Pigment International
The divergent management of melasma: a 2026 clinical review comparing traditional standards in lighter photo types to novel athermal and biological modalities in Fitzpatrick IV–VI
Melasma (historically chloasma) remains a complex, recalcitrant pigmentary disorder affecting millions worldwide. This article elucidates the paradigm shift in management strategies observed in early 2026 for Fitzpatrick III-VI, its comparison with Fitzpatrick I–III, and the transition from aggressive mono-therapies to a multi-layered, synergistic approach. To locate, select, and extract relevant data, a comprehensive search of recent clinical protocols and emerging technological studies was conducted. This literat …