A mark left after a breakout, a solar lentigo and melasma can look alike, but they don't behave the same way. Telling the context apart keeps you from choosing products blindly.
When we talk about dark spots, we usually mean areas where pigmentation increases and the skin looks darker than the surrounding area. Different mechanisms can be behind them: inflammation, sun exposure or, in the case of melasma, a combination of factors.
Appearance gives clues, but context matters just as much. A mark that appears after a spot doesn't tell the same story as a lentigo linked to accumulated sun exposure or melasma that keeps coming back.
At byNUT, that's where we start: what type of pigmentation it might be, what comes with it and what your skin tolerates before deciding on the next step.
Here are the main differences and what usually makes sense in each case.
What it is. A darker area that appears after inflammation or an injury to the skin, for example after a spot.
What should I do? Avoid further irritation, protect from the sun and choose a few well-tolerated actives. Azelaic acid can help improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is especially useful when there is also a tendency to blemishes.
AM · cleanse → treat → moisturize → sun protection
PM · cleanse → treat → moisturize
What it is. Solar lentigines are well-defined pigmented spots that often appear on areas that have had repeated sun exposure.
What should I do? Sun protection is the foundation for limiting further pigment stimulation. From there, a skincare routine can focus on improving the appearance of uneven tone without overloading the skin.
AM · cleanse → tone treatment → moisturize → sun protection
PM · cleanse → treat → moisturize
What it is. Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation that usually affects the face. It is multifactorial and can return even after it has improved.
What should I do? Consistent sun protection, gentle non-irritating care and a sustainable treatment strategy. Some topical actives, including azelaic acid and tranexamic acid, have been studied for melasma. If you suspect melasma, a dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and assess which treatment is right for you.
AM · cleanse → treat → moisturize → sun protection
PM · cleanse → treat → moisturize
Because UV radiation stimulates pigmentation and can make some spots darken or persist. That's why daily sun protection is part of any coherent strategy against hyperpigmentation.
With melasma there's one more nuance: visible light can also contribute to pigmentation, especially in higher skin phototypes. In this context, tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides can provide additional protection against visible light.
Treating dark spots doesn't end with the serum: it needs sun protection.
This isn't a list to use in full. Each option meets a different need and should fit your skin and what you already use.
POST-BREAKOUT · AZELAIC10% azelaic acid combined with kojic acid. It makes particular sense when the goal is to work on blemishes and the appearance of the post-inflammatory marks they leave.
View product →
UNEVEN TONEAn option from our catalog aimed at radiance and uneven tone. We position it as a complementary cosmetic treatment, not a substitute for sun protection or dermatological treatment.
View product →
TXA · NIACINAMIDE · ARBUTINA cream with tranexamic acid, niacinamide and alpha-arbutin. An option to work on the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone at the cream step.
View product →
POST-BREAKOUT · AZELAICA formula with azelaic acid, succinic acid, LHA and panthenol, designed by the brand for skin prone to blemishes and redness. We especially reserve it for the breakout + subsequent mark context.
View product →
TXA 4% · NIACINAMIDEContains 4% tranexamic acid and niacinamide, plus centella derivatives and vitamin C. The brand positions it to improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone.
View product →
TXA 2.5% · NIACINAMIDE 2.5%The brand states 2.5% tranexamic acid and 2.5% niacinamide; the formula also contains glutathione, panthenol and ceramide NP. It is aimed at improving the appearance of uneven tone.
View product →Context gives clues: a mark after a breakout may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; lentigines usually appear in areas of accumulated sun exposure; and melasma usually shows up as more extensive, recurring facial pigmentation. If it isn't clear what type of lesion it is, the right thing to do is to see a dermatologist.
The pigmented marks left after a breakout can fade gradually, although the time it takes varies. Avoiding further irritation and protecting your skin from the sun helps keep them from darkening.
It depends on the type of pigmentation and on how well your skin tolerates actives. Actives used to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation include azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids and vitamin C. Other actives, such as niacinamide and topical tranexamic acid, are also used in formulas for uneven tone, although the evidence depends on the type of spot and the formulation.
No. Solar lentigines are closely linked to accumulated sun exposure. Melasma is a multifactorial hyperpigmentation that usually affects the face and can come back.
Because UV radiation can stimulate pigmentation and make some spots darken or persist. With melasma, visible light can also contribute to pigmentation.
If a spot is new, changes, causes symptoms, has edges or colors that worry you, or you simply don't know what it is, it's best to have it assessed by a healthcare professional.
If the spots appear after a breakout, see blemishes and breakouts. If you want to work on your overall tone, go to radiance.
NUT takes your skin, your goals and your preferences into account to help you choose a clear routine and avoid products you don't need.
Create your routine with NUT →Educational and cosmetic content. It does not replace a dermatological diagnosis. Any spot that is new, changing, irregular, symptomatic or that worries you should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Images: skin macros created for byNUT as educational visual references; they cannot be used to diagnose a skin condition.
