Dark spots and uneven tone can linger long after acne, eczema, irritation, sun exposure, or other inflammation has resolved.
We first identify why the pigment is there, because melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun spots are treated differently.
The plan may include sun protection, topical medicines, procedures, or lasers chosen with your skin tone and risk of irritation in mind.
How can I reduce dark spots on my face?
The most effective plan starts by identifying why the dark spots developed. Acne, eczema, irritation, melasma and sun exposure can all cause or worsen facial pigmentation. Controlling the trigger and using daily broad-spectrum sun protection are essential. For melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a tinted sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and iron oxides can also help protect against visible light.
Depending on the diagnosis and skin tone, treatment may include topical brightening agents, retinoids, prescription medications, selected chemical peels or other carefully chosen procedures. Irritation can worsen pigmentation, so more aggressive treatment is not always better.
Why the cause of pigmentation matters
Hyperpigmentation means that an area of skin has become darker because of increased melanin or pigment deposition. It is a description, not a single diagnosis, and different causes respond to different treatments.
Common causes
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne, eczema, injury or procedures
- Melasma
- Sun-related lentigines or age spots
- Medication-related pigmentation
- Other inflammatory, hormonal or metabolic conditions
Why diagnosis matters
Different forms of pigmentation can look similar. Treating the wrong diagnosis or creating too much irritation can worsen discoloration, particularly in melanin-rich skin.
Melasma needs a maintenance plan
Melasma often appears as patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip and can be influenced by sun exposure and hormonal factors. Improvement may require ongoing sun and visible-light protection plus treatment rather than a one-time procedure.
A selected chemical peel may be considered within a broader plan, but an irritating procedure can worsen pigmentation. Clear + Brilliant / Permea is not automatically the right first step for melasma simply because it is a resurfacing device.
Dark marks, acne scars and age spots are different
Flat marks after acne are not the same as depressed or raised scars. See our acne-scar treatment page for texture changes and our sun damage and age-spot page for discrete sun-related spots. A changing, bleeding or otherwise suspicious spot should be medically evaluated before cosmetic treatment.
How long does hyperpigmentation take to fade?
Improvement is usually gradual and depends on the cause, depth of pigment and whether new inflammation continues. Consistent sun protection and control of the underlying trigger help prevent new darkening while treatment works.
Hyperpigmentation treatment on Long Island and Queens
Borealis Dermatology evaluates melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun-related spots and other causes of uneven pigmentation. Treatment is selected for the diagnosis and skin tone rather than using the same procedure for every dark spot.
Related reading from Borealis
- Why dark spots linger after acne or a rash: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- What dermatologists want patients to know about kojic acid