What should you know about stubborn dark spots on face?

Facial pigment is easily influenced by sunlight, visible light, heat, hormonal changes and irritation. Melasma often appears as broader, fairly symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jaw. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation follows acne, rashes or injury. Sun spots are more discrete, while tinea versicolor usually has fine scale and may extend beyond the face. A clinician assesses the borders, colour, surface and history rather than judging the spot by appearance alone.

Use daily broad-spectrum sun protection, seek shade and avoid picking or harsh scrubs. Keep the routine simple while active acne or dermatitis is being controlled. Depending on the cause and your skin tone, a clinician may consider skin brightening treatment, a chemical peel or picosecond laser treatment. These options require careful selection because inflammation after treatment can make facial pigment more noticeable. Discuss preparation, test areas, recovery, sun avoidance and what happens if the colour returns.

Have any facial mark examined if it changes, bleeds, crusts, ulcerates, becomes painful or differs clearly from surrounding spots. Prompt assessment is sensible for rapid change or a non-healing sore. Widespread scaling, swelling or a sudden rash may need medical treatment before any aesthetic procedure.

Does the distribution suggest melasma or post-inflammatory pigment? What is maintaining the colour? Which sunscreen and routine suit my skin? Should active acne or rash be treated first? Would a peel or laser increase irritation risk for me?