Is my pigmentation Melasma, Sun Damage or Post-Acne Marks? You’ve noticed darker patches appearing on your skin. You buy a “pigmentation” serum, use it religiously and… very little happens. The problem may be that pigmentation isn’t one single condition.
Melasma, sun-induced pigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can all create darker areas on the face, but they develop for different reasons and may need very different approaches.
As a general guide, symmetrical patches across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip may suggest melasma. More defined individual brown spots can be associated with accumulated sun exposure, while dark marks appearing exactly where spots or inflammation previously occurred may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Those patterns can provide clues, but they aren’t a diagnosis. And that’s why identifying the pigmentation properly should come before deciding how to treat it.
Is my pigmentation Melasma, Sun Damage or Post-Acne Marks?
What does melasma look like?
Melasma often appears as irregular brown or grey-brown patches, commonly across both sides of the face.
Hormonal influences and UV exposure are strongly associated with it. Pregnancy, hormonal contraception and other hormonal changes may play a role, while sunlight can make existing melasma more noticeable.
It’s also a condition that can recur. Management is therefore often more realistic than promising a permanent “cure.”
What does sun pigmentation look like?
Years of UV exposure can produce areas of concentrated pigmentation, often called sunspots or solar lentigines.
They tend to be more defined than melasma and commonly appear on areas frequently exposed to sunlight, including the face and hands.
And no, you don’t need to have spent every summer deliberately sunbathing. UV exposure accumulates over years.
What are post-acne pigmentation marks?
After a spot or inflammatory skin injury heals, the skin may leave excess pigment behind. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH.
It’s particularly common in darker skin tones and can sometimes last far longer than the original breakout. Picking and squeezing spots can make the inflammation worse, potentially increasing the risk of lingering marks.
Why does knowing the type matter?
Because the wrong treatment can be ineffective and, in some cases, potentially aggravate pigmentation.
Depending on the diagnosis and your skin, treatment options may include professional skincare, chemical peels or carefully selected laser and light-based treatments. But we don’t start with the machine. We start with your skin.
Ayse’s Advice
One of the most common things I hear is, “I’ve tried everything for my pigmentation.”
When we actually talk through what they’ve tried, they’ve often tried lots of products aimed at pigmentation, but nobody has properly discussed what kind of pigmentation they have.
And that difference does matter a lot. Especially with melasma, sometimes restraint is just as important as treatment. More aggressive doesn’t automatically mean more effective.
Your next step
If you’re struggling with pigmentation and aren’t sure what’s causing it, book a consultation with Skin Perfection London, Oxford Circus.
Our experienced skin specialists will assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate approach for your individual concerns.
