Dark Spots and Scars on the Face

A flat brown or grey area usually reflects extra or retained pigment after acne, irritation or sun exposure. An atrophic scar forms a dip, while a raised scar sits above the surrounding skin. Redness can remain after inflammation without being brown pigment. Melasma may affect both sides of the face; sun spots are linked with exposed skin; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation follows a preceding skin injury or rash.

The face is easily irritated by over-treatment. A close examination matters when a mark has scale, a firm surface, an irregular edge or a pattern that does not fit a previous spot.

Use gentle cleanser, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoid picking or abrasive scrubs. Manage active acne before focusing on residual marks. For flat pigment, a dermatologist may discuss topical treatment, Chemical Peel, Skin Brightening Treatment or Picosecond Laser Treatment. Textured scars may need a different procedure and realistic counselling about gradual change. Introduce one new product at a time and stop if burning or a persistent rash develops.

Have any facial lesion checked if it changes, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, grows quickly or fails to heal. Seek advice when pigmentation follows a new medicine, affects the eyes or is accompanied by significant swelling. Do not attempt cosmetic removal until an uncertain lesion has been assessed.

Ask whether the concern is pigment, redness or a scar; what caused it; which treatment matches its depth and texture; how to protect the area; and which changes require review.