{"title":"Melasma","entity_type":"Concern","slug":"melasma","canonical_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/melasma","dates":{"date_modified":"2026-05-26","date_reviewed":"2026-05-26"},"mcp_eligible":true,"evidence_sources":[{"title":"DermNet — Melasma","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-melasma","original_source_url":"https://dermnetnz.org/topics/melasma","source_type":"medical_reference"},{"title":"AAD — How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-fade-dark-spots-darker-skin-tones","original_source_url":"https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots","source_type":"other"}],"product_fact_sources":[],"related_entities":[{"title":"DermNet — Melasma","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-melasma"},{"title":"AAD — How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-fade-dark-spots-darker-skin-tones"},{"title":"Tranexamic Acid","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/tranexamic-acid"},{"title":"Azelaic Acid","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/azelaic-acid"},{"title":"Alpha Arbutin","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/alpha-arbutin"},{"title":"Niacinamide","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/niacinamide"},{"title":"What is the difference between melasma and dark spots?","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-melasma-and-dark-spots"}],"body_sections":[{"heading":"Quick Summary","paragraphs":["Melasma is a patchy brown or gray-brown discoloration pattern, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline. It is different from a single acne mark or sun spot."]},{"heading":"Causes","paragraphs":["UV exposure, visible light, heat, hormones, pregnancy, and genetics can influence melasma. Because it can be stubborn and recurrent, clinician guidance and daily broad-spectrum sun protection matter."]}]}