While these two skin conditions appear similarly on the body, there are minor differences between hyperpigmentation and melasma. Hyperpigmentation is a broad term that refers to a skin condition in which the skin is discolored or darkened due to an array of factors, including sun damage, acne scarring, and inflammation. Melasma, on the other hand, is a skin condition that's more common in women (it’s often called “the mask of pregnancy”) and is usually more prevalent on specific areas of the face, like the forehead, chin, and above the lip.