What should you know about a random dark spot on your face?

A mark appearing after acne, a rash, a burn, or picking may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Flat spots on sun-exposed skin can be sun spots. Symmetrical brown patches across the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip can fit melasma, which may be influenced by light and hormonal changes. Fine scale or a change in texture can suggest a different skin process, including tinea versicolor. A dark patch is a symptom shared by several conditions, so colour alone cannot establish its cause.

Note when it appeared, whether it is flat or raised, whether its edges or shades vary, and whether it bleeds, crusts, itches, or hurts. Photograph it without makeup in consistent lighting. A clinician may use magnification to decide whether monitoring, testing, or treatment is appropriate.

Use broad-spectrum sun protection and a hat when outdoors, because light can deepen pigment and make treatment harder to judge. Keep skincare gentle and avoid picking, bleaching mixtures, or strong exfoliation on an unexplained mark. Treating the trigger matters: a clinician may discuss a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, or picosecond laser treatment only after assessing the pigment pattern and skin sensitivity. These procedures are not suitable for every spot.

Arrange prompt medical review if a spot changes quickly, develops uneven shades or an irregular edge, repeatedly bleeds, crusts, becomes a sore, or differs noticeably from your other marks. Seek advice sooner for a new raised lesion or one with persistent itch or pain. A changing facial mark deserves assessment before cosmetic treatment is considered.

Ask whether the mark resembles melasma, a sun spot, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or another condition; whether it should be monitored or tested; which products to avoid; and whether a procedure could worsen pigmentation.