Difference between Melasma and...?

[jbird]

Can someone tell me the difference between melasma and regular ole hyperpigmentation? I believe I have melasma. It first started above my upperlip which I do not get so much anymore, it use to be worse. I do however wax there every two to three weeks. Then I started two years ago with splattered spots on forehead. II have never taken the birth control pill, I have never been pregnant. I also have some spots on side of cheeks, not on cheek bone but below the cheeck bone. They do get darker in the summer time. One spot is on bridge of nose and it is white in center with a darker coller around the edge of it. My spots are not dark brown, they seem more tan. I would say my complexion is light to medium, honestly i have no idea I always have tanned, yes I know bad, bad bad. I would say I am lighter complected. I have blue eyes, brown hair.

I am afraid this is melasma as I also have vascular rosacea so this will be very hard to treat. I want/need to get IPL for rosacea but am afraid now since I probably have melasma which IPL will make it worse. I do not tan my face anymore but it still gets color from the summer months, this is the only time I see a big difference with this. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance