Melasma vs blemish treatment differences: ① melasma (deep dermal): requires gentle gradual treatment, often hormonal cause — needs constitutional treatment + laser toning + sun protection, ② sun spots (epidermal): respond well to single Q-switched laser sessions, ③ post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: lighter laser + topical, ④ freckles (genetic): laser effective but recurrence common. Aggressive laser on melasma worsens it. Diagnosis-based treatment is critical — see doctor for accurate assessment.