Brown spots on your face: what to know

Sun exposure can make pigment-producing cells create darker patches, especially on areas that receive regular light. Spots can also remain after acne, irritation, shaving bumps, or a rash has settled. Hormonal shifts and some medicines may contribute to more widespread facial pigmentation. Flat, evenly coloured marks are assessed differently from a spot that is raised, scaly, bleeding, or irregular. A clinician considers when it started, whether it is single or clustered, your skincare products, and any preceding inflammation.

Use gentle cleansing, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin. Avoid picking, harsh scrubs, and unregulated lightening creams, since irritation can deepen pigmentation. Keep a clear photograph with the date and pause any newly introduced product that stings or causes redness. A dermatologist can distinguish a surface pigment problem from a mole or other lesion and discuss options such as prescription creams or a procedure suited to your skin and the mark’s cause.

Arrange a prompt skin check if a spot changes in size, shape, border, or colour, or becomes itchy, painful, crusted, or prone to bleeding. Seek earlier advice for a mark that appears after a medicine change or alongside widespread symptoms. Urgent review is appropriate for rapidly worsening swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or eye involvement.

Ask which causes fit the spot’s appearance, whether a skin examination or sample is needed, which products are safe for your skin tone, and how long to use a chosen treatment before reviewing it.