The skin is prone to changes in tone due to sun exposure, hormonal shifts, inflammation, and the natural aging process. It can develop uneven patches that are hard to fade without the right approach. Hyperpigmentation often becomes more noticeable as we age, especially in areas that see regular sun exposure.
At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we offer several options to reduce hyperpigmentation and support a more even-looking complexion. Skincare products and facials can address surface discoloration, while options like laser and IPL devices offer more targeted results for significant hyperpigmentation. We’ll help determine which option aligns best with your skin and goals.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin due to excess melanin production. These spots or patches can range in color from light brown to deep brown and even purple, depending on your skin tone and the depth of pigmentation. It can affect small sections of the skin or appear more broadly across the face, chest, hands, or other sun-exposed areas.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Sun exposure is one of the leading triggers because UV rays stimulate melanin production in the skin. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or with birth control use, can also lead to pigment changes like melasma. Inflammation from acne, eczema, or skin injuries may leave behind dark spots once healed, and certain medications and underlying medical conditions can also contribute to uneven pigmentation.
Types of Hyperpigmentation That Can Be Addressed With Our Treatments
Sunspots
Sunspots develop from prolonged sun exposure and are common on the face, shoulders, chest, and hands. These flat, brown spots form when ultraviolet rays trigger the skin to produce more melanin in localized areas. Patients usually notice sunspots becoming more visible with age or after years of spending time outdoors without consistent sun protection.
Melasma
Melasma tends to cause patchy discoloration across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. It typically develops in response to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy. Sun exposure may worsen melasma, even after it initially fades. Melasma often affects both sides of the face evenly and may be more stubborn to treat.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation develops after acne, eczema, rashes, or other skin injuries. The inflammation triggers pigment production in the healing process, leaving behind flat, dark marks. These spots can last for months if untreated and may be more noticeable on medium to deep skin tones.
Freckles
Freckles usually appear in childhood and become more prominent with sun exposure. These small spots often fade in winter and darken in the summer due to UV exposure. While freckles are not harmful and some people like them, other patients seek treatment to reduce their appearance for a more even skin tone.
The Benefits of Non-Invasive Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
They Are Gentle on the Skin
Non-invasive treatments such as facials, chemical peels, and microneedling offer a way to reduce discoloration without damaging the surface of your skin. These options avoid harsh ingredients or techniques that may cause excessive peeling, redness, or sensitivity. They are suitable for patients who prefer gradual results with minimal downtime. When we choose gentler treatments, we can often improve pigmentation without triggering further inflammation in sensitive or reactive skin.
They Promote Skin Health
Hyperpigmentation often occurs hand in hand with other skin concerns like dryness, dullness, or uneven texture. Treatments that target pigment also support healthier cell turnover, hydration, and barrier repair. Many skin lightening products contain antioxidants and ingredients that support healthy function and help the skin resist future pigment changes more effectively.
They Can Be Part of Your Regular Skincare Routine
Some non-invasive options can fit easily into your ongoing skincare plan. Mild chemical peels, custom facials, and dermaplaning can be scheduled regularly to maintain results and manage recurring discoloration. We may also recommend medical-grade skincare products for your daily routine that target pigment with ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and retinol. When treatments and home care work together, patients often notice gradual, consistent improvement that is easy to maintain.
They Are Suitable for Many Skin Tones and Types
Non-invasive treatments give us flexibility to adapt based on your skin tone, sensitivity, and history of pigmentation. Some technologies, like IPL, work best on lighter skin tones, while others, like chemical peels and microneedling, can be adjusted for a broader range of patients. We carefully choose each approach to reduce the risk of irritation or rebound pigmentation, especially in melanin-rich skin.
CO2 Laser Treatments
We use the DEKA SmartXide PRO system with two settings to target different levels of pigmentation. Our RefineX treatments work well for superficial discoloration and blend easily into your skin rejuvenation plan. For deeper, more stubborn pigment, our ReformX treatments deliver stronger energy to reach lower layers and prompt more intensive rejuvenation. This laser treatment for pigmentation also stimulates collagen and refines texture, which can support overall skin clarity. We will determine which setting matches the depth of your pigmentation after examining your skin.
IPL
The Rohrer Spectrum IPL handpiece targets melanin clusters without harming surrounding skin. It is a useful option for sunspots and freckles. IPL breaks down pigment by using wavelengths of light that specially target melanin so your body can naturally clear it over time. After dark spots are treated, they may become darker before flaking off.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use exfoliating solutions to remove the outer layers of skin where excess pigment often settles. This controlled resurfacing encourages the growth of new, more evenly pigmented skin over time. We offer different strengths and types of peels, depending on your skin type and the depth of discoloration. These treatments are useful on their own or can be combined with other methods for more visible results.
- Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA): AHA peels, such as glycolic or lactic acid, work on the surface layer of the skin. These are ideal for mild hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, or early sun damage. They help brighten the skin gradually with minimal downtime and are often well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): TCA peels reach deeper layers of the skin and are more effective for moderate to severe pigmentation issues. They can address sunspots, melasma, and blotchy discoloration more aggressively than lighter peels. Some downtime should be expected, but results are often more noticeable with fewer sessions.
Custom Facials
Brightening facials improve tone and clarity by supporting skin turnover and hydration. We often include ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide in our custom facials to help fade discoloration. These facials are a good option for patients who want a gentler, ongoing approach to maintaining clearer skin, and they can be combined with other treatments for added benefit.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair using a sterile blade. This creates a smooth surface and allows for better absorption of any brightening products that we recommend. This technique works well as a hyperpigmentation treatment for patients with surface-level discoloration. It does not cause peeling or downtime and is easy to include in a regular skincare routine.
DiamondGlow® Facials
DiamondGlow exfoliates, extracts, and infuses the skin with medical-grade serums in one treatment. It helps reduce the appearance of sun damage, dullness, and uneven tone by clearing away dead skin and delivering brightening ingredients directly where needed. We often use this method as a brown spot treatment, especially when the pigmentation is mild to moderate.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates tiny holes in the skin to trigger repair and encourage even pigmentation. The SkinPen® Precision Elite offers mechanical microneedling that targets superficial discoloration and improves skin texture over time. For deeper concerns, RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy to reach below the surface and stimulate collagen remodeling. Both options support better pigment distribution and can be combined with serums that help fade discoloration more effectively. We choose the method based on how your skin responds and the depth of the pigment we are targeting.
Brightening Skincare
Brightening products can support your in-office treatments and help manage pigmentation at home. C+ Correcting Complex 30% from Revision Skincare® delivers stabilized vitamin C to help even out tone and protect against further discoloration. The Brightening Facial Wash uses exfoliating acids and soothing botanicals to cleanse and refine without stripping the skin. For discoloration around the eyes, the C+ Eye Complex targets dark circles and supports a smoother, more even-toned appearance. We may recommend these products based on the type and location of your hyperpigmentation.
How to Prevent Further Hyperpigmentation
- Wear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every morning, even on cloudy days, and reapply if spending time outdoors.
- Avoid Picking at Blemishes or Irritated Skin: Picking or scratching at acne, bug bites, or rashes can lead to inflammation and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Let blemishes heal naturally and use calming products to reduce the risk of lasting marks.
- Use Pigment-Suppressing Skincare: Ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C help control melanin production. Regular use can reduce the chance of new discoloration developing between treatments.
- Stick to a Consistent Routine: Consistency with skincare and maintenance treatments improves the effects of your hyperpigmentation solutions. Gaps in care may allow pigment to return or worsen, especially if triggers are still present.
FAQs About Our Hyperpigmentation Treatments
How Many Treatment Sessions Should I Schedule?
The number of sessions depends on the type and depth of your pigmentation, the treatment selected, and how your skin responds. Lighter discoloration, such as surface sunspots, may improve in just one to three treatments. Deeper pigment, like melasma or long-standing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often requires a series spaced several weeks apart. We reassess your skin after each session to track progress and make adjustments if needed.
Are Hyperpigmentation Treatments Safe for Dark Skin?
Darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation, so we often avoid aggressive methods that may trigger irritation. We may recommend treatments like chemical peels with lower concentrations, RF microneedling, or brightening skincare to fade pigment. We select the device and settings carefully based on your skin tone.
Can Hyperpigmentation Return After Treatments?
Hyperpigmentation can return, especially with continued triggers like sun exposure or hormones. If you have deeper discoloration, we may recommend ongoing care to manage pigment more effectively and keep it from coming back. These steps help extend the results of your brown spot removal plan.
What Should I Avoid Before and After Treatments?
Before treatment, avoid tanning, exfoliating acids, and harsh scrubs that can sensitize your skin. After treatments such as chemical peels or lasers, skip active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C until we let you know it is safe to restart them. For deeper treatments, avoid heat exposure, workouts, and direct sun for several days. We will give you specific instructions based on your treatment.
Is There Downtime After Hyperpigmentation Treatments?
Some treatments have no downtime at all, while others may cause mild redness, dryness, or peeling for a few days. Deeper peels or RF microneedling may lead to flaking or swelling that lasts several days but can be managed with gentle skincare. You can return to work or daily activities quickly in most cases. We will let you know what to expect based on the method we use and how your skin typically reacts.
Why Choose Us for Hyperpigmentation Treatments?
At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa, we take a natural, minimalistic approach and focus on results that blend seamlessly into your skin. We aim to create a calm, thoughtful space where you can explore your options without pressure. As a small, woman-owned and operated practice, we take time to understand your goals and recommend only what makes sense for your skin. Dr. Scott Musicant, our Medical Director, brings decades of experience and a strong foundation in both surgical and aesthetic medicine. With deep roots in La Mesa and a commitment to ethical, results-driven care, we offer hyperpigmentation treatments you can feel good about choosing.
Brighten Your Skin With Hyperpigmentation Treatments in La Mesa, CA
A well-planned hyperpigmentation treatment can help reduce discoloration while supporting overall skin health and balance. We offer multiple non-invasive options at different strengths to match a range of pigmentation concerns and skin tones. To learn more about your options at San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, call (619) 303-0988 or contact us using the online form.
