Evaluation of ex vivo melanogenic response to UVB, UVA, and visible light in facial melasma and unaffected adjacent skin.

Background: The independent role of solar radiation in the differential melanogenesis between melasma and adjacent skin is unknown.

Objectives: To assess the melanogenic responses of skin with facial melasma and of the adjacent skin to UVB, UVA, and visible light, in an ex vivo model.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study involving 22 patients with melasma.