Sun Spots vs. Melasma vs. Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation
Brown spots and uneven pigmentation are among the most common concerns I see in the clinic. Although they can look similar, not every dark mark is caused by the same process—and treating the wrong type of pigmentation can lead to disappointing results or make it more noticeable.
Sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation each behave differently. Understanding which type you have is the first step toward choosing a safe, effective treatment plan.
What Are Sun Spots?
Sun spots, also called solar lentigines, are flat, well-defined brown marks that develop after cumulative ultraviolet exposure. They are especially common on areas that receive regular sun exposure, including the:
Face
Chest
Shoulders
Backs of the hands
Unlike freckles, which may fade during the winter, sun spots tend to remain visible year-round. They often become more noticeable with age as years of sun exposure accumulate.
Sun spots are generally individual, clearly outlined marks rather than broad or symmetrical patches. When appropriate, they may respond well to treatments that target concentrated pigment, such as IPL photofacials, carefully selected chemical peels and some resurfacing treatments.
However, not every brown mark should be treated cosmetically. A spot that is new, changing, irregular, raised, crusting, bleeding or noticeably different from your other spots should be assessed by a physician before treatment.
What Does Melasma Look Like?
Melasma typically appears as larger, irregular patches of brown or grey-brown pigmentation. It commonly develops symmetrically across the:
Cheeks
Forehead
Upper lip
Chin
Jawline
Melasma is not simply surface-level sun damage. It is a chronic pigment condition involving overactive melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin. Sunlight is a major trigger, but hormones, pregnancy, hormonal medications, genetics, heat and skin inflammation may also contribute.
Because melasma is reactive, aggressive treatments are not always better. Excessive heat, irritation or inflammation may stimulate additional pigment production. Lasers, IPL and strong peels must therefore be considered cautiously and are not automatically the best first choice.
Melasma management usually focuses on reducing triggers and regulating pigment production with consistent sun protection, topical ingredients and carefully selected professional treatments. Even when melasma improves, it can return, particularly following significant sun exposure.
A tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen containing iron oxides can be especially helpful because visible light may contribute to melasma, particularly in deeper skin tones. Daily protection is not simply maintenance—it is part of the treatment itself.
What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, commonly called PIH, develops after the skin has been inflamed or injured. It may follow:
Acne or blemishes
Picking or squeezing
Eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis
Burns or irritation
Waxing or other hair-removal methods
An overly aggressive peel, laser or skincare routine
PIH usually appears in the exact location of the original inflammation. For example, a blemish may heal but leave a flat brown, grey or reddish-brown mark behind.
This type of pigmentation can occur in any skin tone but is often darker and longer-lasting in medium to deep skin tones. The more inflammation the skin experiences, the greater the risk that additional pigment will develop.
Treating PIH successfully means addressing both the remaining pigment and the condition that caused it. Attempting to exfoliate the marks away too aggressively can prolong irritation and create more discolouration.
Can You Have More Than One Type of Pigmentation?
Yes. Many clients have a combination of sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
For example, someone may have distinct sun spots across the cheeks, mild melasma above the lip and lingering marks from breakouts along the jawline. These areas should not necessarily receive the same treatment.
This is why a generalized “pigmentation facial” or one-size-fits-all laser protocol may not be appropriate. The pattern, colour, depth, location, skin tone and history of each area need to be considered.
Which Pigmentation Treatments Work Best?
The right treatment depends on the cause of the pigmentation.
Sun spots may respond to IPL, targeted resurfacing, pigment-regulating skincare and selected peels. Melasma generally requires a more conservative, long-term approach centred on sun protection, pigment-inhibiting ingredients and inflammation control. PIH treatment should prioritize calming the original condition, protecting the skin barrier and introducing corrective ingredients gradually.
Ingredients that may be incorporated into a professional pigmentation plan include tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, retinoids, vitamin C and other melanin-regulating ingredients. The best combination depends on your skin’s sensitivity, current routine and the type of pigmentation present.
Results also take time. Pigment can sit at different depths within the skin, and meaningful improvement usually depends on consistent home care combined with appropriately timed professional treatment.
When Should You Book a Pigmentation Consultation?
Consider a professional skin consultation when you are unsure what type of pigmentation you have, your dark spots are becoming more noticeable, or products and treatments have not produced consistent improvement.
At Event Skincare in Kelowna, pigmentation treatment begins with identifying the likely cause before selecting a procedure. The goal is not to promise perfectly pigment-free skin. It is to create a thoughtful plan that improves visible discolouration while minimizing unnecessary irritation and the risk of rebound pigmentation.
Correct identification matters. A treatment that works beautifully for an isolated sun spot may be too stimulating for melasma—and a routine designed for melasma may not address the inflammation causing PIH.
A careful, individualized approach is usually the safest path toward clearer, more even-looking skin.
