Melasma vs. Sun Damage: How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters
Explore top melasma treatments at Ariana Esthetic Edmonton, including lasers and skincare, for smooth, radiant, and even-toned skin.
Pigmentation concerns can look similar on the surface, but melasma and sun damage are two very different conditions that require very different treatment approaches. At Ariana Esthetic in Edmonton, patients often arrive unsure whether their uneven skin tone is caused by melasma or simple sun exposure. Understanding the difference helps ensure you receive the safest and most effective treatment plan for your skin.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a chronic skin condition characterized by symmetrical brown or gray patches on the face. It’s commonly triggered by hormones, heat, inflammation, and UV exposure. Melasma appears mostly on:
Cheeks
Forehead
Upper lip
Chin
Jawline
Unlike sunspots, melasma is not caused solely by sun exposure. It is deeply connected to internal factors such as pregnancy, birth control, thyroid conditions, and genetics.
What Is Sun Damage?
Sun damage — including sunspots, also known as solar lentigines — is caused by long-term ultraviolet exposure. Sunspots are usually:
Small
Round or oval
Medium to dark brown
Isolated rather than symmetrical
They commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands due to chronic outdoor exposure.
Why Identifying the Condition Matters
Treating melasma like sun damage can make the condition worse. For example:
Aggressive lasers that work well for sunspots can darken melasma.
Harsh exfoliants can increase inflammation, which triggers more pigment.
Hydroquinone overuse can cause rebound hyperpigmentation.
This is why a medical assessment is critical.
How Ariana Esthetic Diagnoses Pigmentation Correctly
During your consultation, Dr. Sara Hashemzadeh evaluates:
The pattern of pigmentation
Your skin tone and history
Lifestyle and hormonal influences
Depth of pigment
This ensures the correct treatment plan is created.
Treatments for Melasma
We focus on gentle, safe, effective therapies:
ResurFX fractional laser to blend pigmentation slowly
Brightening chemical peels that lift superficial pigment
Medical-grade skincare with non-irritating lightening agents
Barrier-repair treatments to reduce inflammation
The goal is long-term management—not over-treatment.
Treatments for Sun Damage
Sunspots respond well to more targeted treatments, such as:
Light-based pigmentation therapies
Chemical peels
Laser rejuvenation
Topical brighteners
Because sunspots sit higher in the skin, they fade faster than melasma.
Which Condition Do You Have?
If you’re unsure whether your pigmentation is melasma or sun damage, a professional diagnosis is the safest first step.
At Ariana Esthetic in Edmonton, we help you understand your skin fully and choose treatments that restore clarity, brightness, and confidence.
If you need more information about Melasma, you can read these articles:
Understanding Melasma: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatments at Ariana Esthetic
Why Melasma Is So Hard to Treat — And How Ariana Esthetic Helps You Manage It Safely
Top Melasma Treatments Available in Edmonton: What Really Works?
