Dark spots, patches, and uneven skin tone are among the most commonly searched skincare concerns - but not all hyperpigmentation is the same. The mark left behind after a blemish, the symmetrical patch that appeared during pregnancy, the defined spot on the back of your hand after years in the sun, and the freckles that darken every summer are four entirely different conditions. They share a common mechanism but differ in their triggers, appearance, location, and behaviour. Identifying which type you have is the essential first step before choosing any treatment approach.

This guide focuses entirely on identification. It will help you determine whether you have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, sunspots (solar lentigines), or freckles (ephelides) - based on how each type looks, where it appears, who is most commonly affected, and what causes it. For everything on causes, ingredients, and building a treatment routine, the complete hyperpigmentation guide covers it all.

Each section below includes detailed visual identification criteria, practical identification checklists, and skin tone considerations. Type-specific product callouts appear in Section 6 for those ready to act on their identification.

Products for Hyperpigmentation - Quick Reference

Before we get into identification, here are the products most commonly used to address hyperpigmentation - whichever type you have:

• Tranexamic Acid Serum - £16 - Hero dark spot serum. AM + PM. All skin types.
• 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum - £15 - Brightening and antioxidant protection. AM.
• Niacinamide Serum - £10 - Tone-evening and oil control. AM and/or PM.
• Glycolic Acid Toner - £13 - Exfoliating toner for faster cell turnover. PM only, 2-3x per week.
• Starter Retinol - £12 - Overnight skin renewal. PM only.
• Fulvic Acid Cleanser - £12 - Brightening cleanser with antioxidant action.
• 10% Azelaic Acid Serum - £16 - Anti-inflammatory and pigment-targeting. AM and/or PM.
• Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 - £15 - Daily broad-spectrum SPF. Essential for all types.

Now, to the identification. The four types of hyperpigmentation differ in how they look, where they appear, who gets them, and what causes them. Here is how to tell them apart.

Why Identifying Your Type of Hyperpigmentation Matters

Hyperpigmentation is a broad umbrella term for any area of skin that appears darker than the surrounding tone. The underlying cause is the same across all four types: an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour. When melanocytes - the cells that produce melanin - are disrupted or overstimulated, they produce more melanin than the surrounding tissue, resulting in a visibly darker area.

That shared mechanism is where the similarities end. Each type of hyperpigmentation has a distinct trigger, a characteristic location on the skin, a different visual presentation, and a different prognosis for fading. A treatment approach that addresses one type effectively may do very little for another. This is why identification is not merely an academic exercise - it is the practical foundation of any effective skincare response.

This blog is the diagnostic companion to our complete hyperpigmentation guide, which covers the science of how hyperpigmentation forms, the most effective ingredients for each type, and how to build a targeted routine. Here, the focus is entirely on helping you identify which type you have before you reach for any product.

The four main types of hyperpigmentation are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, sunspots, and freckles. Here is a detailed breakdown of each.

The Four Types of Hyperpigmentation: How to Identify Each One

Each type below follows a consistent format: what it looks like, where it appears, what triggers it, who is most commonly affected, skin tone considerations, and a practical identification checklist. Work through each description carefully. If more than one type matches, that is not unusual - overlapping types are common, and Section 7 addresses this directly.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark Marks After Blemishes

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the flat, dark mark left behind at the exact site of a healed blemish, ingrown hair, eczema flare, or other area of skin inflammation. It is one of the most widely experienced forms of hyperpigmentation, particularly in medium to deeper skin tones, and it is also one of the most frequently misidentified.

What it looks like

PIH presents as flat, dark marks with relatively defined edges that sit precisely where inflammation previously occurred. The colour ranges significantly depending on skin tone and the depth of melanin deposition. In lighter skin tones, marks tend to appear pink, red, or light brown. In medium skin tones, they typically present as medium brown. In deeper skin tones, they appear dark brown or grey-brown - and the grey-brown shade, in particular, indicates that the melanin has deposited at a deeper layer of the skin, which affects how long the mark takes to fade.

The surface texture of a PIH mark is completely flat. If you run a finger over the affected area, it feels identical to the surrounding skin. There is no bump, no indentation, no roughness. This is a key distinguishing factor from structural scarring, where the collagen structure of the skin has been physically altered. PIH is a pigmentation issue only - the collagen remains intact.

Where it appears

PIH appears wherever inflammation occurred. In blemish-prone skin, this is most commonly the cheeks, jawline, chin, and forehead. In those with eczema, it may appear on the arms, legs, or torso. In those with ingrown hairs, it may appear on the neck, legs, or bikini area. The pattern is asymmetrical and irregular - marks appear at individual blemish sites, not in a symmetrical distribution across the face.

What causes it

PIH is triggered by any form of inflammation or skin trauma: blemishes, breakouts, ingrown hairs, burns, cuts, insect bites, eczema flares, aggressive exfoliation, or picking and squeezing spots. The inflammatory response stimulates melanocytes to overproduce melanin as part of the skin’s healing response. The inflammation heals, but the excess melanin remains.

Who is most commonly affected

PIH affects all skin tones and all ages, but it is significantly more common and more pronounced in medium to deeper skin tones. This is because melanocytes are more active at baseline in higher Fitzpatrick skin types, meaning the melanin response to inflammation is stronger and the resulting marks are deeper in colour and longer-lasting. Anyone with blemish-prone skin is at higher risk, regardless of skin tone.

Distinguishing PIH from PIE

A critical and frequently confused distinction is between PIH and PIE (post-inflammatory erythema). PIE presents as pink or red marks at previous blemish sites and is caused by dilated or damaged blood vessels, not melanin. The practical glass test: press a clear glass firmly against the mark. If the colour disappears under pressure, it is PIE (vascular). If the colour remains visible, it is PIH (melanin-based). This test is particularly useful on lighter skin tones, where PIH can initially appear pink or red and be mistaken for PIE.

Identification checklist - Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:

• The mark appeared after a blemish, breakout, or area of inflammation
• It is completely flat - no bump or indentation when you run a finger over it
• It sits exactly where a blemish or area of irritation previously was
• The colour is brown, dark brown, or grey-brown (not pink or red - use the glass test if unsure)
• It does not appear symmetrically on both sides of the face
• It does not reliably darken in summer or lighten in winter

For a full guide to treating PIH - including the most effective ingredients, routine structures, and skin tone-specific guidance - see How to Get Rid of Post-Acne Dark Marks.

Melasma: The Symmetrical Hormonal Patches

Melasma is one of the most commonly misidentified types of hyperpigmentation. It is frequently mistaken for sunspots or general uneven skin tone, and its hormonal component means it behaves differently from other types - both in how it develops and in how it responds to treatment. Understanding its visual characteristics is the most reliable way to identify it without a clinical diagnosis.

What it looks like

Melasma does not present as defined individual spots. Instead, it appears as flat, diffuse, blotchy patches with irregular, blurred edges. The patches cover broader areas of skin rather than being contained to small, round spots. Colour ranges from tan and light brown to medium brown, grey-brown, or even bluish-grey. The shade depends on whether the excess melanin is sitting in the epidermis (which tends to appear lighter brown) or in the dermis (which appears grey-brown or bluish-grey and is more resistant to treatment).

Where it appears

Melasma appears almost exclusively on the face. The most common locations are the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, chin, and the bridge of the nose. It can occasionally appear on the neck or forearms, but facial presentation is by far the most typical.

The single most reliable visual identifier: bilateral symmetry

The defining characteristic of melasma - the one that most reliably distinguishes it from sunspots and PIH - is its symmetry. Melasma patches almost always appear bilaterally, meaning on both sides of the face in matching or mirrored patterns. If you notice similar patches on both cheeks, both sides of the forehead, or a consistent distribution across the upper lip area that mirrors itself, melasma is a strong candidate.

What causes it

Melasma is driven by two primary factors: UV exposure and hormonal changes. UV exposure acts as the trigger that stimulates melanin production, while hormonal fluctuations - from pregnancy, hormonal contraception, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - create a heightened sensitivity in the melanocytes. Genetics also plays a significant role; a family history of melasma is a strong predictor of developing the condition.

Who is most commonly affected

Melasma is significantly more common in women than in men, and it is more prevalent and more pronounced in medium to deeper skin tones. It frequently appears during pregnancy, where it is sometimes referred to colloquially as “the mask of pregnancy.” Starting or changing hormonal contraception is another common trigger.

Seasonal behaviour as a diagnostic indicator

Melasma typically darkens in summer as UV exposure increases, and may appear to lighten in winter when UV intensity is lower. This seasonal responsiveness - consistent worsening in high-UV months and partial improvement in lower-UV months - is a useful diagnostic indicator. If your patches reliably follow this seasonal pattern, melasma is likely.

Identification checklist - Melasma:

• Dark patches appear on both sides of the face in a similar or mirrored pattern
• Patches are diffuse and blotchy, not defined individual spots with clear edges
• Common locations include the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and/or chin
• Patches visibly worsen in summer or with increased sun exposure
• There is a hormonal history - pregnancy, hormonal contraception, or other hormonal changes
• Family members have had similar patches

For a complete guide to melasma - including causes, treatment ingredients, pregnancy-safe options, and routines - see What is Melasma and How to Treat It.

Sunspots (Solar Lentigines): Fixed Spots from Cumulative UV Exposure

Sunspots, clinically referred to as solar lentigines, are the result of cumulative, long-term ultraviolet exposure accumulated over years and decades. They are one of the most straightforward types to identify once you know what to look for - and one of the most important to address, both cosmetically and as a prompt for ongoing skin monitoring.

What it looks like

Sunspots are flat, well-defined spots with relatively clear, distinct edges. Unlike melasma, they are not blotchy or diffuse. Unlike freckles, they do not fade in winter. The colour ranges from tan to dark brown, and a single sunspot tends to be consistent in colour throughout. They vary in size from approximately 1mm to 2cm in diameter - larger than freckles, more defined and contained than melasma.

Where they appear

Sunspots appear exclusively on areas of the skin that receive the most cumulative UV exposure over a lifetime. On the face, this means the forehead, cheeks, nose, and temples. Beyond the face, they are particularly common on the backs of the hands, the shoulders, the forearms, and the chest and décolletage. If a dark spot is appearing on the back of the hand or the forearm rather than anywhere that might be inflamed or hormonally influenced, sunspots are a strong likelihood.

What causes them

Sunspots have a single cause: cumulative, long-term UV exposure. They are not linked to hormonal changes, inflammation, or genetics in the way that freckles are. They represent the skin’s record of sun exposure accumulated over many years - which is why they most commonly appear in people over 40, though they can develop earlier in those with significant UV histories or who have not consistently used sun protection.

Seasonal behaviour - a key distinguishing factor

Unlike freckles and, to some extent, melasma, sunspots do not fade seasonally. They are relatively fixed. New sunspots may continue to appear with ongoing UV exposure, and existing ones may appear slightly more pronounced in high-UV months - but they do not reliably lighten in winter. This persistence is one of the most useful distinguishing characteristics when comparing sunspots to freckles.

Who is most commonly affected

Sunspots are most visible in lighter skin tones, though they develop across all skin tones. They become increasingly common from the age of 40 onwards, though those with a history of significant sun exposure may develop them earlier.

Identification checklist - Sunspots:

• Spots are flat, well-defined, and roughly round or oval with clear edges
• They appear on sun-exposed areas - face, hands, shoulders, forearms, or chest
• They do not fade significantly in winter or lower-UV months
• They have appeared gradually over years, not following a specific inflammatory event or hormonal change
• No strong hormonal history associated with their appearance
• They are scattered and asymmetrical, not mirrored on both sides of the face

For ingredient and routine guidance for sunspots, see the complete hyperpigmentation guide.

Freckles (Ephelides): Genetically Influenced, Seasonally Responsive Spots

Freckles are the most naturally responsive of all four types of hyperpigmentation - and the type most closely linked to genetics. They are also the most seasonally variable, which provides one of the clearest and most reliable diagnostic signals of any type covered in this guide.

What they look like

Freckles are small, flat spots scattered across sun-exposed skin. They are typically lighter than sunspots - ranging from light tan to medium brown - and are generally smaller in size, usually between 1mm and 5mm. Their edges are irregular but small and contained. Surface texture is flat.

Where they appear

Freckles predominantly appear on the face - particularly the nose and cheeks - as well as on the shoulders and arms. They are concentrated in areas of high UV exposure, but their distribution is governed more by genetics than by accumulated sun damage in the way sunspots are.

What causes them

Freckles arise from a combination of genetic predisposition and UV exposure. They are more likely in those with a genetic predisposition, particularly those with lighter skin tones and red or fair hair, though they can occur across a range of skin tones. UV exposure does not create freckles from scratch in the way it creates sunspots - rather, it activates and darkens existing genetic potential.

Seasonal behaviour - the most reliable identifier

The single most diagnostically useful characteristic of freckles is their seasonal behaviour. Freckles reliably darken and become more numerous in summer, and lighten or fade in winter as UV intensity decreases. This fading behaviour is the clearest indicator that distinguishes freckles from sunspots, which do not fade seasonally. If the spots in question were notably lighter or less visible in the winter months just passed, freckles are the most likely identification.

Who is most commonly affected

Freckles are most common in lighter skin tones with a genetic predisposition. They typically appear in childhood or adolescence and may increase in number and intensity with cumulative sun exposure. Unlike sunspots, freckles are not primarily associated with age.

Identification checklist - Freckles:

• Small, flat spots scattered across sun-exposed skin - face, shoulders, arms
• They darken noticeably in summer and lighten or fade in winter or low-UV months
• Family members have or had similar spots
• They appeared in childhood or adolescence and increased over time
• No specific blemish, inflammation, or hormonal change preceded their appearance
• Lighter skin tone with fair or red hair (common but not a definitive requirement)

For ingredient recommendations to reduce the appearance of freckles, see the complete hyperpigmentation guide.

Now that each type is defined individually, the most common area of confusion is how to distinguish between types that can look similar. The next section addresses the most searched comparisons directly.

Melasma vs Hyperpigmentation, Sunspots vs Melasma: The Key Differences

Several comparisons come up repeatedly when people are trying to identify their dark spots. The following addresses each one directly, without ambiguity.

Melasma vs Hyperpigmentation: Clearing Up the Confusion

Melasma is not a separate category from hyperpigmentation - it is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. The confusion around “melasma vs hyperpigmentation” stems from the fact that hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term that covers all four types discussed in this guide, while melasma is one distinct form within that broader category.

When a skincare guide or dermatologist refers to melasma, they are describing a specific condition with a hormonal trigger, a characteristic bilateral distribution, and diffuse blotchy patches. When someone says they have “hyperpigmentation,” they may mean any of the four types. So if you are searching for the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation, you are most likely asking whether what you have is specifically melasma - or one of the other three types. The identification criteria in Section 3 will help you answer that.

Sunspots vs Melasma: A Direct Comparison

Both sunspots and melasma are flat, brown-toned, and commonly appear on the face. That is where the similarity largely ends.

• Shape: Sunspots are defined, round or oval spots with clear edges. Melasma appears as diffuse, blotchy patches with blurred or irregular borders.
• Pattern: Sunspots are scattered and asymmetrical. Melasma almost always appears symmetrically on both sides of the face.
• Location: Sunspots appear on any sun-exposed area, including the hands, shoulders, and forearms. Melasma appears almost exclusively on the face.
• Trigger: Sunspots are caused by cumulative UV exposure only. Melasma is driven by a combination of UV exposure and hormonal changes.
• Seasonal response: Sunspots are relatively fixed and do not change with the seasons. Melasma often darkens in summer and may lighten in winter.
• Hormonal link: Sunspots have no hormonal link. Melasma is strongly associated with pregnancy, hormonal contraception, and HRT.
• Age of onset: Sunspots typically appear from the age of 40 onwards. Melasma can appear at any age, commonly triggered by a hormonal change.

PIH vs Melasma: A Direct Comparison

• PIH is localised precisely to the site of previous inflammation or a blemish. Melasma appears in characteristic zones - cheeks, forehead, upper lip - regardless of any inflammation history.
• PIH does not follow a bilateral symmetrical pattern. Melasma almost always does.
• PIH is linked to blemishes, breakouts, and skin trauma. Melasma is linked to hormones and UV exposure.

PIH vs Sunspots: A Direct Comparison

• PIH appears following a specific inflammatory event - a blemish, an ingrown hair, a burn. Sunspots appear without any inflammation, driven purely by cumulative UV exposure over years.
• PIH is most common in blemish-prone skin and can appear at any age. Sunspots are most common in those with a significant UV history, typically from the age of 40 onwards.
• PIH can appear anywhere on the face or body where inflammation occurred. Sunspots appear specifically on sun-exposed areas.

For deeper reading on melasma, see What is Melasma and How to Treat It. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, How to Get Rid of Post-Acne Dark Marks provides a comprehensive treatment guide. For a full overview of all types and treatment ingredients, the complete hyperpigmentation guide is the authoritative reference.

Skin tone also affects how each type presents - which matters both for identification and for choosing the right treatment approach.

How Skin Tone Affects Hyperpigmentation Identification

All four types of hyperpigmentation affect every skin tone. But they do not look the same across all skin tones, and this directly affects how easy each type is to identify - and how long it takes to fade. Understanding how each type presents across different complexions is an important and frequently underserved dimension of identification.

Lighter Skin Tones

In lighter skin tones, PIH often presents as pink, red, or light brown marks rather than the deeper brown or grey-brown presentation seen in darker skin tones. This can create confusion with PIE (post-inflammatory erythema), making the glass test - pressing a clear glass firmly against the mark to see if the colour disappears - particularly useful for this group.

Freckles are more common and more visible in lighter skin tones, particularly those with red or fair hair and a genetic predisposition. Sunspots are highly visible against lighter skin and are typically diagnosed earlier than in those with more melanin-rich skin. Melasma may appear as lighter brown or grey patches rather than the deeper brown tones seen in higher Fitzpatrick skin types.

Medium Skin Tones

In medium skin tones, PIH tends to present as medium to warm brown marks. Melasma is common in this group and often presents clearly as brown or grey-brown patches, particularly in women with a hormonal history. Sunspots are present but may be less immediately visible than in lighter skin, though they become clearer with cumulative UV exposure over time.

Deeper Skin Tones

PIH is significantly more common, more pronounced, and longer-lasting in deeper skin tones. This is because melanocytes are more active at baseline, meaning the pigmentation response to any inflammatory trigger is stronger and more persistent. Marks typically appear dark brown or grey-brown. The grey-brown presentation, in particular, indicates dermal PIH - melanin that has been deposited in the deeper layers of the skin rather than the surface epidermis - which takes considerably longer to fade and requires targeted, consistent treatment.

Melasma may present as dark brown, grey-brown, or even bluish-grey patches in deeper skin tones, reflecting deeper dermal melanin deposition. Sunspots are present but may be more subtle in their early stages.

A critical note for deeper skin tones: because melanocytes are more active at baseline, any inflammatory trigger - including the use of harsh, irritating, or over-exfoliating skincare products - can produce a stronger and more lasting pigmentation response. Marks that appear after using an irritating product are PIH, not a sign of permanent skin damage.

The Glass Test: A Universal Identification Tool

The glass test is useful across all skin tones, but it is particularly valuable on lighter skin tones where PIH can appear pink or red and be confused with PIE. Press a clean, clear glass firmly against the mark and hold it for a few seconds. If the colour disappears under the pressure of the glass, the mark is vascular - PIE, caused by dilated blood vessels rather than melanin. If the colour remains visible, it is melanin-based PIH.

The Fitzpatrick Scale

Clinically, skin tones are categorised using the Fitzpatrick Scale - a numerical classification from I (very light, always burns, never tans) to VI (very deep, never burns). It is the standard clinical framework for discussing skin tone in a dermatological context. If you want a more structured technical framework for your skin tone category, the Fitzpatrick Scale is the reference point most skincare and dermatology resources use.

For treatment guidance by skin tone, the complete hyperpigmentation guide covers this in detail. For those with deeper skin tones managing PIH specifically, How to Get Rid of Post-Acne Dark Marks includes skin tone-specific routine guidance.

Once you have identified your type, the next step is knowing which products are best suited to it. The following section provides type-specific product recommendations to get you started.

Type-Specific Product Recommendations

The products below are organised by hyperpigmentation type. Each callout includes the product, price, and a brief note on why it is relevant to that specific type. This is a starting point, not a full routine - for complete AM and PM routine guidance, the complete hyperpigmentation guide is the place to go.

For Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Tranexamic Acid Serum - £16 - Targets the melanin overproduction triggered by inflammation. Use AM and PM. Suitable for all skin tones, including medium to deeper tones where PIH is most common and most pronounced.
• Niacinamide Serum - £10 - Works alongside Tranexamic Acid by inhibiting melanin transfer from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells. Simultaneously supports blemish-prone skin, addressing the root cause of new PIH.
• 10% Azelaic Acid Serum - £16 - Anti-inflammatory action addresses both the residual redness and the pigment left behind after blemishes. Suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, and appropriate for use alongside other actives.

For a complete PIH treatment guide, including routines and skin tone guidance: How to Get Rid of Post-Acne Dark Marks.

For Melasma

• Tranexamic Acid Serum - £16 - Clinically respected for melasma management. Blocks the inflammatory signalling pathway that drives hormonal pigmentation. Suitable for use during pregnancy - always confirm with your healthcare provider.
• 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum - £15 - Antioxidant defence against the UV-triggered melanin overproduction that worsens melasma. Best used in the morning as part of a UV-protective routine.
• Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 - £15 - Non-negotiable for melasma management. UV exposure is the primary environmental driver of melasma, and daily broad-spectrum SPF is the single most impactful step in any melasma routine.

For a complete melasma guide, including pregnancy-safe options and full routine guidance: What is Melasma and How to Treat It.

For Sunspots

• Tranexamic Acid Serum - £16 - Fades existing sun-induced dark spots by interrupting melanin transfer. Use AM and PM consistently for visible results over time.
• 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum - £15 - Directly targets sun damage and surface-level hyperpigmentation. Use in the morning for antioxidant protection alongside brightening action.
• Glycolic Acid Toner - £13 - Accelerates cell turnover to shed pigmented surface cells, making other active ingredients more effective. PM only, 2-3 times per week.

For full ingredient and routine guidance for sunspots: the complete hyperpigmentation guide.

For Freckles

• Fulvic Acid Cleanser - £12 - Antioxidant-rich brightening cleanser. A gentle first step for those wanting to reduce the appearance of freckles without jumping immediately to stronger actives.
• Starter Retinol - £12 - Accelerates cell renewal for gradual reduction in surface pigmentation. Use PM only and build up gradually to tolerance. For those already experienced with retinol, Advanced Retinal offers a more potent alternative.
• Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 - £15 - Freckles respond directly to UV exposure. Daily SPF is the most effective single tool for preventing new freckles from developing and maintaining any results achieved through a brightening routine.

For full ingredient and routine guidance: the complete hyperpigmentation guide.

Still unsure which type you have? The following quick diagnostic summary brings together the key identifiers from each type in one place.

Quick Diagnostic Summary: All Four Types at a Glance

This section synthesises the most definitive characteristics of each type in a single, scannable reference. If you have worked through the sections above and are still uncertain, use this summary alongside the identification checklists in Section 3.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):

• Flat dark marks at the exact site of a previous blemish or area of inflammation
• Colour ranges from pink or light brown (lighter skin tones) to dark brown or grey-brown (deeper skin tones)
• Irregular, asymmetrical pattern - no bilateral mirroring, no characteristic facial zones
• Not linked to hormones or cumulative sun exposure
• Fades slowly with consistent SPF use and targeted ingredients applied over time

Melasma:

• Diffuse, blotchy patches with blurred or irregular edges - not defined spots
• Almost always appears symmetrically on both sides of the face
• Common locations: cheeks, forehead, upper lip, chin, and bridge of the nose
• Strongly linked to hormonal changes and UV exposure
• Darkens in summer; may lighten in winter

Sunspots:

• Flat, defined, round or oval spots with clear edges
• Appear exclusively on sun-exposed areas - face, hands, shoulders, forearms, and chest
• Do not fade seasonally - more fixed than freckles or melasma
• No hormonal link; caused by cumulative UV exposure over years and decades
• Most commonly appear from the age of 40 onwards

Freckles:

• Small, flat spots scattered across sun-exposed skin - particularly the face, shoulders, and arms
• Reliably darken in summer and fade or lighten in winter - the most consistent seasonal responder of all four types
• Strong genetic component - often runs in families
• Typically appear in childhood or adolescence and increase with cumulative UV exposure
• No preceding inflammation or hormonal trigger

A note on overlapping types: It is common to have more than one type simultaneously. Someone with blemish-prone skin and a hormonal history may have both PIH and melasma. Someone over 40 with a history of blemishes may have both sunspots and PIH marks. The identification criteria above apply to each type independently - assess each affected area against the relevant checklist rather than trying to fit everything into one category.

If, having worked through this guide, you are still uncertain about what you have - or if you notice spots that are changing in size, shape, or colour - consulting a GP or dermatologist is always the appropriate next step for a definitive clinical diagnosis.

For full treatment guidance once you have identified your type, the complete hyperpigmentation guide covers everything: the most effective ingredients, how they work, and how to build an AM and PM routine. You can also take our Skincare Quiz for a personalised routine recommendation, or chat to askINKEY for direct, personalised skincare advice.

Understanding Your Dark Spots Is the Starting Point for Everything

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns across all skin tones and all ages - but it is also one of the most mismanaged, largely because different types respond to different approaches. Identifying whether you have PIH, melasma, sunspots, or freckles is not a minor detail. It is the foundation on which any effective treatment is built.

All four types are addressable with the right combination of targeted ingredients and consistent daily SPF. None of them requires accepting the status quo. But the most important ingredient in any routine is clarity about where you are starting. That clarity is what this guide is designed to provide.

If you have identified your type and you are ready to build a full treatment routine, the complete hyperpigmentation guide is where to go next. If you want personalised guidance based on your specific skin profile, the askINKEY team is available to help.

Ready to Start Treating Your Hyperpigmentation?

• Shop the Hyperpigmentation Collection
• Read the Complete Hyperpigmentation Guide
• Build Your Own Routine and save up to 20%
• Take our Skincare Quiz for a personalised routine
• Chat to askINKEY for personalised advice