Discoloration gets called a lot of things: dark spots, sun spots, pigmentation, melasma. They’re often used like they mean the same thing. They don’t. Knowing which one you have changes how you care for it.

Sun spots

Small, flat, clearly defined brown spots that show up on areas that get the most sun: face, hands, chest, shoulders. They build up over years of sun exposure and become more noticeable with age.

Post-acne marks

Flat brown, pink, or red marks that appear exactly where a breakout used to be. They’re your skin’s leftover response to inflammation and usually fade over weeks to months with the right care.

Melasma

Larger, blotchy patches of brown or grayish-brown, usually appearing symmetrically on both sides of the face. Common areas include the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and bridge of the nose.

Melasma is linked to hormones, which is why it often appears during pregnancy or with hormonal birth control. Sun, heat, and even visible light can trigger it or make it darker. It’s more common in women and in medium to deep skin tones.

Why the difference matters

Sun spots and post-acne marks tend to respond well to consistent brightening care and daily SPF.

Melasma is more stubborn. It can fade and come back, and it’s easily worsened by irritation, heat, and harsh treatments. It’s best managed with guidance from a dermatologist.

Care that helps all three

Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, every day, rain or shine. If you’re dealing with melasma, a tinted sunscreen with iron oxides adds protection against visible light too.

Consistency over intensity. Gentle brightening products used every day will do more than strong ones used occasionally.

Avoid irritation. Harsh scrubs, too many actives, and aggressive peels can trigger more pigmentation, especially in deeper skin tones.

Watch the heat. For melasma in particular, heat exposure from saunas, hot yoga, or long hours in the sun can make patches darker.

When to see a dermatologist

If your discoloration appears suddenly, changes shape or color, covers large areas, or isn’t improving with consistent care, get it checked. Any spot that looks different from the rest should always be seen by a professional.