Pigmentation issues are extremely common in India—but not all dark patches on the skin are the same. Two conditions often confused with each other are Pigmentation and Melasma.

Both cause uneven skin tone and dark patches, but their causes, behavior, and treatment needs are very different. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right products and see results faster.

Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

What Is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to any darkening of the skin caused by excess melanin production.
These can appear as:

• Dark spots

• Patchy brown areas

• Acne marks

• Sun spots

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Common Causes of Pigmentation

Pigmentation is usually triggered by:

• Sun exposure

• Acne & pimples

• Skin injuries

• Hormonal changes

• Heat exposure

• Skin inflammation

• Post-scrubbing irritation

This type of pigmentation is generally treatable with topical actives, especially when started early.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is more complex and deeper than regular pigmentation.
It appears as:

• Symmetrical brown patches

• Usually on cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or nose

• More common in women (but men can get it too)

Why Melasma Happens

Melasma is triggered by a combination of:

• Strong hormonal influence

• Sun exposure

• Heat

• Thyroid imbalances

• Pregnancy

• Genetics

• Stress

Because melasma sits deeper in the skin, it tends to be stubborn and recurring, especially without proper sun protection.

Key Differences Between Pigmentation & Melasma

• Cause:

  • Pigmentation is usually caused by sun exposure, acne marks, skin inflammation, or injury.

  • Melasma is mainly triggered by hormones, pregnancy, birth control pills, and sun exposure.

• Appearance:

  • Pigmentation appears as isolated dark spots or patches.

  • Melasma forms larger, symmetrical patches—commonly on cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

• Color:

  • Pigmentation can range from light brown to deep brown.

  • Melasma often has a brown–grey tone.

• Triggers:

  • Pigmentation is triggered by sun, heat, acne, or irritation.

  • Melasma flares due to hormones, heat, stress, and UV exposure.

• Treatment time:

  • Pigmentation fades faster with active ingredients like Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Niacinamide.

  • Melasma takes longer and requires consistent treatment + strict sun protection.

• Sun sensitivity:

  • Pigmentation increases slightly with sun exposure.

  • Melasma worsens dramatically when exposed to even mild sunlight.

• Recurrence:

  • Pigmentation can go away permanently if treated properly.

  • Melasma may recur easily and needs ongoing maintenance + sunscreen.

Treatment Approach—Pigmentation vs Melasma

Pigmentation Treatment

• Vitamin C

• Arbutin

• Kojic Acid

• Niacinamide

• Tranexamic Acid

• Sunscreen

Pigmentation responds well to brightening and melanin-control ingredients.

Melasma Treatment

Melasma needs a more long-term routine, focusing on:

• Strong sun protection

• Hormonal evaluation if needed

• Heat avoidance

• Topical actives like Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid

• Long-term consistency

Melasma requires patience + strict routine.

Where CLARIV Anti Pigmentation Serum Fits In

Without appearing salesy, this section naturally places CLARIV within the solution category.

CLARIV Anti Pigmentation Serum is formulated with a powerful combination of clinically proven ingredients for pigmentation issues:

• 2% Kojic Acid – reduces melanin production

• 2% Alpha Arbutin – targets dark spots & uneven tone

• 3% Tranexamic Acid – excellent for stubborn pigmentation & melasma patches

• 5% Niacinamide – brightens + strengthens skin barrier
  

These ingredients work together to fade:

• Acne marks

• Sun spots

• Patchy pigmentation

• Uneven skin tone

• Mild melasma patches (surface-level)

While deep melasma may require dermatologist guidance, CLARIV works excellently for general pigmentation and early-stage melasma, especially when paired with sunscreen.

Why Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Both pigmentation and melasma worsen with UV rays and heat.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen like CLARIV SPF 50 PA++++—which is:

• Gel-based

• No white cast

• Lightweight & water-resistant

• Contains Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides
  Clariv sunscreen

—helps prevent dark patches from getting darker.

If you treat pigmentation without sunscreen, you’re wasting your products.

So, What Should You Choose?

✔ If you have dark spots, acne marks, tanning patches, you likely have pigmentation → easily treatable.
✔ If you notice symmetrical patches on cheeks/upper lip that come and go → likely melasma → needs strict sun care + regulated actives.

In both cases, actives like Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, and Niacinamide (all present in CLARIV Anti Pigmentation Serum) help significantly.

Final Thoughts

Pigmentation and melasma may look similar, but they behave very differently.
The right routine can make a huge difference, especially in Indian weather where sun + heat + pollution worsen both conditions.

Start with science-backed ingredients, protect your skin daily, and stay consistent.
With the right products, clearer, brighter skin is possible—without expensive treatments.