Hyperpigmentation vs Melasma: the differences

Hyperpigmentation is a type of an inflammation that occurs when a part of the skin appears to have a darker tone than other parts. Some of the common causes of this condition include acne, bruises, rashes, or trauma to the skin. Sunlight exposure triggers the production of melanin, which causes this condition (hyperpigmentation). Skin injuries are a trigger to hyperpigmentation by damaged skin cells. It causes the production of excess melanin.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

There are various types of hyperpigmentation which include sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunspots refer to darkened patches on the skin. They appear on parts of the body, such as the arms, the neck, and the face, due to extended exposure to the sun. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is another type that occurs due to the overproduction of melanin on the skin. This will typically occur after an inflammatory triggers like melanocyte hypotrophy and ativity.

Risk Factors

Some common factors that lead to hyperpigmentation include inflammation, genetics, skin type, and sun exposure. A question that has always been asked by many people is whether hyperpigmentation can be genetically inherited? The answer is Yes! Genetics can contribute to you getting hyperpigmentation. Higher melanin levels translate to a darker tone. This, therefore, means that the darker your skin is, the easier it gets for you to get this condition. Lifestyle is also a massive contributor. This include not using face sunscreen, stress and tobacco among others. We recommend including one in your routine after your face serum and face cream.

Melasma: definition

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes discolored patches to appear on the skin, and in most cases the face. While both hyperpigmentation and melasma have a common characteristic of skin darkening, melasma is more specific. It is a condition that is characterized by dark brown patches. One of the most common and unique characteristics of melasma is symmetrical patches that mirror each other on both sides of the face. They mainly occur on the nose and forehead.

Triggers of melasma

There are various triggers of melasma, and all of them have one common denominator: hormones. Some of these triggers include pregnancy, birth control, and hormonal fluctuations. During pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes, such as increase in estrogen and progesterone, which leads to the production of pigment-producing cells. This results in excess production of melanin and this leads to a type of melasma known as chloasma or (melasma of the face). Birth control pills is another trigger of melasma. These contraceptives contain synthetic hormones which is enough to mimic the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy, leading to melasma. Sun exposure also causes the production of melanocytes, which, in excess, leads to this condition.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes the skin to acquire a darker tone and results from excess production of melanin. Further, melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that is specifically characterized by brown patches on the skin. Hyperpigmentation can occur in any part of the body part and is not specific. Melasma, on the other hand, occurs predominantly on the face. Hyperpigmentation on an individual's skin occurs in various forms, such as inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, sun spots, and age spots. Some factors that cause it include cuts, wounds, and certain skin conditions. Melasma, too, is mainly caused by hormonal imbalances in an individual's body that accelerate pigment-producing cells to produce melanin. This leads to increased melanin on a particular part on the skin. This leads to that part being darker than other parts.