The pathogenesis of melasma is complicated.Genetic predisposition, female sex hormone and photoaging play predominant roles in melasma.While the current research in this field has focused on the effects of female sex hormone and ultraviolet on the melanogenesis, melanin transportation and distribution through paracrine glass-dildos regulation by keratinocytes, fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells, the role of dermal extracellular matrix in hyperpigmentation is becoming the new hot spot.The important research area in the future will be to determine how Cocoa Powder genetic predisposition, female sex hormone and photoaging synergistically contribute to the development of melasma.