Pigmentation
Not every dark spot has the same cause
Updated
In short
- Dark patches on the skin can have several different causes, and they can look alike.
- Daily sun protection is the foundation. Improvement is usually gradual, and pigmentation can return.
- Any new or changing spot should be checked, because not all dark marks are harmless.
Three common types
They can look alike, but an approach that suits one type can be unhelpful for another.
Melasma
- Looks like
- Symmetrical patches
- Often seen
- On the cheeks, forehead or upper lip
- Linked to
- Hormones, ultraviolet (UV) and visible light
Post-inflammatory marks
- Looks like
- Darkening left behind after the skin heals
- Often seen
- Where the skin was affected. More common and longer lasting in deeper skin tones
- Linked to
- Acne, a rash or an injury
Sun-related spots
- Looks like
- Flat, well-defined marks
- Often seen
- On areas with years of sun exposure
- Linked to
- Long-term sun exposure
Simplified drawings for general education. They can't be used to identify a skin concern.
What may help
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is the foundation for all three types. Topical ingredients and in-clinic procedures are sometimes considered, but what’s suitable depends on the cause and on individual assessment.
Limits and risks
- Results vary, and improvement is usually gradual.
- Pigmentation can return, melasma especially.
- Irritation from strong products, or heat from some procedures, can make pigmentation worse. This risk is higher in deeper skin tones.
When to see a doctor
Ask a qualified doctor to examine any spot that is:
- New or changing
- Bleeding
- Unusual in shape or colour
A proper assessment should come before any treatment decision.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the most likely cause of my pigmentation?
- Does anything need to be checked or ruled out first?
- What are the realistic benefits and limits of this option for my skin tone?
- What could make it worse, and what happens if it comes back?
The information on this website is for general education only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Outcomes vary and all procedures carry risks.