I sit next to an office window all day. I have mild brown patches on one cheek. How to tell if the patch is melasma?

Understanding the difference between melasma vs PIH is crucial for accurate diagnosis of brown patches. While melasma typically presents as symmetrical discolouration, a one-sided patch is rarely melasma and often points to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) or localised photodamage.

Sitting next to an office window exposes that specific side of your face to UVA rays and visible light, which easily penetrate glass. According to NCBI StatPearls, visible light induces persistent pigmentation that is more intense and longer-lasting than UV-induced pigmentation, especially in melanin-rich Indian skin classified as Fitzpatrick types III to V.

With over 20 years of dermatology heritage treating Indian skin, clinical experts note that melanin-rich skin reacts rapidly to localized UV stress. While severe melasma often requires triple combination therapy - which shows significant improvement in 70-80% of patients within 12-16 weeks per clinical reviews - mild, one-sided pigmentation can be managed with targeted barrier repair and tyrosinase inhibitors.

For Indian skin, hero ingredients like Niacinamide and Haldi (turmeric) work exceptionally well when paired with Ceramides and Cica (Centella Asiatica) to prevent further inflammation. Turmeric's tyrosinase inhibition works differently on melanin-rich skin than on lighter skin; it requires sustained application over 8-12 weeks to visibly reduce mild patches without triggering irritation.

To manage this desk job window pigmentation, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher indoors, reapplying every 2-3 hours. Incorporate a Niacinamide and Haldi serum into your morning routine to target the localized melanin production. For a definitive diagnosis, a dermatologist can use a Wood's Lamp test to clinically distinguish between superficial epidermal pigmentation and deeper dermal melasma.