What causes dark spots on the face?
Dark spots on the face are most often caused by the sun. Most facial spots are harmless.
Author: Uzm. Dr. Oya Oylum Argun
Dark spots on the face are most often caused by the sun. Ultraviolet rays stimulate the cells that make pigment, and the pigment builds up unevenly in some areas.
Other common causes besides the sun are:
- Hormonal changes. Pregnancy and the contraceptive pill can lead to symmetrical patches on the cheeks and upper lip. This is called the mask of pregnancy, or melasma.
- Marks left after spots or irritation. A brown mark can stay where a spot has healed or where the skin has been irritated.
- Certain substances combined with sun. Perfume, lemon and some medicines can cause a patch when they come into contact with the sun.
Which vitamin deficiency causes dark spots on the face? A vitamin B12 deficiency can rarely cause darkening of the skin. The great majority of spots have nothing to do with a vitamin deficiency, and taking supplements does not remove a spot.
Most facial spots are harmless. A dark spot that is new, growing quickly, uneven in colour or has a ragged edge should be checked at a consultation without waiting.
The cause of a spot decides the approach. The diagnosis comes first.
This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. The right approach for you is decided at the consultation.
Last updated: 16 September 2026
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- How do sun spots form?A sun spot does not appear in a day. It is the result of a build-up that spreads across the whole year and carries on through every season, and summer is the most intense period of that build-up.
- How do you choose a sunscreen for skin with dark spots?For skin with dark spots, a sunscreen must protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For the face and neck, you need about two fingers’ length of product.
- What causes brown spots on a child’s face?Most of the small brown spots on children’s faces are freckles. Spot-lightening creams are not used in children.
- What causes white spots on the face?White spots on the face are most often due to a harmless cause. No product should be tried until the cause is known.