The 5 Main Types of Pigmentation on the Face and How to Treat Them

Skin spots are a common beauty concern. Whether caused by the sun, hormones, acne, or inflammation, they require specific care. Thanks to Korean cosmetics, there are now powerful ingredients that target each type of spot.

Let's discover together the 5 most common types of stains and the recommended ingredients to fade them.

1. Sunspots (Solar Lentigo)

• Origin: Prolonged exposure to UV.

• Appearance: Small brown spots, often on exposed areas such as the cheekbones, forehead and nose.

Recommended K-beauty ingredients:

• Vitamin C : to brighten and even out skin tone.
• Niacinamide : Reduces hyperpigmentation and adds radiance.
• Sunscreens : essential to prevent their appearance.

2. Melasma (pregnancy mask)

• Origin: Hormonal changes (pregnancy, pill, hormonal imbalance) aggravated by the sun.
• Appearance: Large, symmetrical brownish spots on the cheeks and forehead.

Recommended K-beauty ingredients:

• Arbutin : inhibits the production of melanin.
• Tranexamic acid : very effective against hormonal spots.
• Licorice extract : soothes and brightens the skin.

3. Freckles (Ephelides)

• Origin: Genetic predisposition, accentuated by the sun.
• Appearance: Small, numerous, light brown spots that appear mainly on light skin.

Recommended K-beauty ingredients:

• Niacinamide : reduces the intensity of dark spots and evens out skin tone.
• Vitamin C : Reduces oxidation and brightens the skin.
• Aloe Vera : protects and soothes skin exposed to the sun.

4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Origin: Acne scars, eczema, burns or skin irritations.
• Appearance: Brown or dark marks on inflamed areas.

Recommended K-beauty ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica : repairs skin and calms inflammation.
• Azelaic acid : regulates melanin production and acts against acne.
• Gentle exfoliating acids (AHA, PHA) : accelerate cell renewal.

5. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE)

• Origin: Acne-related, caused by dilation of blood vessels.
• Appearance: Red or pink spots.

Recommended K-beauty ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica : soothes redness and promotes healing.
• Green tea extract : powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
• Allantoin : calms and protects sensitive skin.

Dark spots aren't inevitable: by understanding their origins and choosing the right ingredients, it's possible to achieve brighter, more even-toned skin. Korean cosmetics offers a wide range of products rich in vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin, centella asiatica , and many other powerful active ingredients, specially designed to target each type of dark spot.