Melasma is an acquired pigmentation disorder with complex pathogenesis. In addition to the dysfunction of melanocytes, the imbalance of the microenvironment, particularly the multicellular interactions among keratinocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, mast cells, and sebocytes, also contributes to the progression of melasma. This review summarizes relevant research progress on melanocytes and their microenvironment in the pathogenesis of melasma, as well as advances in the treatment of melasma.

Melasma is an acquired pigmentation disorder with complex pathogenesis. In addition to the dysfunction of melanocytes, the imbalance of the microenvironment, particularly the multicellular interactions among keratinocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, mast cells, and sebocytes, also contributes to the progression of melasma. This review summarizes relevant research progress on melanocytes and their microenvironment in the pathogenesis of melasma, as well as advances in the treatment of melasma.