What causes dark spots on the face?

Melasma often forms symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jaw. Sun spots tend to be individual, well-defined marks on frequently exposed skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation follows acne, eczema, burns, or picking and may remain after the original problem settles.

Tinea versicolor can alter pigment and may show fine scale, although it more often affects the trunk. A clinician considers the colour, border, surface, distribution, onset, pregnancy or hormonal history, and any new products or medicines. A photograph alone cannot reliably identify every cause.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and add a hat or shade when outdoors. Treat acne, eczema, or irritation gently so new inflammation does not keep stimulating pigment. Avoid bleaching mixtures, harsh scrubs, and unprescribed steroid creams; irritation can deepen discoloration, especially in sensitive skin.

A dermatologist may discuss a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, or picosecond laser treatment after confirming the diagnosis and considering your skin tone. These approaches have different risks, downtime, and chances of temporary darkening, so treatment should be planned rather than selected from the colour alone.

Arrange a prompt assessment for a spot that changes quickly, bleeds, crusts, forms an irregular border, or differs noticeably from nearby marks. Seek care for a spreading rash, pain, significant scale, or pigment change after a new medicine. Routine review is sensible when spots persist, multiply, or are affecting your confidence.

Which diagnosis best fits the colour and pattern? Could acne, eczema, hormones, or a medicine be contributing? What sunscreen and pigment treatment suit my skin tone? How will we reduce the chance of irritation or darkening after a procedure?