Understanding the Difference Between Freckles and Melasma 

Updated on: 10th April, 2022

Freckles are small, flat skin spots usually caused by genetics and exposure to the sun. On the other hand, melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation often caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills. 

While freckles and melasma may seem similar at first glance, they are distinct in their causes, appearance, and treatment options. Understanding the differences can help you better care for your skin and achieve a more even complexion. So, let’s take a closer look at freckles vs melasma and learn how to keep our skin healthy and radiant.

Freckles are clusters of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to our skin, hair, and eyes. They appear as small, flat, circular spots that are usually tan or light brown. Freckles are most common in fair-skinned individuals, and they tend to appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, shoulders, and arms.

Freckles often appear on children’s faces. But freckles are not just for kids – they can also add a youthful and fresh vibe to adults. Furthermore, freckles are a symbol of uniqueness and individuality. No two freckles are the same and can vary in size, shape, and colour from person to person.

There are two main types of freckles: ephelides and solar lentigines.

These are the most common type of freckles and are usually found in people with fair skin. They are flat, small, and tan or light brown in colour. Ephelides become more visible in the summer due to increased exposure to sunlight.

Also known as “sunspots,” these freckles are larger and darker than ephelides and are usually found on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun for many years, such as the face, arms, and hands. Solar lentigines are more common in people over 40 and can be a sign of sun damage to the skin.

Melasma, also termed chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it appears in pregnant women, is a skin condition that causes dark, discoloured areas on the face. The condition is significantly more frequent in women than in males; however, men can also acquire it.

Melasma is characterised by dark patches rather than spots.  While it usually appears on the face, melasma might develop on other parts of your body that are frequently exposed to sunlight.

Melasma is classified into three categories based on the level of pigment in your skin 

It is caused by an excess of melanin in the skin’s superficial layers. This is usually light brown in colour.

Here the pigment is deposited in the deeper layer of skin and hence looks greyish or bluish in colour. 

 This type of melasma has both superficial and deep components. 

Both freckles and melasma are seen when there is excess melanin pigment deposited in the skin. The exact cause of why freckles are spots and why melasma forms patches is unknown but is related to genes and external influences. Understanding the different causes can help you to know freckles vs melasma. A few factors that strongly play a role are – 

Freckles are mostly hereditary, meaning they can be passed down from generation to generation. If your parents or grandparents have freckles, you may be more likely to develop them too. Melasma also has a genetic component but is not seen in all. 

Sun exposure, especially UV damage is one of the strong triggers for melasma. People with melasma often have a history of long-standing sun exposure. Freckling is also known to increase with sun exposure. 

Hormonal changes and fluctuations especially those seen with pregnancy, menopause, stress are known to trigger melasma or increase melasma. These hormonal changes are also known to increase freckles in a person who has freckles. 

Freckles can be seen from a very young age and tend to increase with age. Melasma on the other hand is not seen in children and it often starts after 20-30 years of age. 

People with fair skin and light-coloured eyes are genetically more prone to have freckles. Whereas melasma is more common in Asian skin and darker skin tones.