Dark Spots vs. Melasma – How to Tell the Difference and Treat Each Effectively

Dark Spots vs. Melasma – How to Tell the Difference and Treat Each Effectively

You’ve started noticing discolouration on your skin—maybe it’s a scattering of small brown marks across your cheeks or a slightly larger patch on your forehead that seems to darken with every sunny day. You switch up your skincare, try a few brightening serums, dab on exfoliating toners, and even give those viral TikTok routines a shot. But no matter what you try, the discolouration won’t go away—and in some cases, it even gets worse after time in the sun or exposure to heat. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Discolouration from pigmentation and sun damage is one of the most common skin concerns we see at APT Medical Aesthetics. And while it may all look like the same type of hyperpigmentation on the surface, what’s happening underneath the skin can be very different. So what exactly are you dealing with—dark spots or melasma? And more importantly, how can you treat them effectively without causing more irritation or triggering another flare-up? This is a question we get from our patients in Oakville and across the GTA all the time. The confusion is understandable—both melasma and sunspots can appear as brown pigmentation, both are triggered by sun exposure, and both are frustratingly persistent. But the truth is, these two conditions are not the same. They have different causes, patterns, and responses to treatment. And applying the wrong approach can not only waste time and money—it can actually make pigmentation worse.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved. At APT Medical Aesthetics, we specialize in identifying and treating these concerns with precision. Our personalized, results-driven protocols combine advanced technology with skin barrier support to improve uneven skin tone, fade dark patches, and prevent future discolouration from forming. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly how to tell the difference between dark spots and melasma, why correct diagnosis matters, and what you can do to treat each safely and effectively—using real clinical strategies that work, not skincare fads. Whether you’re just starting to notice signs of pigment or have been struggling with stubborn melasma for years, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take the next step.

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What Causes Dark Spots and Melasma – And Why They’re Not the Same

Let’s break it down. Dark spots, also known as sunspots or solar lentigines, are flat, round patches of pigmentation that develop as a result of long-term sun exposure. They tend to appear on high-exposure areas like the face, chest, shoulders, and hands. These spots are localized and typically well-defined. Most often, they’re the result of UV damage from years past—think beach vacations, tanning beds, or daily sun exposure without SPF.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved. Melasma, on the other hand, is a more complex condition. It shows up as larger, symmetrical patches of brown or greyish discolouration, most commonly across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. Melasma is hormonally driven, meaning it often occurs during pregnancy, with the use of birth control, or due to hormone fluctuations. It is also exacerbated by sun, heat, and even visible light, making it far more reactive than regular dark spots. To summarize.

Feature	Dark Spots	Melasma
Cause	UV exposure over time	Hormones, sun, heat, visible light
Appearance	Small, defined brown spots	Diffuse, patchy, symmetrical areas
Location	Face, chest, hands	Cheeks, forehead, upper lip, jawline
Response to Treatment	Usually quick to fade	Slow and requires ongoing care
Risk of Flare-Up	Low	High with heat, sun, irritation

Understanding the difference between these two concerns is crucial—because what works for one can worsen the other.

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Are You Dealing With Dark Spots or Melasma

Ask yourself these questions.

• Do the marks darken in the summer or with heat exposure?
• Are they symmetrical and larger patches, rather than isolated spots?
• Did they begin during pregnancy or after starting birth control?

If you answered yes to these, it may be melasma. If they appeared gradually over time and seem more defined and concentrated, it’s likely sunspots or general hyperpigmentation. Still unsure? A professional consultation can help you determine exactly what you’re dealing with—and how to treat it properly.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

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A Real Story of Pigmentation Misdiagnosis

One of our patients came to us believing she had stubborn sun damage. She had been using exfoliants and prescription-strength retinol in an attempt to fade her dark patches. But instead of improving, the areas became more inflamed and reactive—especially after outdoor workouts or hot showers. After a full skin consultation at our Oakville clinic, we diagnosed her with pigmentation melasma, not sunspots. We adjusted her routine immediately—removing the irritating products and introducing soothing, pigment-inhibiting serums, and a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 50. We then built a plan around Clear + Brilliant laser treatments and in-clinic facials designed to reduce inflammation and even her skin tone gently over time. Within a few months, the dark patches were visibly lighter, and flare-ups had stopped. Most importantly, she had a better understanding of what her skin needed—and what to avoid.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

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Top 5 Ways to Effectively Treat Dark Spots and Melasma in Oakville

At APT Medical Aesthetics, we offer personalized treatment plans to safely target both sunspots and melasma. Here’s how.

1. Laser Treatments (BBL or Clear + Brilliant)
   • BBL works well for dark spots and sun damage
   • Clear + Brilliant is gentler and better for melasma-prone skin
   • Treatment choice depends on your diagnosis, skin type, and goals
2. Medical-Grade Skincare
   • Products containing tranexamic acid, niacinamide, arbutin, and vitamin C help fade pigment and strengthen the skin barrier
   • We also recommend Colorescience SPF 50, a mineral sunscreen that protects against UV, heat, and visible light—all melasma triggers
3. Hydrating Facials with Pigment-Fighting Serums
   • In-clinic facials can reduce inflammation, calm the skin, and enhance penetration of corrective products
4. Microneedling
   • Stimulates collagen and allows pigment-reducing ingredients to penetrate more effectively
   • Best for post-inflammatory pigmentation or textural issues—used cautiously with melasma
5. Ongoing Sun Protection
   • Daily, year-round sunscreen use is non-negotiable for anyone with pigmentation concerns
   • Tinted mineral sunscreens offer added protection from visible light, a known melasma trigger

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

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FAQ – What Patients Ask About Pigmentation Treatment

Can dark spots and melasma be treated at the same time? Yes, but it requires a thoughtful approach. Some lasers or products that are safe for sunspots may be too harsh for melasma. That’s why a professional skin analysis is key to building a safe, effective plan. Is melasma permanent? Melasma is chronic but manageable. While it can’t be “cured,” it can be significantly improved and kept under control with the right treatments and consistent protection. Can I treat pigmentation in the summer? Yes—but carefully. Treatments and products must be adjusted for seasonal sun exposure. SPF use becomes even more critical in the summer months to prevent regression. How long does it take to see results? For dark spots, visible improvement may be seen within a few sessions. Melasma often takes several months of consistent care to fade, especially if it’s deeply embedded.

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Why Personalized Treatment Plans Matter for Pigmentation

No two pigmentation cases are alike. What works for your friend’s dark spots might not work for your melasma—and in some cases, could make it worse. That’s why we create custom treatment plans at APT Medical Aesthetics that consider.

• Your exact skin condition and type
• Your triggers (heat, hormones, sun)
• Your goals and timeline
• Your lifestyle and product tolerance

Our team takes the guesswork out of pigmentation management so you don’t waste time on ineffective products—or risk irritating your skin further.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

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Why Oakville Ontario Spas Trust APT for Pigmentation and Melasma Care

At APT Medical Aesthetics, we believe in addressing the root of your skin concerns—not just masking the symptoms. That’s why so many patients and even other Oakville Ontario spas trust our clinic for advanced pigmentation and melasma care. We combine cutting-edge technology with clinical insight to deliver treatments that are not only effective but tailored to your unique skin needs. Unlike over-the-counter products or one-size-fits-all facials, our approach is based on precision. We begin every pigmentation or melasma journey with an in-depth skin consultation to understand your triggers, lifestyle, and skin history. From there, we create a customized plan that may include a combination of in-clinic procedures—such as Clear + Brilliant laser, BBL, or microneedling—and a carefully selected regimen of medical-grade skincare to support your results at home.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved. Our team also prioritizes education. We help you understand the difference between dark spots and melasma, how to protect your skin from further damage, and what to expect throughout the treatment process. Whether you’re tackling sunspots from years of unprotected exposure or managing hormonally driven melasma that flares with heat and light, we’re here to guide you with honesty, expertise, and compassion. At APT, it’s never about quick fixes—it’s about sustainable results. Whether you’re seeking to finally fade stubborn pigmentation or regain control over melasma that keeps returning, we’re committed to helping you restore clarity, confidence, and long-term skin health.

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Ready to Treat Pigmentation With a Plan That Works

If you’re tired of guessing at your skincare routine or seeing pigment return again and again, it’s time for a personalized approach. Our team at APT Medical Aesthetics in Oakville is here to assess your skin, identify your triggers, and build a plan that works for your life and your goals. Call us today to book your consultation. Let’s create a clear path forward for healthier, more even-toned skin. 📞 (905) 849-8646 ✉️ info@aptmedspa.com 🌐 aptmedicalaesthetics.com BACK TO ALL ARTICLES