Ans. Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, stem from excess melanin production in response to skin inflammation or injury, appearing as flat, discolored patches. They're often caused by factors like acne, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. In contrast, acne scars arise due to damage to skin tissue during acne healing, presenting as either indented atrophic scars or raised hypertrophic scars. Dark spots tend to fade gradually over time, while acne scars may require specialized treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy for improvement. Proper skincare, sun protection, and dermatological advice can help manage both dark spots and acne scars, restoring clearer, smoother skin.