Most pigmentation on the face is either melasma (brown or grey-brown patches, often on both cheeks) or dark spots left behind after acne, a cut or irritation. Both get darker with sun. The base of every treatment is daily sunscreen and gentle skin care; a dermatologist can confirm the cause and prescribe treatment if you need it.
Melasma or dark spots?
Melasma
- Tan, brown, grey-brown or bluish-grey patches and freckle-like spots, usually on the cheeks, forehead, chin or above the upper lip, often on both sides of the face.
- The AAD says it is most common in women, and women with medium to dark skin tones are most likely to develop it.
- Triggers include sunlight, pregnancy, birth control pills and even stress. It is so common in pregnancy that it is called the “mask of pregnancy”.
- Many people find it gets darker in summer and fades in winter.
Dark spots after acne or injury
- Marks that appear where skin was inflamed or hurt: after pimples, eczema, a cut, a burn or an insect bite.
- Also caused by skin or hair products that irritate your skin.
- The AAD notes that people with medium to dark skin tones get these easily, because many everyday triggers make their skin produce extra melanin.
Not sure which you have? A dermatologist can usually tell by looking closely, sometimes with a special lamp or magnifier. Dark circles under the eyes have other causes too: see our dark circles guide, and a dermatologist can advise.
Step 1: sunscreen, every single day
Sunlight makes the skin produce more pigment, darkening existing patches and causing new ones. The AAD recommends a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide, which also protects against visible light, a cause of dark spots. Look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance.
- A non-comedogenic formula (won’t clog pores) if your skin is oily.
- A shade that blends with your skin. Iron oxide is listed under inactive ingredients.
Apply it to all uncovered skin before you go out, reapply every 2 hours and after sweating, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside.
Step 2: find and stop the cause
- Acne or eczema? Treat the skin condition first. Once the breakouts stop, most dark spots fade on their own over time.
- Irritating products? Switch to gentler products labelled “for sensitive skin” or “fragrance-free”, and stop anything that burns or stings.
- Don’t pick or scrub. Re-injuring the skin keeps the marks coming back.
- Medicines: never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask the doctor who prescribed it whether it could be causing the discolouration.
Step 3: ingredients that can help fade spots
Once you have stopped the cause and are protecting your skin from the sun, the AAD says products with one of these ingredients can help fade dark spots:
- Azelaic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Kojic acid
- A retinoid (retinol, adapalene or prescription tretinoin)
- Vitamin C
Start one product at a time and stop if it irritates, because irritation can cause more dark spots, especially on darker skin. For melasma, the AAD suggests using a non-prescription product for no longer than 3 to 6 months; if it hasn’t worked by then, see a dermatologist.
What a dermatologist can offer
For stubborn melasma, a dermatologist may prescribe creams such as hydroquinone or a “triple combination” cream, and sometimes add procedures like chemical peels or lasers, or tranexamic acid tablets when other treatments fail. These need a dermatologist’s supervision; some treatments can irritate darker skin and make melasma worse. The AAD says that with treatment, it usually takes 3 to 12 months to see results, and melasma can come back, so sun protection never stops.
What never to put on your face
- Steroid creams without a prescription. The AAD warns that hidden steroids in some imported skin products can cause pimples and rashes, and with long use make the skin thin, fragile or permanently discoloured. Be wary of “fairness” and “instant glow” creams with unclear labels.
- Bleach, in any form.
- Lemon juice, toothpaste or harsh scrubs. Anything that irritates your skin can cause more dark spots.
Lifestyle habits that support your skin
- Stress less, sleep more. The AAD lists stress among melasma triggers. Our stress guide and sleep guide can help.
- Eat well. Balanced home meals with enough protein, fruit and vegetables support healthy skin and hair; see our hair fall guide.
- Build a daily routine. Our glowing skin guide covers gentle washing, moisturiser and the habits that help dull, tired skin and dark circles.
- Pregnant? Protect your skin from the sun and wait: the AAD advises waiting until after the baby is born to treat melasma.
Does face yoga help pigmentation?
No. Face yoga works the muscles of the face and may help how your face looks and feels in other ways, but no exercise changes pigment in the skin. For pigmentation, sun protection, gentle skin care and, if needed, a dermatologist are what work.
How FunDa helps
The Skin & Hair Transformation program supports healthy skin and hair through daily habits: sun protection, sleep, stress care, nutrition and face yoga, with a live face yoga, skin and hair session with Dr. Jyoti every week. It does not diagnose or treat skin conditions; for melasma or persistent dark spots, see a dermatologist. Results vary.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Melasma: overview.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Melasma: diagnosis and treatment.
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones.
How we write our guides: read our editorial and evidence policy.
