Dealing With Discolouration

Hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots require special care.

- Team Cosmo

You know discolouration as the dark spots that creep up out of nowhere to camp out on your face. They're very common and totally normal, but they can also be extremely stubborn—and frustrating. Which is why, if you'd like to treat yours, you need this comprehensive info. Here’s how to kick ‘em out for good.

The Three Most Common Kinds, Explained

Because you can't treat discolouration until you know what type you have.

1. Melasma

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

It shows up as brownish or grayish patches that appear most often on your cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or the area above your upper lip, says dermatologist Uchenna Okereke, MD.

WHY IT HAPPENS

Sun exposure and hormones, mostly—hence why you may hear melasma called a “sunstache” or a “pregnancy mask.” Other culprits include birth control pills, inflammation, excessive heat, and genetics.

WHO GETS IT