“It’s caused by chemical reaction,” says Dr. Perricone, “that knocks the color out.” The discolored patches can be found in small children as well as in adults with more sensitive skin conditions.

What causes the hyperpigmentation is in the air, so daily skin protection from the environment can prevent future blotches.

Among the products we test drove, Face Firming Activator, 2 oz, $85, that is based on alpha lipoic acid, helped reduce the patches over a few months of deligent application.