This study was performed in females with Fitzpatrick skin type III to VI. This population was selected because melasma occurs more commonly in females than in males4 and has a propensity for darker skin.6 Some research suggests that there may be differences in the histopathology of melasma between males and females,7 but as this study enrolled females only, there was no potential for any influences due to gender. However, for the same reason, only further research can confirm whether or not the results obtained in females are representative of those in males as well.