What is melasma?

Feature of melasma

Melasma has the major characteristic that blotches appear symmetrically around the cheekbones, forehead, and mouth.

However, it is also possible that lentigo solaris (senile pigmentation) may happen to appear in similar sizes in similar locations on the left and right sides, so please also check whether the characteristics of melasma, such as lack of clear outlines, light brown color, and barely spread over a large area, also apply.

It is also important to note that melasma does not appear around the eyes and appears as if it has lost its color.

Age at onset of melasma

Melasma often develops in the 30s and 40s. They are not common in older age groups. Symptoms are usually present until the late 50s and rarely occur after the 60s, when the spots are known to fade or disappear. 

Recognition rate of melasma

Among Asian women in their 20s to 50s who experience discoloration problems, one out of every two women experiences symptoms that are suspected to be melasma. However, about half of them are unaware of the possibility that their pigmentation may be melasma.

Among women in their 20s to 50s who experienced spotting problems within a year, 72.9% of them answered that they knew the name of melasma, while only 15.0% of them knew the factors of melasma and the appropriate measures to deal with it. It was found that those who knew the name of melasma did not necessarily have a deep understanding of melasma.

Incorrect treatment of melasma

People affected by melasma often find themselves trying various treatments, from age-old home remedies to modern skincare regimens, without much success. The search for an effective treatment can be daunting and can even worsen the condition if the wrong methods are chosen. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.