Melasma is uneven skin discoloration unlike age spots, liver spots, or sunspots, as it is a condition of hyperpigmentation specific to the face and appears as large dark brown areas of skin color.  Melasma, often called "pregnancy mask" is a predetermined condition in certain skin types, and commonly surfaces as a result of hormone elevation during pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, and the use of birth-control pills.

Melasma is like age spots, sun spots and other forms of uneven skin pigment in that direct sun exposure intensives the appearance making it darker, more widespread, and as a result stubborn to fade. And like age spots, daily sun protection of a SPF 25 or greater, and limiting the amount of sun exposure are essential in order to manage melasma from becoming worse.

There are also treatments available to fade melasma and improve the appearance and uneven tone of facial skin.  Series of chemical peels and skin lightening creams are often used to treat superficial skin discoloration.

Newer laser technology now makes treating darker skin types and skin with deeper hyperpigmentation a much more effective process.  Fractional laser is used to treat melasma, as an alternative to series of superficial skin lightening peels and hydroquinone therapy and produces noticeable improvement at a faster rate.