Melasma is a common skin condition that's characterized by the appearance of dark, patchy areas on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. The patches caused by melasma are usually symmetrical, meaning they occur on both sides of the face in a mirrored pattern. The color of the patch’s ranges from light brown to dark brown or grayish-brown. These patches are typically irregular in shape and have defined borders. The affected areas can cover small or large portions of the face. Additionally, the size of patches is different from person to person. As melasma is often triggered and worsened by sun exposure, the patches tend to darken during periods of increased exposure and fade or lighten in the absence of UV rays. The condition is more common in people with darker skin tones; however, it can affect people of all skin types.