Pigmentation vs. Melasma: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters

Not all dark spots are created equal — and the treatment you choose depends on the type you have.

We hear it all the time:

“I’ve got pigmentation I want to get rid of — what’s the best treatment?”

But here’s the thing: pigmentation isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. There are different types — and the cause of your pigmentation plays a huge role in choosing the right solution. Treat it incorrectly, and you could actually make it worse (especially if it’s melasma).

So, let’s break it down properly.

Pigmentation 101: What Is It?

Pigmentation simply means the coloring of your skin. When your skin produces too much melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its color), it can cause dark patches or spots. This is often the skin’s way of protecting itself — after an injury, sun exposure, or inflammation.

Pigmentation can be caused by:

• Spots or acne (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
• Sun damage
• Hormonal changes (melasma)
• Skin trauma or injury

Pigmentation from Spots

(aka Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)

You’ve had a breakout, it’s healed… but the mark lingers. That’s PIH. This kind of pigmentation is very common, especially in darker skin tones, where the skin’s response to inflammation is more pigment production.

Best treatment?

At LaserLife Clinic, we often recommend DermaQuest Skin Peels — including TCA, Salicylic Acid, or a Modified Jessner Peel, depending on the depth and condition of your skin. These help resurface and lighten pigment left behind from breakouts.

Pigmentation from the Sun

(aka Solar Lentigines or Sun Spots)

If your pigmentation has gradually built up in areas exposed to the sun — like the face, chest, or hands — it could be sun-induced. This type of pigmentation is often patchy and uneven, showing up over time from repeated UV exposure.

Here’s what you need to know:

The sun overstimulates tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. In sun-damaged skin, this enzyme doesn’t switch off properly, meaning melanin just keeps being produced.

Best treatment?

Depending on the depth and pattern, we might recommend:

• Laser (ND:YAG or Fractional)
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
• CryoPen (for stubborn, isolated spots)

Hormonal Pigmentation: Melasma

(The trickiest one of them all)

Melasma is a hormonal form of pigmentation, typically seen in women (though men can get it too). It usually appears symmetrically on the cheeks, upper lip, or forehead — often worsened by sun, heat, pregnancy, or the contraceptive pill.

And here’s the golden rule:

Do NOT treat melasma with laser.

This can make it darker and harder to treat. Melasma requires a gentler, pigment-suppressing approach.

Best treatment?

Cosmelan is our go-to. This medical-grade depigmentation peel works at the melanin production level, helping to reset your skin’s pigment cycle and reduce hormonal pigmentation safely.

So… how do you know which type you have?

That’s where we come in. A trained practitioner should always assess your pigmentation first before recommending any treatment. For example, treating hormonal pigmentation with laser could worsen it, while using a peel for sun spots might not go deep enough.

At LaserLife Clinic, we specialise in identifying the root cause and selecting the right approach for your skin type and concern — especially for darker skin tones, where pigment must be handled with extra care.

Fun Fact

You don’t need a prescription to help manage pigmentation—many skincare formulas include tyrosinase inhibitors and antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide. But sun protection is non-negotiable—without it, nothing sticks .

Final Thoughts

Correct diagnosis is EVERYTHING. Treating the wrong type of pigment—like lasering melasma—can worsen your skin. But treat the right one, and your results can be transformative.

Ready for clearer, brighter skin?

Book a consultation at LaserLife Clinic today—we’ve got the expertise and experience to treat your pigmentation the smart way.