Sun, pigmentation and melasma in Australia.

Most skin pigmentation in Australia is driven by the sun, so daily sun protection is the best way to prevent it, and a GP or dermatologist is the right person to assess any patches that bother you. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, which makes protection matter more here than almost anywhere. This guide explains pigmentation and melasma plainly, and what you can do about them.

Why UV matters so much here

Australia experiences some of the highest ultraviolet (UV) levels on earth, and UV is the main driver of both skin pigmentation and skin cancer. Over time, sun exposure is also a major cause of the changes we read as ageing skin. That combination is why sun protection is the standout skin habit in this country, and why it comes up in every part of skin health. For the wider picture, see the pillar guide on women's skin health.

What pigmentation is

Skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin, made by cells in the skin. Sometimes that pigment is produced unevenly, leaving patches that are darker than the skin around them. This is what people mean by pigmentation or dark spots. The Better Health Channel explains that melanin is responsible for skin colour, and uneven pigment is common. Sun exposure is the most frequent driver, though some pigmentation can follow inflammation, such as after a breakout, or relate to hormones.

What melasma is

Melasma is a common, harmless but often stubborn form of pigmentation. It shows up as patches of brown or darker colour, usually on sun-exposed areas of the face such as the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, and tends to appear symmetrically on both sides. It is more common in women, and is linked to both sun exposure and hormonal changes, which is why it often appears in pregnancy or with hormonal shifts. For that reason it is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy. Pregnancy-related melasma often fades over time afterwards, though not always.

Melasma is not dangerous, but it can be persistent and frustrating, and the sun makes it worse. Because the patterns of pigmentation can vary, a GP or dermatologist is the right person to look at it, confirm what it is, and talk through what suits your situation.

Prevention through sun protection

Because UV drives most pigmentation, sun protection is the most effective prevention there is. It helps stop new patches forming and keeps existing ones from darkening, and it protects against skin cancer and visible ageing at the same time. The good news is that the advice is simple and consistent.

Cancer Council Australia sums it up as Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin.
• Slop on a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that is SPF50 or SPF50+, applied generously and reapplied regularly.
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
• Seek shade, especially in the middle of the day.
• Slide on sunglasses.

Cancer Council recommends sun protection whenever UV is 3 or above, which in much of Australia is most of the year. You can see the detail on the Cancer Council's sunscreen page. For where this fits in a daily routine, see a simple skincare routine for women.

When to see a GP or dermatologist

If pigmentation or melasma is bothering you, a GP or dermatologist can assess your skin, confirm what is going on, and discuss the options that suit your circumstances. There are different approaches, and the right one depends on the individual, which is exactly why this is a conversation to have with a qualified clinician rather than something to self-treat from a product label. Whatever else is considered, strict daily sun protection is part of managing pigmentation.

Common questions