09/12/2026
Melasma, PIH, or Sun Damage? Here's how to tell the difference. 🔍
Dark spots are one of the most common skin concerns we see — but "dark spots" isn't one condition. It's three, and each one needs a different approach.
Here's the quick breakdown 👇
🟣 Melasma — Hormonal, reactive, and persistent. Usually shows up symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Triggered by hormones + heat + UV.
🔵 Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) — The marks left behind after acne, injury, or irritation. Irregular in shape, and it improves over time. Triggered by inflammation.
🟡 Sun Damage — Scattered brown spots and uneven tone on sun-exposed areas like the face, chest, and hands. Caused by years of cumulative UV exposure.
💡 The key takeaway: Know the cause, and you can choose a smarter approach. Treating the wrong condition can actually make pigment worse — so identification always comes first.
👉 Want the full esthetician guide + a free downloadable assessment sheet?
Save and share this with anyone working on brighter, more even skin. 💛
Educational guide only. Not a diagnosis. Always see a skincare professional for new, changing, or irregular spots.
Reading Pigment in the Treatment Room: Melasma, PIH, or Sun Damage? An esthetician-to-esthetician guide to assess facial pigmentation — with a free downloadable chairside sheet.
