What are dark spots?
Sometimes our skin creates too much of the pigment that gives it colour, called melanin. This can cause dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation. People with darker skin tones are more likely to experience this condition due to higher melanin production (1).
Types of dark spots
There are three common causes of dark spots:
Sun spots
Sun exposure makes your skin produce extra melanin to protect itself from UV rays. While this is a protective response, too much melanin can create small, dark patches, especially on areas like the face, hands, and arms (2).
Spots caused by skin inflammation
When the skin experiences inflammation from acne, eczema, or injury, it sometimes heals by producing too much melanin, causing dark spots. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and is especially common in darker skin due to more active melanocytes (3).
Melasma
Melasma causes dark patches on the skin, often on the face. It’s more common in women, especially during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, which is why it’s sometimes called the “pregnancy mask”. Sun exposure also worsens melasma (4).
How to Fade Dark Spots
Protect your skin from the sun:
Wear sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy or if you’re indoors. UV rays can pass through windows and cause skin damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher, which is particularly important for people with darker skin tones, as natural skin protection is not enough (5).
Prevent injury to your skin:
Avoid irritating your skin and treat skin conditions like acne quickly. Sunscreen is crucial to prevent the sun from worsening these spots (5).
How to treat melasma:
Melasma can be challenging to treat. Sun protection is vital and creams with ingredients like hydroquinone can help. However, always consult a dermatologist before starting treatment (4).
Be patient
Be patient
Remember, fading dark spots can take time, so be patient and consistent with your skincare routine. If you’re unsure about what to do, it’s always a good idea to ask a dermatologist for advice.
References
- Cardinali G, Kovacs D, Picardo M. Mechanisms underlying post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: lessons from solar lentigo. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2012;139 Suppl.
- Anvery N, Christensen RE, Dirr MA. Management of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color: A short review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(5):1837–40.
- Markiewicz E, Karaman-Jurukovska N, Mammone T, Idowu OC. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin: Molecular Mechanism and Skincare Implications. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Nov 25;15:2555-2565. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S385162. PMID: 36466945; PMCID: PMC9709857.
- Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud AM. Melasma. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
- Tsai J, Chien AL. Photoprotection for Skin of Color. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022 Mar;23(2):195-205. doi: 10.1007/s40257-021-00670-z. Epub 2022 Jan 19. PMID: 35044638; PMCID: PMC8766623.