Melasma vs Sunspots: How to Identify and Treat Pigmentation

Brown patches and spots on the face are often grouped together as pigmentation, but melasma and sunspots are different conditions. Treating one like the other can lead to disappointing results or even make things worse. Here is how to tell them apart.

1. What are sunspots?

Sunspots, also called solar lentigines, are flat, well-defined brown spots caused by cumulative sun exposure. They usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, hands and shoulders, and become more common with age.

2. What is melasma?

Melasma appears as larger, less defined brown or grey-brown patches, often symmetrical on both cheeks, the forehead or upper lip. It is linked to hormones, sun, heat and genetics, and is common in women.

3. How to tell the difference

Shape: sunspots are small and well defined; melasma forms broad, blurry patches.

Symmetry: melasma is often symmetrical; sunspots are random.

Triggers: melasma worsens with hormones, heat and sun; sunspots develop gradually with sun exposure.

Many people have both, which is why a professional skin analysis matters.

4. Treating sunspots

Sunspots respond well to targeted lasers such as pico laser, often in one to three sessions.

5. Treating melasma

Melasma requires a gentle, long-term plan: laser toning, low-energy pico toning, tranexamic acid and strict sun protection. Five to ten sessions are typical, with improvement over two to six months.

6. Why the difference matters

Using strong spot-removal settings on melasma can trigger rebound pigmentation. A doctor will identify each type and treat them with appropriate settings.

7. Prevention

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplied outdoors.

Hats and shade.

Avoiding heat for melasma.

Maintenance treatments.

8. Cost

At MIN Clinic, pico laser typically costs KRW 200,000 to KRW 600,000 per session, and melasma treatment KRW 150,000 to KRW 350,000 per session. See our event price list.

Conclusion

Sunspots are well defined and respond quickly to targeted laser, while melasma is diffuse and needs gentle, long-term care. Send photos to our English-speaking team on WhatsApp for an assessment, or read about melasma and pico laser.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Results vary by individual, and a doctor's consultation is required before any treatment.