Melasma (also known as “Chloasma faciei” or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant women) is a tan or dark skin discoloration.

Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications. It is also prevalent in men and women of Native American descent (on the forearms) and in men and women of German/Russian Jewish descent (on the face).