Pigmentation Spots: Why They Appear and How to Treat Them

One day, you notice a brown spot on your face or décolletage… then another. Over time, sun exposure or hormonal changes related to pregnancy can cause these little marks to appear on your skin uninvited. And while they are generally harmless, they are rarely welcome!

Good news: understanding what causes pigmentation spots can help you choose the right approach to reduce their appearance.

Why Do Pigmentation Spots Appear?

The main culprit? Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. When exposed to sunlight, the cells that produce it, called melanocytes, generate more melanin to absorb some of the UV rays. This is what creates a tan… a glow that actually indicates UV damage rather than healthy skin.

Over time, repeated sun exposure can cause melanin to accumulate in certain areas, creating darker patches known as hyperpigmentation. Hormones, inflammation, and individual predisposition can also play a role. That’s why a mark left behind by acne and a patch that appears during pregnancy require different approaches.

Three Types of Pigmentation Spots to Recognize

Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots)

These small, flat, usually well-defined spots commonly appear on the face, décolletage, and hands. Often called “age spots,” they are primarily caused by repeated UV exposure.

Melasma

Melasma causes brown or greyish patches, often appearing symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, or above the upper lip. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy or while taking contraceptives, can contribute to its development. It is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” Sun exposure and genetics also play a role.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

A pimple disappears, but a brown mark remains? It could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This occurs after skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, eczema, burns, or irritation.

These marks are particularly common and persistent on medium to dark skin tones. They are not necessarily scars: the skin’s colour may change without any alteration in texture.

What Happens If Pigmentation Spots Are Left Untreated?

It depends on the type of pigmentation spot, as they don’t all evolve in the same way.

Solar lentigines tend to persist and may become more noticeable with continued sun exposure. New spots may also develop. Melasma can fluctuate for years, although it sometimes fades after childbirth. Post-inflammatory marks may gradually fade on their own, but patience is essential: this can take several months or even longer.

These benign spots do not require treatment unless their appearance bothers you.

However, any unusual new skin lesion or spot that changes in size, shape, or colour should be evaluated by a physician before undergoing any aesthetic treatment. Some skin conditions requiring medical attention can resemble ordinary brown spots

What Can Photorejuvenation Do?

Photorejuvenation can be an interesting option, particularly for solar lentigines. At Epiderma, Elos Plus technology combines intense pulsed light (IPL) with bipolar radiofrequency to gradually reduce their appearance and improve skin tone uniformity.

After a session, the treated areas may temporarily darken before gradually fading over the following weeks. Some improvement may be visible after the first appointment, although several sessions are generally needed to achieve more noticeable results.

Melasma requires a different approach. A preliminary assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatments based on the cause of the pigmentation and the individual’s skin type, while minimizing the risk of making it worse.

At-Home Habits That Make a Difference

Whether or not you choose professional treatments, the first step is simple: protect your skin from the sun. Even on cloudy days.

Your skin’s best friend, summer and winter alike, is broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, combined with wearing a hat and seeking shade. Applying sunscreen consistently helps prevent new spots from forming and existing ones from becoming darker.

A good at-home skincare routine is also essential. A serum containing vitamin C can help brighten the complexion and protect against oxidative stress. Other active ingredients, such as azelaic acid or retinol, may also be beneficial depending on your skin type.

However, there’s no need to fill your shelves with products. Choosing the right ingredients and knowing how to use them before and after treatments is best done with professional guidance to avoid irritation.

Meet with our in-clinic experts to discover skincare products suited to your skin that can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots and support your treatment results.

Your Skin, Your Choice

Would you like to reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots? During a personalized consultation, the Epiderma team can recommend a treatment plan that combines in-clinic technologies and skincare treatments with the right at-home habits. Our experts can also recommend products to use at home to help maximize your results.