Pigment/Dark Spots

What Causes Pigment/Dark Spots?

Several factors can trigger or worsen hyperpigmentation in the skin:

• Sun exposure and UV damage
• Hormonal changes (including pregnancy and birth control)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, eczema, or injury
• Aging and cumulative sun exposure
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain medications that increase photosensitivity
• Medical conditions like melasma or Addison’s disease

While diligent sun protection can help prevent many forms of hyperpigmentation, some pigment issues may develop despite protective measures. Factors such as genetics and hormonal influences can make certain individuals more susceptible to developing dark spots regardless of their sun protection habits.

What Pigment/Dark Spot Treatments Are Available?

At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer multiple FDA-approved and evidence-based treatments for hyperpigmentation. Our Board-Certified Dermatologists will evaluate your specific pigmentation concerns to recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on the type, location, underlying cause, and your skin type.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use carefully formulated solutions to exfoliate the skin’s surface and promote cell turnover. Different strengths and formulations target varying depths of pigmentation. Superficial peels containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid create gentle exfoliation for mild discoloration, while medium-depth peels with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) penetrate more deeply to address stubborn pigmentation issues. Our Board-Certified Dermatologists customize the peel strength and ingredients based on your specific skin concerns, helping to fade dark spots while simultaneously improving overall skin texture, tone, and luminosity.

Laser Therapy

Advanced laser treatments deliver precise light energy to break down melanin deposits without damaging surrounding tissue. Our practice employs several laser technologies, including Q-switched lasers that produce rapid pulses of energy to shatter pigment particles and fractional lasers that create microscopic treatment zones to address deeper pigmentation. For particularly stubborn or complex pigmentation issues, we may utilize picosecond lasers, which deliver ultra-short pulses that effectively fragment pigment into tiny particles for easier elimination by the body. Various wavelengths can be utilized to target different types and depths of pigmentation for optimal results across all skin types, even those more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL treatments emit multiple wavelengths of light to target pigmentation at various depths. Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength, IPL’s broad-spectrum approach allows for the simultaneous treatment of different chromophores in the skin. This versatile approach helps address multiple skin concerns in a single session, including sun spots, freckles, redness from broken capillaries, and texture irregularities. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin in dark spots, heating and breaking down the pigment while stimulating collagen production for overall skin rejuvenation. Most patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart for progressive improvement of pigmentation issues.

Topical Treatments

Prescription-strength topical agents can be powerful tools for addressing pigmentation, both as standalone treatments and to enhance results from in-office procedures. Hydroquinone remains the gold standard for inhibiting melanin production, while retinoids accelerate cell turnover to fade existing spots and prevent new ones. For patients seeking alternatives to hydroquinone, ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide offer effective options with different mechanisms of action. Our dermatologists may recommend custom-compounded formulations that combine multiple active ingredients at precisely calibrated concentrations to maximize effectiveness while minimizing irritation. These may be used alone or in combination with other treatments for enhanced results.

Prevention and Maintenance

The success of pigmentation treatment depends significantly on a robust prevention strategy. Our comprehensive approach includes customized regimens featuring broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens with SPF 30+ to be applied daily, regardless of weather conditions. We also incorporate protective antioxidants like vitamins C and E that neutralize free radicals before they can trigger melanin production and brightening agents that provide ongoing inhibition of melanin synthesis. Regular gentle exfoliation helps maintain results by preventing pigment buildup, while targeted ingredients address your specific type of hyperpigmentation. For hormonal pigmentation like melasma, we may recommend additional internal approaches to help maintain your results and prevent new pigmentation from forming.