Understanding dark spots treatment
Dark spots have two broad origins. Sun-induced spots — freckles and lentigines — result from cumulative ultraviolet exposure. Post-inflammatory spots follow acne, eczema, bites or trauma, and represent pigment released during healing.
Post-inflammatory marks usually fade on their own over several months, faster with topical treatment and much slower without sun protection. Sun-induced spots do not fade on their own and often need a procedure.
Preventing new spots is as much a part of the plan as clearing existing ones, which means controlling the underlying cause — acne, eczema, or unprotected sun exposure.
This may suit you if
- Brown marks left after pimples have healed
- Sun spots on the cheeks, nose, forehead or hands
- Marks following insect bites, cuts or burns
- Uneven tone from years of unprotected sun exposure
What happens at the clinic
- 1
Identify the origin
Spots are examined to distinguish sun-induced pigmentation from post-inflammatory marks, since the treatments and timelines differ.
- 2
Treat the cause
If acne or eczema is still active, that is controlled first — otherwise new marks keep appearing while old ones are being treated.
- 3
Topical and peel course
A prescription routine is started and medical peels are scheduled to accelerate fading.
- 4
Targeted laser if needed
Q-Switched laser may be used for resistant sun-induced spots once the skin is prepared and protected.
Aftercare
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen without exception
- Do not pick scabs or crusts after laser treatment
- Continue acne or eczema treatment so new marks do not form
- Be patient — pigment clears gradually, not overnight
Possible side effects
- Temporary darkening before fading after laser treatment
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation if procedures are too aggressive
- Incomplete clearance of deep pigment
- Recurrence with further sun exposure