9 Ways to Facilitate Defecation Naturally

The difference between melasma and dark spots is often confusing because both cause dark patches on the face. Although they may seem similar, these two conditions have different causes and treatments, so it is important to understand them so that skin care is more targeted.

Medically, melasma and dark spots are included in the type of hyperpigmentation, which is a condition when the production of melaninincreases in certain parts of the skin. This condition causes dark spots or blemishes to appear on the surface of the skin.

Because they both cause dark spots on the skin, many people think that melasma and dark spots are the same condition. In fact, both have different causes, characteristics, and ways of treating them.

Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between melasma and dark spots so that the treatment chosen can be more targeted and in accordance with the skin condition.

Differences Between Melasma and Dark Spots

To avoid making a mistake in distinguishing them, here are the differences between melasma and dark spots that you need to know:

1. Appearance

In terms of appearance, it usually appears as a grayish-brown or dark brown patch, quite large in size, with unclear edges. These patches generally appear symmetrically on both sides of the face, such as on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Melasma also tends to merge to form larger areas, making it often difficult to completely cover with makeup.

Meanwhile, dark spots usually appear in the form of small spots that are light brown to blackish. They are round with clear edges and separate from each other, making them easier to recognize as individual spots.

2. Location

Melasma most often appears on areas of the face that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. In some cases, melasma can also appear on the arms or neck. Its characteristic is a symmetrical pattern, especially on both sides of the cheeks or forehead.

On the other hand, dark spots are more often found on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, such as the face, back of the hands, arms, and shoulders. This condition is generally experienced by people who often do outdoor activities or do not routinely use sunscreen, especially as they get older.

3. Causes

Melasma is generally caused by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy (chloasma), use of birth control pills, or hormone therapy. Sun exposure also plays a major role in triggering melasma, especially in people with a family history of melasma or tan skin tone.

Meanwhile, dark spots are more often caused by the aging processand excessive sun exposure without protection. In addition, dark spots can also appear asacne scars, wounds, or inflammation of the skin. This condition is more likely to occur if acne is not treated properly or if the skin is often scratched or rubbed excessively.

Melasma and Dark Spot Treatment

Although they look similar, the treatment of melasma and dark spots is not entirely the same. Here are some commonly recommended treatment steps:

Melasma treatment

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day to protect your skin from sun exposure.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during the day.
• Use a prescription cream containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, or azelaic acid to help inhibit the production of melanin that causes pigmentation.
• Try skin treatments, such as peeling or laser, if topical treatments are not enough to reduce pigmentation. However, it is best to consult a doctor first before doing so.
• Reconsult contraceptivesor hormone therapy used if suspected as a trigger for melasma.

Dark spot treatment

• Use skincare that contains vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinol to help fade dark spots gradually.
• Try a procedure, such as microdermabrasion, peels, or lasers, for faster results.
• Use sunscreen every day to keep spots from getting darker and to prevent new spots from appearing.
• Avoid habits squeeze pimplesor their scars so they don't leave marks that are harder to remove.
• Support treatment with a healthy lifestyle to help regenerate skin and prevent acne scars from getting worse.

After understanding how to treat melasma and dark spots, the next step that is no less important is to prevent both from reappearing.

To that end, continue to do comprehensive skin care, starting from using sunscreen every day, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, choosing skin care products that suit your skin type, to maintaining healthy habits, such as not squeezing your facial skin.

If you are still confused about understanding the difference between melasma and dark spots, don't hesitate to ask a doctor via Chat with a Doctor to get clearer information and treatment recommendations that suit your skin condition.

Label : Health cat_Health