Dark spots. Which type you have and how to treat it
Melasma, sun spots and marks left by acne have something in common, an excess of melanin. But they aren't treated the same way and don't respond at the same pace. Here we explain how to recognise your type of spot and which depigmenting product suits each case.
First, identify which spot you have
It's the step almost everyone skips, and it explains why a product sometimes doesn't work. It simply wasn't right for that type of spot.
Melasma
Symmetrical, diffuse patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Internal factors such as hormones and genetics play a part, as do external ones like sun, heat, pollution or some medications, including contraceptives. It is the most stubborn type and the one most likely to come back.
Sun spots
Small, well-defined spots that appear over the years due to sun damage. Depigmenting products help fade them and prevent new ones, and they are a good complement to professional treatments.
Marks after acne
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the brown mark left after a spot, a wound or irritation. It improves with depigmenting products, but if acne is still active, the first step is to get it under control. If the mark is reddish or pink, message us before buying, as it may not be a pigment spot.
Uneven skin tone
There's no specific spot, but the skin looks dull and uneven. It responds well to antioxidants and gentle renewal.
Where to start
Three starting points depending on how intense your spots are and where you are right now.
Mild spots or uneven tone
You want to even out your tone and prevent spots, without an intensive treatment.
Visible spots
You already have visible spots and want a more intensive daily routine.
Melasma or spots that keep coming back
You've tried other things without results and want a complete treatment to do at home.
These are starting points. The ideal combination depends on your skin, so message us and we will help you fine-tune it.
Our depigmenting products
From daily correctors to complete treatments, including sun protection designed for skin prone to spots.
Cosmelan home pack
Melasma · home useIncludes cosmelan 2, the depigmenting cream, melan recovery to soothe and repair the skin, and tinted mesoprotech melan 130+. The tint helps protect against visible light, which also darkens melasma. For it to work, reapply it throughout the day.
View product →Melan tran3x concentrate
Intensive · tranexamic acidDepigmenting concentrate for visible spots, designed for long-term use.
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Melan tran3x gel cream
Daily useLight texture to work on skin tone gradually and maintain results over time.
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Mesoprotech melan 130+
Targeted sun protectionVery high, tinted protection formulated for skin prone to spots. Without it, nothing else lasts.
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Age element brightening cream
Radiance · anti-ageingBrightening cream that combines work on skin tone with everyday anti-ageing care.
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AOX Ferulic
Antioxidant · preventionVitamin C with ferulic acid for the morning. Helps curb the oxidative damage that encourages spots to form.
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Brightening peel booster
Renewal · glycolic acidChemical exfoliant that speeds up renewal and helps other actives work better. If you already use retinol or other exfoliants, or have sensitive skin, ask us before combining it.
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Brightening Booster Serum
Reviderm · dark spot serumDark spot serum for all types of hyperpigmentation. Pair it with the Brightening Control Cream or the Fluid, depending on your skin type.
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Brightening Control Cream SPF 50
Reviderm · normal to dry skinDay cream combining dark spot, anti-ageing and very high sun protection.
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Brightening Control Fluid SPF 50
Reviderm · combination to oily skinDark spot day fluid with very high sun protection that also helps regulate sebum.
View product →How a depigmenting treatment works
The order matters, and skipping the last stage is the most common reason spots come back.
Prepare
Proper cleansing and, depending on your skin, gentle renewal so depigmenting products work better.
Correct
The depigmenting treatment, usually a serum and a cream that work on the spots day after day.
Maintain
Once the spot has faded, the goal becomes stopping it from coming back. This is where almost everyone lets up.
Without daily sun protection, none of this works
This rule has no exceptions. The sun, even on cloudy days and in winter, reactivates melanin production and can undo months of work in a few weeks. SPF 50 every morning, reapplied if you spend time outdoors, is not an add-on to a depigmenting treatment. It is a core part of it.
Not sure which type of spot you have?
Tell us where they appear, since when and what you've tried. We'll guide you to what suits your case before you spend money on the wrong product.
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FAQ
How long do spots take to fade?
Pigmentation results are measured in months. You usually start to see changes after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use, and considerably longer with melasma. Any product that promises results in days deserves a healthy dose of scepticism.
Can melasma be treated?
Yes, it can be treated and improved a lot, but it does not go away for good. It tends to come back with sun exposure or hormonal changes, which is why the maintenance stage is not optional.
Can I use a depigmenting treatment in summer?
It depends more on you than on the calendar. If you are going to protect your skin properly, with SPF every morning reapplied during the day, a cap or hat and avoiding the midday sun, or if you simply do not sunbathe, you can. If you are heading to the beach and know you will not follow the routine, it is not the right time, as unprotected exposure can make spots come back or darken. That is why, in most cases, we recommend starting in autumn.
Can I use retinol in summer?
If you already use it and your skin tolerates it, you can keep using it at night with good sun protection during the day. What we do not recommend is starting in summer if you have never used it.
Can I combine depigmenting products with retinol?
Yes, but carefully. Layering several renewing actives can irritate the skin and, paradoxically, cause more pigmentation through inflammation. If you want to combine them, message us and we will help you organise your routine.
What happens if I stop the treatment halfway?
Pigmentation tends to come back, especially if you also stop using sun protection. A gentler routine you can keep up for months is better than a very intense one you drop after three weeks.
Cosmetic products are not medicines, and this page is not medical advice or a substitute for assessment by a healthcare professional. If a spot has appeared recently, changes shape, size or colour, or bleeds, see a dermatologist before starting any cosmetic treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing dermatological treatment, check with a professional before starting a depigmenting routine. Results vary depending on the type of spot, skin phototype and how consistently you apply the products and sun protection.