What should you know about skin whitening treatment at home?

Dark patches can follow inflammation, acne, friction or sun exposure. Melasma often appears as recurring facial patches influenced by light and hormones, while post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation follows an earlier skin injury or rash. A product that irritates the area can deepen the colour. New, changing or unexplained patches deserve assessment before you start a brightening routine.

Cleanse without scrubbing, moisturise, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin each morning; reapply according to the product directions and your exposure. Introduce one active product at a time and stop if it burns, swells or causes a rash. Ingredients such as cysteamine or kojic acid may be discussed with a clinician, but suitability depends on the diagnosis and formulation. Avoid unlabelled bleaching creams and products containing unknown medicines. Professional [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/) may offer diagnosis-led options.

See a dermatologist if patches spread, recur despite protection, itch, bleed, change texture or do not improve with gentle care. Seek prompt review for a rapidly changing or one-sided lesion, or for swelling and blistering after a product.

Could this be melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation? Which active ingredient fits my skin? How should I combine treatment with sunscreen, and when should a patch be examined?