What should you know about small dark spots on the face?

Pigment may become more noticeable after a spot, rash, acne lesion, or injury heals. Sun exposure can deepen existing marks, while melasma often creates broader, fairly symmetrical patches. Sun spots tend to be distinct areas on exposed skin. Tinea versicolor can alter skin colour and may have fine scale, although it is more often recognised on the trunk. These possibilities overlap, so [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) should be assessed when the pattern is unclear.

Use shade, protective clothing, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen suited to your skin, then avoid picking or scrubbing. Keep a simple record of new products, breakouts, and changes in the spots. A clinician may recommend treatment for the cause first, followed by options such as [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), a [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), or [Picosecond Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/picosecond-laser-treatment/) when appropriate. Procedures can irritate skin and may worsen pigment if used without a diagnosis.

Have a spot checked if it is rapidly changing, asymmetrical, very different from your other marks, bleeding, crusting, painful, or not healing. Seek advice for widespread new pigment, significant inflammation, or a rash with scale. Cosmetic treatment should wait until a changing lesion has been clinically assessed.

Ask what type of pigment pattern is present, whether any spot needs dermoscopic examination, which daily products suit your skin, and how to reduce the chance of irritation-related darkening during treatment.