What should you know about pigmentation marks on face?

Flat brown or grey areas may be melasma, which often appears symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip and can be influenced by light and hormones. A mark left after acne, eczema or an injury may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun spots tend to occur on repeatedly exposed skin. A scaly or changing patch needs a different assessment, while lighter or finely scaling areas can point toward tinea versicolor. Colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansing and daily broad-spectrum sun protection; hats and shade can add protection. Avoid picking spots and pause products that sting or cause peeling. A clinician may examine the pattern and ask about medicines, pregnancy, acne, rashes and cosmetic products. Depending on the cause, options can include a [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/) or [Picosecond Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/picosecond-laser-treatment/). Treatments can irritate skin or worsen pigment if poorly matched, especially in darker skin tones.

Arrange a dermatology review for a new, enlarging, irregular or unevenly coloured mark, or one that bleeds, crusts, becomes painful or does not heal. Seek prompt care if several changes appear quickly or if pigment involves the eye or mouth. A clinician can also assess [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) when the pattern is widespread or unclear.

Could this be melasma, post-inflammatory pigment, a sun spot or an infection? Which ingredients should I stop or continue? How will you protect my skin from irritation during treatment? Would a biopsy or another test be useful?