Caring for black spots on the face at home

Care should also reduce new inflammation: avoid squeezing pimples, rubbing the skin, and using several strong active ingredients at once.

Flat brown, grey, or black marks can follow acne, a minor injury, or irritation from shaving and skin products. They differ from active pimples, which may be tender or raised, and from moles or growths that have their own shape and surface.

Home pigment care is intended for stable, flat marks with a known trigger. It should not be used to delay assessment of a new lesion whose cause is unclear.

Cleanse without scrubbing, moisturise if the skin feels dry, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Choose one pigment-focused product at a time and follow its label. Testing it on a small area first can reveal irritation before wider use.

Do not apply household bleach, undiluted acids, abrasive mixtures, or unknown lightening creams. These can burn the skin, worsen discoloration, or expose you to undeclared ingredients. Stop a new product if it causes persistent stinging, swelling, raw skin, or blisters.

Have a clinician examine a spot that enlarges, develops uneven edges or several colours, becomes raised, bleeds, repeatedly forms a scab, or fails to heal. Sudden swelling, spreading warmth or redness, pus, fever, or severe pain warrants prompt medical care.

A dermatology visit is also useful when home products repeatedly irritate your skin, pigmentation is spreading, or active breakouts continue to leave fresh marks.

Bring the names or photos of products you use and ask what is causing the marks, whether any ingredient should be stopped, and which treatment fits your skin. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, sensitive skin, and previous burns or discoloration from cosmetic treatments.