The Different Types of Spots (and How to Recognize Them)
Not all pigmentation spots look alike, and it is precisely this diversity that makes their treatment sometimes complicated. Recognizing the type of spot present on your skin allows you to orient the appropriate skincare strategy, as each form of hyperpigmentation has a distinct origin and different sensitivity to brightening actives.
Sun spots are the most common. They appear on the most exposed areas: face, hands, décolleté. They are recognized by their irregular shape and light to dark brown color. They intensify after summer, as they are directly linked to UV accumulation. They respond well to brightening products if the routine includes rigorous sun protection, because without this protection melanin will continue to activate.
Melasma, or the pregnancy mask, is more complex. It manifests as diffuse patches, generally on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Its particularity is being deeply linked to hormones. It can worsen under the effect of sun, stress, heat and even visible light. Unlike sun spots, it almost never disappears spontaneously and requires a gentle but consistent approach to avoid pigment rebound.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is very common in people prone to acne, blemishes or irritations. It forms following an inflammation: a pimple, a burn, an overly aggressive scrub or even a skin reaction. It first appears red, then turns brown or purple depending on skin phototype. Unlike other spots, it can form even without sun exposure, making it particularly frustrating. It responds well to anti-inflammatory and brightening actives, but intensifies if skin continues to be irritated.
With age, skin also develops so-called senile spots. These are due to the accumulation of UV damage over the decades, combined with a slowdown in natural repair mechanisms. These spots are often more stubborn as they root deeply in the dermis and require a very regular routine to fade.
Knowing how to recognize the origin of your spots allows you to better understand why some strategies fail and why others work. Skin prone to inflammation will need soothing, those prone to sun spots should focus on UV prevention, while melasma will require hormonal and environmental control. When products are adapted to the type of spot, brightening becomes progressive, stable and without rebound.
