Dark spots

Where spots come from

Any inflammation (a spot, a scratch, sun) can leave extra pigment behind. Melanin-rich skin marks more easily and holds marks longer, so prevention matters as much as treatment.

What actually helps

• Sunscreen daily, reapplied when you are outside. Without it, every other step is wasted.
• Vitamin C in the morning slows new pigment and brightens existing marks.
• Niacinamide stops pigment moving up to the surface.
• Gentle exfoliation (BHA or a mild rice exfoliant) speeds up the turnover that lifts marks away.
• Retinol at night for stubborn, older spots.

A simple routine

Morning: cleanser, vitamin C, niacinamide or moisturiser, sunscreen. Evening: cleanser, exfoliant or retinol (alternate nights), moisturiser.

Timeline

Fresh red marks fade in a few weeks with sunscreen alone. Brown marks take two to four months of consistent care. Do not pick: every picked spot is a new mark.