The Pigmentation & Melasma System: Treat Color Without Making It Worse
Pigmentation is not one diagnosis. This guide separates melasma, post-inflammatory pigment and sun spots, and explains why photoprotection and controlled treatment beat aggressive routines.
Flagship Guide · 13 min read · August 22, 2026
Start with the diagnosis
Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, solar lentigines and pigment from irritation can look similar to patients but differ in cause, prognosis and treatment risk.
When the diagnosis is wrong, aggressive laser or peeling can turn treatment into another source of pigment.
Photoprotection is treatment
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher consistently.
- Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides can add visible-light protection for people prone to melasma and persistent dark marks.
- Shade, hats and reducing direct exposure matter when pigmentation is light-sensitive.
You cannot fairly judge a melasma treatment while photoprotection is inconsistent.
Topical therapy often comes before devices
Hydroquinone, azelaic acid, retinoids and other agents can be used depending on diagnosis and patient factors. Stronger is not always better because irritation itself can worsen pigment.
When procedures enter the plan
Peels, lasers and light can be useful adjuncts in selected cases, but they require conservative patient selection in pigment-prone skin. In melasma, the goal is long-term control rather than a promise of fast permanent removal.
Medical references
Medical review
This guide was written and medically reviewed by Dr. Yousef Abo Zarad, a German board-certified specialist in Dermatology and Venereology.