years.

Melasma

Melasma is actually a specific type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma differs from other types of hyperpigmentation in that it is caused in part by hormonal changes in the body, and not primarily caused by sun exposure. Melasma can be caused by a variety of factors, each of which encourages the development of melanin (pigment).

Melasma can appear as little, freckle-like spots or as huge, dark patches with irregular boundaries. It frequently manifests as symmetric blotchy hyperpigmented patches on the face, most commonly on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip.

Melasma is extremely common in pregnant women, which is why it has gained the moniker “the mask of pregnancy.” Melasma is more common in women with darker skin, as are women who use hormone therapy or hormone-based birth control.

Melasma is more difficult to treat and requires a holistic approach for its treatment. Combination treatment which includes a home care program and in-clinic treatments ( eg laser, sylfirm ) tend to yield better and more long-lasting results. Finding the correct treatment for your form of hyperpigmentation requires collaboration with an experienced medical doctor because there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Melasma Treatment

Melasma is difficult to cure because of the multiple factors including hormones that contribute to its development in the first place. Treatment of ordinary hyperpigmentation and melasma involves quite different treatments, which is why a correct diagnosis is critical. Our doctors are very experienced in making the right diagnosis and prescribing cost-effective and result-oriented treatment options. To support this, our clinic has a wide range of creative and safe in-clinic pigmentation removal treatment options designed to treat your melasma.

Here are some benefits of the Eeva Home Use and In-Clinic Dark Spot and Pigmentation Removal Treatment Program:

  • Get a precise diagnostic of the type of pigmentation you have.
  • With each session, you will see progressive pigmentation lightening and enhanced skin quality.
  • Remove and diminish skin pigmentation.
  • Reduce pigment production by regulating melanin-producing cells.
  • Achieve and maintain radiant and clear skin.

Our doctors will design a treatment program tailored to your specific skin condition, complemented with the usage of in-clinic FDA approved lasers:

  • Sylfirm PNRF for Melasma.
  • Targeted Pigment Removal Laser.
  • Korean Curas M1064 Specific Melasma Targeting Laser.
  • Klarity Brilliant Gold Toning Laser.

Melasma can be treated and considerably decreased, but there is no total or absolute cure at the moment. So, don’t give up since there is yet hope. There are also beneficial daily practices you can practice at home that our staff can teach you to keep pigment-free skin after your pigmentation has been eliminated or reduced.

Schedule Your Pigmentation Removal Consultation with Eeva

Our doctors at Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic have over 40 years of combined medical and aesthetic practice experience. Our female doctors are practical and down-to-earth, with the heart of family physicians. Throughout their many years of medical practice, they have treated many patients from all walks of life who have various types of pigmentation. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to receive unbiased and proven advice!

Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic