A client once came in looking very worried.
“Kate, I suddenly have so many spots on my face!”
But after talking for a while, we realized they did not appear overnight.
Most people simply notice them one day while looking in the mirror.
And most people call them all “spots” or “pigmentation.”
But not all brown spots are the same.
They could be melasma, freckles, age spots, sun damage, or marks left behind after acne or skin irritation.
They may look similar, but the cause and the way you care for them can be very different.
Melasma Is More Complex Than Many People Think
Many people believe melasma is caused only by the sun.
But genetics and hormonal changes can also play a big role.
That is why some people develop melasma while others do not, even with similar sun exposure.
Melasma often appears on both sides of the face, especially around the cheeks.
Freckles Look Different
Freckles usually appear as many small dots scattered across the skin.
Unlike melasma, they do not usually look like large patches.
Freckles are strongly linked to genetics and are more common in people with lighter skin.
Some Pigmentation Comes With Age
As we get older, our skin naturally changes.
One common change is the appearance of brown spots.
They may start small and gradually become darker or more noticeable over time.
Acne Marks Can Look Like Pigmentation Too
Brown marks left behind after acne or skin irritation can look similar to other types of pigmentation.
Some fade naturally over time.
Others may stay longer depending on your skin condition and daily habits.
That Is Why You Should Not Copy Someone Else’s Skin Routine
At AURA, we often hear:
“My friend did this treatment and got great results.”
But skin is personal.
Even when two people have similar-looking brown spots, the cause may be completely different.
For one person, dryness may be the main issue.
For another, repeated irritation may be the cause.
For someone else, sun exposure may be the biggest factor.
Different causes require different approaches.
The Most Important Question Is Not “What Should I Do?”
Many people start by looking for a solution.
What treatment should I get?
Should I try a laser?
But before that, it is important to understand what you are actually seeing on your skin, why it appeared, and what condition your skin is currently in.
That is where good skin care begins.
Skin Health.
Skin Nutrition.
At AURA in Burnaby, we often meet clients who are concerned about brown spots and pigmentation. Understanding what you are seeing on your skin is the first step toward choosing the right care.