Melasma vs Hyperpigmentation: Differences in Treatment

posted in Dark Spots & Melasma on May 30, 2025

Do you know the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation? These two terms, while similar and both extremely common, are not interchangeable. Keep reading to find how to differentiate between the two!

Hyperpigmentation And Melasma

Hyperpigmentation is not necessarily a condition, but an umbrella term that describes skin conditions where areas of the skin appear darker than the natural skin tone due to excess pigment in the skin. Hyperpigmentation varies from small patches to larger areas that can affect the entire body. Different types of hyperpigmentation can be caused by numerous factors that may include acne, medications or inflammation from other conditions, but the main cause is typically sun exposure (De Pietro).

Why does hyperpigmentation on the face or other areas of the body occur? Without taking proper care of your skin, such as applying an effective sunscreen daily and avoiding direct sun exposure, you leave our skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays from the sun. Eventually, this causes damage to the skin and can become apparent on the skin in various shapes, sizes, and levels of severity, from innocent freckles to more severe conditions like skin cancer. It can also manifest itself in other usually harmless types of hyperpigmentation: melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Melasma vs. hyperpigmentation isn't an appropriate comparison because melasma is one of the most common types of hyperpigmentation that affects over 5 million Americans (Columbia Skin Clinic). It is a skin condition that causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin, generally on the face. Areas of the face where melasma typically develops are on the bridge of the nose, the forehead, the cheeks, and the upper lip. However, melasma may also appear on other areas of the body, especially if those areas have been exposed to more sunlight. This includes the forearms, the neck, the shoulders, and less commonly, the legs.

Rather than just being sun-related, melasma differs from other forms of hyperpigmentation because it is believed to be caused, in part, by hormonal changes within the body. Melasma occurs more often in women and commonly is developed during pregnancy, which is why melasma is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Other potential triggers of melasma consist of changes in hormones with hormone treatments or while on birth control pills, sun exposure, and certain skin care products that may irritate the skin (Fletcher).

Other than the development of discolored patches on the skin, there aren’t any other significant physical symptoms experienced by those with melasma, but some dislike the appearance of it. So, although treatment is not always necessary, there are solutions to get rid of melasma hyperpigmentation and prevent it from returning for those who find it bothersome. Typically, melasma can disappear if there was a clear cause, and that cause is addressed. For example, if hormonal changes from pregnancy or taking birth control pills is identified to have caused melasma, it could fade after delivery or once the birth control pills are stopped. For those who developed melasma for other reasons, the condition can last for years or even a lifetime (Fletcher). However, there are many treatment options that can remove or fade the discoloration, including the use of topical medications, chemical peels, laser treatments, light therapy, and so on.

Best Products For Hyperpigmentation

The best hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment is The Spot Cream from Musely. The Spot Cream, a prescription hydroquinone cream, erases dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, including melasma. Only available with a doctor’s prescription in the United States, hydroquinone in The Spot Cream erases existing dark spots by breaking down melanosomes (organelles responsible for pigmentation in the skin), therefore preventing excess melanin production in skin cells. This gold standard ingredient is the number one solution to treating dark spots and is trusted by dermatologists. Additionally, Musely offers formulas that feature other ingredients proven to treat hyperpigmentation. One of those ingredients is tranexamic acid, a powerful anti-inflammatory acid that blocks the production of excess melanin, which erases dark spots. Moreover, The Spot Cream is formulated with other skin-friendly ingredients, such as niacinamide, to provide a gentle, yet effective hyperpigmentation face treatment. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin and shrink pores, keeping your skin moisturized as you get used to the new medication.

Listed below are the different formulas available of The Spot Cream:

Erase: 12% Hydroquinone - 2% Niacinamide - 1% Hydrocortisone (initial fill only)
M+: 12% Hydroquinone - 0.05% Tretinoin - 2% Niacinamide - 2.5% Hydrocortisone (initial fill only)
Nurture: 6% Hydroquinone - 2% Niacinamide - 1% Vitamin C
HQ Free+: 6% Tranexamic Acid - 10% Azelaic Acid - 2% Niacinamide
HQ Free: (safe for pregnant/nursing patients): 17% Azelaic Acid - 1% Niacinamide - 4% Tranexamic Acid

What formula of The Spot Cream should I use to treat melasma or hyperpigmentation?

For those who are new to a dark spot corrector like The Spot Cream, we recommend starting with a formula that contains a lower percentage of hydroquinone to allow your skin to slowly adjust to the medication. Stronger formulas are available for those who are veteran hydroquinone users or have extremely stubborn melasma and hyperpigmentation. Side effects such as dryness, redness, peeling, and irritation are normal and to be expected when starting treatment. To combat side effects, it is recommended to use a moisturizer and decrease the frequency of the treatment usage. For those who are pregnant or nursing but still want to erase hyperpigmentation on the face, the HQ Free formula is a perfect fit and is 100% safe to use with dermatologist guidance, with azelaic acid being the main ingredient. Azelaic acid is a naturally occuring acid found in barley, grains, and wheat. This ingredient helps erase melasma and hyperpigmentation. With consistent use, results from The Spot Cream typically show up within 6-8 weeks! The Spot Cream has helped many patients regain confidence by effectively treating hyperpigmentation, melasma, and more.

What FaceRx patients are saying about The Spot Cream

The Spot Cream actually works to treat raised age spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and more. See what a couple of our patients had to say about their journey and results with The Spot Cream!

"I've been using The Spot Cream for 3 months now and my skin has changed dramatically! I am super happy with my results. Stick with it ladies, it works!" - Charlene V.

"10 years of stubborn melasma is fading beautifully!" - Victoria W.

"This not only removed my sun spots but made my skin look clear and glowing!" - Kimberly B.

"What a difference!! I never have to hide behind makeup again. Thank you Musely! I'm so grateful for you. The future is bright.” - Deani J.

Musely has changed the lives of over 1 million patients. But, don’t just take our word for it—view more life-changing results at musely.com/muselyworks! Additional patient transformations and stories can also be found in the FaceRx community group located in the Musely app.

Get prescription skincare from Musely today to start your journey to glowing and spot-free skin!

Why choose FaceRx for your prescription skin care needs

While you can get prescription hydroquinone skin care products at your local pharmacy, these prescription dermatology products often lose their potency and effectiveness since they are mass-manufactured before reaching shelves. On the other hand, Musely’s FaceRx prescription skin care products are freshly compounded and are 10x more potent than over-the-counter (OTC) products or prescription alternatives. Formulated by top Board-Certified Dermatologists, Musely also offers a variety of formulas based on each individual’s skin concerns. In addition, FaceRx treatments work for all skin types and tones. With over 50 customized formulas, Musely has a treatment suitable for everyone.

Another benefit of using FaceRx treatments is convenience. Scheduling an in-person dermatologist visit can be extremely difficult since it typically takes around 4-8 weeks to get an appointment. With FaceRx, the dermatologist visit is entirely online and takes only 3 minutes. Complete the online questionnaire about your skin and medical history, upload three photos of your skin, and your assigned dermatologist will prescribe you the best formula for your skin concerns based on your online visit. There is no need to wait in long lines at the doctor’s office or pharmacies; medication is delivered straight to your door — no shipping fees and tax-free. Furthermore, FaceRx treatments are less costly compared to other procedures such as lasers and microneedling. The Spot Cream costs less than a dollar a day. Effective and affordable, the best prescription skin care products are found at Musely!

Behind The Scenes: The FaceRx Story

Musely CEO’s wife Cherry, struggled with melasma for years with no solution. She spent thousands of dollars on lasers and OTC treatments, all to no avail. One day, Musely got a tip from dermatologist Dr. Marie Jhin, who shared her secret of prescription skin care. After seeing Dr. Jhin, Cherry’s dark spots were gone and her wrinkles were significantly reduced. Her skin was completely transformed in just a matter of two months! The treatment? It included a prescription for tretinoin, hydroquinone, among others that can only be obtained through doctor visits or pharmacies. Musely CEO Jack Jia was so blown away by Cherry’s results that he wanted to share her amazing transformation with the entire Musely community and make prescription skin care treatments accessible to everyone.

9 months later, FaceRx was born! Musely engineers built an online telemedicine platform. A dozen of the country’s top board-certified dermatologists joined Dr. Jhin to form what is now known as The Musely Medical Board. They developed special formulas that can be customized for each individual. A patient would receive a treatment prescribed and dispensed by their dermatologist and pharmacist just for them! Musely also developed eNurse, an extension to the existing Musely tips app, to allow the same doctor and pharmacist to support the patient during the 60-day treatment period.

Thanks to FaceRx, dermatologists can now oversee treatment for multiple patients at the same time from anywhere. Users can finish their doctor visit within minutes from the comfort of their home and receive their treatments at their doorstep within days.

With prescription skin care treatments that are affordable and accessible to everyone, FaceRx is the number one choice for treating dark spots, aging, and more—with results that actually last!

About Musely

Musely provides prescription skin care treatments through technology. Musely enables talented dermatologists and pharmacists to deliver and administer medical treatments for skin conditions and skincare, online. With its revolutionary approach, Musely enables the science of youth quickly and inexpensively from the convenience of your home. Founded by successful Silicon Valley serial entrepreneurs, Musely is on a mission to deliver health and healthy living to every person in the world.

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