"Doctor, is this pigmentation or just tan?" is one of the questions we hear most often in our Chennai clinics. Tan, melasma and other dark patches can look similar in the mirror, but they have different causes, behave differently over time and need different care. Using the wrong cream – or the wrong laser – can make some of them darker. This guide explains, in plain language, how to tell melasma, general pigmentation and sun tan apart, which ones fade on their own, and when it is worth seeing a dermatologist.
Last updated: 27 October 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Lokeshwari · VK Allure Dermaclinic, Kilpauk, ECR-Uthandi & Ambattur, Chennai
Tan is an even, temporary darkening of sun-exposed skin that fades over weeks once you avoid the sun. Pigmentation is the umbrella word for any patch darker than your normal skin. Melasma is one specific, long-lasting type of pigmentation: symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip, linked to hormones, sunlight and heat.
See a doctor before trying strong creams if the patch is growing, has an irregular border or changes colour, bleeds or itches, or if you have been using a "fairness" or mix cream from the medical shop.
| Sun tan | Even darkening on face, neck, arms and feet; clear tan lines; fades in a few weeks to a few months |
|---|---|
| Melasma | Symmetrical, blotchy patches on cheeks, forehead, nose bridge or upper lip; long-lasting; tends to return |
| Post-acne marks (PIH) | Flat dark spots exactly where pimples, cuts, rashes or burns were; slowly fade over months |
| Sun spots / freckles | Small, well-defined brown spots on sun-exposed skin; do not fade much on their own |
| Biggest mistake | Steroid "fairness" creams and harsh home scrubs |
A tan is usually even, follows the areas the sun touched and has clear lines where your watch strap, sleeves or footwear covered the skin. It appears after outdoor exposure and starts fading within a few weeks once you protect your skin. If the colour is patchy, symmetrical on both cheeks or stays for months, it is probably not just tan.
In Chennai, tan builds up quickly because the UV index stays high almost all year, even on cloudy monsoon days. Two-wheeler riders often notice it on the backs of the hands, forearms and the lower face below the helmet line. Gentle exfoliation, sunscreen and time are often enough. For stubborn tan, our sun tan removal guide explains safe home care and when a clinic treatment such as a mild peel helps.
Melasma shows as brown, grey-brown or bluish patches with soft, smudged borders, usually on both sides of the face in a mirror-image pattern. Common sites are the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin. It does not itch or flake. It often darkens in summer, after heat exposure, in pregnancy or with hormonal pills.
Melasma is far more common in women and in brown Indian skin. It is also driven by heat and visible light, not just UV – which is why some people notice it getting darker after cooking over a hot stove or sitting near a bright window. Melasma can be deep in the skin (dermal), shallow (epidermal) or a mix; a dermatologist can often tell with a Wood's lamp or dermoscope, and this changes how well it responds to treatment. Our melasma treatment page explains the options in more detail.
Besides melasma and tan, the common types are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (marks after acne, rashes or injury), sun spots and freckles, dark circles, darkening around the mouth, lips and nose, dark underarms and neck (sometimes linked to insulin resistance), and patches caused by creams, perfumes or medicines. Each has a different cause and treatment.
Our article on the types of pigmentation goes through each one with pictures and simple descriptions.
Melasma is a long-term (chronic) condition. The pigment cells in melasma skin are over-active and respond strongly to sunlight, visible light, heat and hormones. Treatment calms them and fades the patches, but if the triggers continue, they switch back on. That is why maintenance creams and daily sun protection matter more than any single procedure.
A review of sunscreen studies in skin of colour found that broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially tinted sunscreen that also blocks visible light, helps stabilise and improve both melasma and post-inflammatory marks (Fatima et al., 2020). The American Academy of Dermatology also stresses that melasma can return and recommends sun protection every day, along with treatment prescribed by a dermatologist.
Not exactly – tan is a short-term response to UV, while melasma is a separate condition. But regular, unprotected sun exposure is one of the strongest triggers for melasma in people who are already prone to it, such as women with a family history or hormonal changes. So constant tanning can bring out melasma or make existing patches darker.
This is why we ask patients with early melasma to treat sun protection as part of the treatment, not an extra: SPF 30 or above, reapplied every two to three hours outdoors, plus a cap, umbrella or scarf, and a tinted sunscreen if possible.
Tan usually needs only sunscreen, gentle exfoliation and sometimes a mild peel. Post-acne marks respond to treating the acne, sunscreen and creams or peels. Melasma needs a doctor-supervised plan: sunscreen, prescription lightening creams, and sometimes carefully chosen peels or low-energy laser toning. Strong lasers or harsh peels can make melasma worse.
Yes, when it is planned by a doctor. Brown skin makes pigment easily, so aggressive peels, high-energy lasers or irritating home remedies can leave darker patches than before. A dermatologist chooses milder strengths, tests a small area when needed, spaces sessions out and adjusts treatment in summer or around events.
The most common harm we see is from steroid-containing "fairness" or mix creams bought without prescription. They lighten the skin for a while, then cause thinning, redness, acne and rebound darkening. If you have used such a cream, tell the doctor – stopping it needs a plan too.
Mild tan and light post-acne marks often fade at home with daily sunscreen, a gentle moisturiser and patience. Melasma, deep marks and fast-changing spots need a doctor. Avoid lemon juice, toothpaste, bleach, baking soda and steroid creams – these irritate the skin, and irritation itself causes more pigmentation in brown skin.
See a dermatologist if a patch has lasted more than two to three months, is spreading or getting darker, appeared in pregnancy or after starting a hormonal medicine, or did not respond to sunscreen and simple care. A mole or spot that changes shape, colour or size, bleeds or itches should be checked soon.
At VK Allure Dermaclinic the doctor examines the patch, explains whether it is tan, melasma or another type, and gives a written plan you can follow at home. If an in-clinic procedure helps, we explain how many sessions to expect and the possible side effects before you decide. More detail on in-clinic options is on our pigmentation treatment page.
You can see our dermatologist at any of the three VK Allure branches in Kilpauk, ECR Uthandi and Ambattur. Bring the creams and sunscreens you use, and a few old photos if the patch has changed over time. This helps the doctor tell melasma from tan or other pigmentation more accurately.
Book at your nearest branch: Kilpauk, ECR Uthandi or Ambattur. More skin guides are in our skin and hair blog. Exact cost depends on your skin assessment – book a free consultation.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology – Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment; Fatima S et al. Indian J Dermatol 2020 – The role of sunscreen in melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation; Rendon M et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006 – Treatment of melasma (review of clinical trials).
Pigmentation is the general word for any darker patch of skin. Melasma is one specific type: symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip, linked to hormones, sunlight and heat. Melasma lasts longer and tends to come back, so it needs a doctor-led plan and ongoing sun protection.
Tan is even, follows the areas the sun reached, has clear lines and fades in weeks once you avoid the sun. Melasma is patchy, usually appears on both cheeks or the forehead in a mirror-image pattern, and stays for months or years. If a patch does not fade after two to three months of sun protection, see a dermatologist.
Yes, most tan fades on its own over a few weeks to a few months as the outer skin renews, provided you protect the skin from more sun. Daily sunscreen, covering up and gentle exfoliation speed this up. Tan that does not fade, or keeps getting patchier, may be melasma or another pigmentation that needs a doctor.
Melasma can be faded well and kept under control, but there is no treatment that guarantees it will never return. The pigment cells stay sensitive to sunlight, heat and hormones. With daily sunscreen, a maintenance plan and early treatment of any new darkening, many people keep their skin clear for long periods.
There is no single best treatment. Most plans start with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and prescription creams. Mild chemical peels or low-energy laser toning may be added for some people, spaced out carefully. Harsh peels or strong lasers can worsen melasma in brown skin, so the plan should be made and monitored by a dermatologist.
Laser can help some people with melasma, but it is not the first step and not right for everyone. Low-energy laser toning is usually combined with creams and sunscreen. Too much laser energy can trigger rebound darkening in Indian skin. A dermatologist decides whether you are a good candidate after examining the depth and pattern of your melasma.
Common reasons are sun or heat exposure, picking pimples, irritation from harsh products or home remedies, hormonal changes, and stopping a steroid cream. A spot that changes shape, size or colour, bleeds or itches should be checked by a doctor soon to rule out anything more serious than pigmentation.
Tan itself fades, but repeated, unprotected sun exposure over years can cause longer-lasting changes such as sun spots, uneven tone and melasma in people prone to it. Using sunscreen every day and covering up outdoors is the best way to stop tan turning into stubborn pigmentation.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, applied generously and reapplied every two to three hours outdoors. Tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxides also protect against visible light, which can darken melasma in brown skin. Choose a texture you will use daily – gel for oily skin, cream for dry skin.
Yes. Hormonal changes in pregnancy and some hormonal medicines are well-known triggers. Pregnancy melasma may fade after delivery, but not always. Many lightening creams are not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so speak to your dermatologist before using any treatment during this time.
Most pigmentation care is not painful. Creams may sting a little at first. Mild peels cause brief tingling or warmth, and laser toning feels like light snapping on the skin. The doctor adjusts strength to your comfort and skin type, and you can usually return to work the same day.
VK Allure Dermaclinic offers doctor-led pigmentation and melasma care at Kilpauk, ECR Uthandi and Ambattur. The dermatologist first confirms whether it is tan, melasma or another type, then plans treatment. Call or WhatsApp +91 96009 58060 to book. Exact cost depends on your skin assessment – book a free consultation.
Medically Reviewed By
Dermatology Specialist · VK Allure Dermaclinic, Chennai
Dr. Lokeshwari is the lead dermatologist and medical reviewer at VK Allure Dermaclinic, practising at the Kilpauk, ECR-Uthandi and Ambattur branches in Chennai. She plans skin, hair and laser treatment for Indian skin types and Chennai's hot, humid climate.
This pigmentation guide was reviewed by Dr. Lokeshwari on 27 October 2026 for clinical accuracy, safety advice and when-to-see-a-doctor guidance.
About Dr. Lokeshwari →📞 +91 96009-58060 · 💬 WhatsApp · 🏥 Kilpauk, ECR-Uthandi & Ambattur, Chennai
This pigmentation guide is written by our clinical team and medically reviewed by Dr. Lokeshwari, Dermatology Specialist and lead medical reviewer at VK Allure Dermaclinic. Last reviewed: . Read our editorial policy.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general education and is not a substitute for a personal medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Please consult our dermatologist before starting any procedure.