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CHNPigmentation
Is it melasma or freckles? How can I tell them apart?
In the mirror, both look like brown spots, so it is hard to tell them apart. Yet this distinction decides the direction of treatment.
This is because the same method may suit one and be a burden on the other.
What is different about them?
Freckles are small brown spots with clear edges that lie relatively close to the surface, and they often appear scattered across sun-exposed areas.
Melasma can be distributed across various layers, from the epidermis to the dermis, has blurred edges, and tends to spread over a wide area. Several factors, such as hormones, ultraviolet light, and heat stimulation, act together.
| Category | Freckles | Melasma |
|---|---|---|
| Edges | Clear | Blurred |
| Distribution | Scattered small spots | Wide patches |
| Distribution depth | Mainly distributed close to the epidermis | May be distributed across various layers, from the epidermis to the dermis |
| Commonly cited factors | Genetics, ultraviolet light | A combination of hormones, ultraviolet light, heat, and more |
| Treatment approach | Often approached by focusing on surface pigment | Recurrence is common, so it is managed over the long term with low irritation |
Why should I be careful with melasma?
Melasma can sometimes darken in response to heat and irritation. If the intensity is raised to reduce the pigment quickly, it can instead get worse.
For this reason, melasma often calls for a long-term approach that lowers irritation and combines sun protection, rather than trying to remove it all at once.
Among brown spots, there may be other pigmented lesions that are neither melasma nor freckles. If a spot is asymmetric or has irregular edges, if it grows or changes color, or if it itches or bleeds, do not judge it on your own; have it checked at a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Once it is treated, will it never come back?
A. Freckles can reappear if sun exposure continues, and melasma commonly recurs. This is why care after treatment is important.
Q. Can topical medication alone help?
A. Depending on the type and extent of the pigmentation, some cases improve with topical products alone. The right order is to check your condition first and then decide.
Q. Is it better to put off treatment in summer?
A. What matters more than the season is whether you actually keep up sun protection. If you have many outdoor plans, adjusting the timing can be considered.
