Melasma vs. Dark Spots vs. PIH: What’s the Difference?

Confused by melasma, dark spots, or PIH? Learn the real differences, what causes each, and how the right skincare helps fade them.

Key Highlights: Melasma vs Dark Spots vs PIH

• Melasma: Chronic, hormone-driven pigmentation worsened by sun and heat (DermNet NZ).
• Dark spots (sunspots): Caused by UV damage over time (Cleveland Clinic).
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark marks left after acne, eczema, or irritation (Harvard Health).
• Triggers overlap: UV, visible light, heat, and inflammation can all worsen pigmentation (Cleveland Clinic).
• Supportive skincare helps: Gentle cleansing, niacinamide, hydration, and barrier-first routines improve comfort and appearance (British Journal of Dermatology).
• ImpressionZ® products: Micellar Water, Snail Elixir, and Glow Recovery Cream support skin daily without harshness.
• Educational only: This guide explains differences between pigmentation types. Always consult a dermatologist for treatment (American Academy of Dermatology).

Pigmentation concerns often look similar at first glance: patches, spots, or marks darker than the surrounding skin. But not all pigmentation is the same.

Understanding whether you’re dealing with melasma, sun-induced dark spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can make all the difference in how you manage your skin — and in knowing when to see a dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. ImpressionZ® products are designed for supportive daily care and are not medical treatments. For diagnosis or treatment, always consult a board-certified dermatologist.

What Is Melasma?

• Definition: A chronic form of hyperpigmentation that appears as symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip (DermNet NZ).
• Triggers: Sunlight, heat, and hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraceptives, thyroid imbalance) (American Academy of Dermatology).
• Why it matters: Melasma tends to relapse and requires long-term management.

Supportive tip: Barrier-first skincare can help skin cope with triggers while you follow your dermatologist’s plan.

What Are Dark Spots (Sunspots)?

• Definition: Also called solar lentigines or age spots, these are flat, brown patches caused by cumulative UV exposure (Cleveland Clinic).
• Common areas: Face, chest, shoulders, and hands — areas that see the most sun over time.
• Difference from melasma:
  • Melasma is hormonally linked and often symmetrical.
  • Dark spots are usually isolated, sun-driven patches.

Supportive tip: Daily cleansing and hydration, paired with sunscreen, are key to preventing new spots from forming.

What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

• Definition: Dark marks that appear after skin trauma such as acne, eczema, or burns (Harvard Health).
• Who gets it: More common in medium-to-darker skin tones.
• Difference from melasma and dark spots: PIH follows an injury or inflammation, while melasma and sunspots often appear without direct trauma.

Supportive tip: Gentle skincare that avoids irritation is essential. Scrubbing or using harsh DIY remedies can make PIH darker.

Comparing the Three

Supportive Skincare Routine for All Three

While treatments differ, all pigmentation-prone skin benefits from barrier-first, gentle routines.

Step 1 – Gentle Cleanse

• ImpressionZ® Micellar Water Makeup Remover
  • Cleans without stripping the barrier (Cleveland Clinic highlights micellar water as a safe option for sensitive skin).

Step 2 – Hydrating & Brightening Serum

• ImpressionZ® Snail Facial Glow Elixir
  • Contains niacinamide, proven to improve the appearance of pigmentation in clinical trials (British Journal of Dermatology, 2002).
  • Peptides and snail mucin hydrate and support skin renewal.

Step 3 – Barrier Moisturizer

• ImpressionZ® Glow Recovery Face Cream
  • Deep hydration and collagen support.
  • Helps strengthen barrier function (Harvard Health emphasizes barrier repair as essential in pigmentation-prone skin).

Optional – Cooling Support

• ImpressionZ® 24K Ice Globes
  • Cooling massage helps calm redness and post-sun discomfort, both of which are pigmentation triggers.

Lifestyle Habits That Make a Difference

• Sun protection: UV and visible light are major drivers of all pigmentation types (Cleveland Clinic). Dermatologists often recommend tinted sunscreens with iron oxides.
• Stay cool: Heat can trigger melasma (AAD).
• Avoid harsh DIY fixes: Lemon juice, bleach creams, and abrasive scrubs can worsen PIH and melasma (AAD).
• Consistency: Supportive skincare routines work best when followed daily.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Melasma, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may look similar, but their causes and management differ. What unites them is the need for patience, dermatologist guidance, and supportive daily skincare.

With ImpressionZ® Micellar Water, Snail Elixir, and Glow Recovery Cream, you can build a gentle, barrier-first routine that keeps your skin hydrated, soothed, and resilient — while you follow your dermatologist’s plan for treatment.

Related Articles

• Safe Ingredients for Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
• Best Skincare Routine for Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma & Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Triggers & Supportive Skincare Routine
• Micellar Water vs. Traditional Cleansers