What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas. This happens when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Hyperpigmentation can appear as dark spots, freckles, or larger areas of discoloration, often caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne scars, or inflammation. While harmless, it can be frustrating and affect your confidence. Treating hyperpigmentation focuses on reducing these dark areas and evening out skin tone. With a personalized plan that may include topical treatments, professional procedures, and sun protection strategies, it’s possible to gradually fade pigmentation and restore a brighter, more balanced complexion. Consistent care and protection are key to maintaining long-lasting results.

Who is an ideal candidate?

Anyone struggling with dark spots, uneven tone, or areas of discoloration can benefit from hyperpigmentation treatments. The best candidates are those looking to improve skin clarity, committed to following a personalized plan, and willing to protect their skin from the sun to maintain results. Treatments are especially effective for individuals with mild to moderate pigmentation who want noticeable, lasting improvements.

Preparing for your hyperpigmentation treatment is simple but important for the best results. Avoid excessive sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum sunscreen in the days leading up to your appointment. During your consultation, we’ll review your skin history and guide you on any additional steps to ensure you’re prepared and your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored just for you.

Is there any downtime?

Most hyperpigmentation treatments require little to no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities quickly. Some clients may experience mild redness or sensitivity for a short period. We’ll provide personalized aftercare guidance to ensure your skin heals smoothly and your results last.

Hyperpigmentation treatments are generally gentle and well-tolerated. You may feel a mild warming or tingling sensation during certain procedures, but most clients describe the experience as comfortable. Any temporary sensitivity afterward is minimal and short-lived, making it easy to fit treatment into your routine.

How long does a treatment take?

Most hyperpigmentation treatments are quick and convenient, typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type and extent of pigmentation. This allows you to easily fit a session into your day while we focus on targeting the affected areas safely and effectively.

When will I notice results?

Results from hyperpigmentation treatments vary depending on your skin type and the approach used, but many clients begin to see improvements within a few weeks. Pigmentation gradually fades over multiple sessions, with continued improvement as your personalized plan progresses. Consistent care and sun protection are key to achieving the best, long-lasting results.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, Dark Spots & Uneven Skin Tone

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that causes areas of the skin to appear darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, is produced or deposited in the skin and can appear as brown spots, dark patches, sun spots or uneven skin tone.

There are many different causes of hyperpigmentation, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne and inflammation. Common types include sun-induced pigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma.

Because not all pigmentation is the same, the most appropriate treatment depends on the type and cause of discolouration, your skin type and your individual concerns. At Ottawa Derm & Surgery Centre, treatment plans may include laser and light-based treatments, skin resurfacing and medical-grade skincare to help improve the appearance of pigmentation and create a more even-looking complexion.

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Types of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can take several forms, including sun spots and age spots caused by cumulative UV exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that develops after acne or other skin inflammation, and melasma, which is often influenced by hormones and sun exposure. Identifying the type of pigmentation is an important first step in determining how it should be treated.

Personalized Treatment Options

Depending on the type and depth of pigmentation, treatment options may include BBL® or IPL photofacials, MOXI®, HALO® and HALO® TRIBRID™, PicoWay® and medical-grade skincare. Different treatments target pigment in different ways, and a combination approach may sometimes be recommended.

Prevention & Maintenance

Sun exposure can cause pigmentation to develop, darken or return after treatment. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and an appropriate skincare routine are important parts of managing hyperpigmentation and maintaining treatment results. Maintenance treatments may also be recommended depending on the type of pigmentation and your individual skin concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation develops when the skin produces or accumulates excess melanin, causing certain areas to appear darker than the surrounding skin. Several factors can trigger increased pigment production, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne, inflammation or injury to the skin.

The underlying cause matters because different types of hyperpigmentation can respond differently to treatment. For example, sun spots caused by UV exposure are treated differently from melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne.

What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?

There is no single best treatment for every type of hyperpigmentation. The most appropriate option depends on what is causing the pigmentation, how deep the pigment is within the skin, your skin type and the area being treated.

Treatment options may include BBL® or IPL for certain types of sun-induced pigmentation and brown spots, MOXI® for pigmentation and uneven tone, HALO® or HALO® TRIBRID™ for more comprehensive resurfacing, PicoWay® for certain pigment concerns, and medical-grade skincare.

For some patients, combining in-clinic treatments with a targeted home skincare routine can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing pigmentation.

What is the difference between hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun spots?

Hyperpigmentation is the broad term used to describe areas of skin that become darker due to increased melanin.

Sun spots, sometimes called age spots or solar lentigines, are a type of hyperpigmentation associated with cumulative sun exposure. They commonly appear as defined brown spots on areas such as the face, hands, chest and shoulders.

Melasma typically appears as larger, irregular patches of pigmentation, often on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. It can be influenced by hormones, genetics, heat and sun exposure and requires a different treatment approach from many other forms of pigmentation.

Correctly identifying the type of pigmentation is important because a treatment that works well for one type may not be appropriate for another.

How do you get rid of dark spots on the face?

The best way to reduce dark spots on the face depends on their cause. Brown spots related to sun exposure may respond to light or laser treatments such as BBL®, IPL, MOXI® or other pigment-targeting treatments. Medical-grade skincare containing ingredients that target excess pigment and support cell turnover may also be recommended.

Daily sun protection is an important part of any treatment plan. Without adequate UV protection, existing pigmentation can become darker and new dark spots can develop.

Can laser treatments remove hyperpigmentation?

Laser and light-based treatments can significantly improve many types of hyperpigmentation, but the appropriate technology depends on the type of pigment being treated.

BBL® and IPL can target certain brown spots and sun-induced pigmentation, while fractional laser treatments such as MOXI®, HALO® and HALO® TRIBRID™ can address pigmentation as part of broader skin rejuvenation. PicoWay® may also be used for certain pigment concerns.

Laser treatment is not appropriate for every type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, for example, require careful assessment because certain treatments can potentially aggravate pigment in susceptible skin.

What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is discolouration that develops after inflammation or injury to the skin. It commonly occurs after acne but can also develop following irritation, burns, cuts or certain skin procedures.

PIH typically appears as flat brown, grey or darker marks where the inflammation previously occurred. It can affect all skin types but may be more persistent or noticeable in darker skin tones.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can gradually fade on its own, although this may take several months or longer. Depending on the individual, treatment may include targeted skincare, sun protection and carefully selected in-clinic treatments.

What skincare ingredients help fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots?

Several skincare ingredients can help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by targeting excess pigment, supporting skin cell turnover or helping prevent new discolouration.

Depending on your skin type and concerns, ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, arbutin, hydroquinone, azelaic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) may be recommended. Other pigment-correcting ingredients may also be incorporated into a personalized medical-grade skincare routine.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most important products for anyone managing hyperpigmentation. UV exposure stimulates melanin production and can cause existing pigmentation to become darker or return after treatment.

Can hyperpigmentation come back after treatment?

Yes. Hyperpigmentation can return after treatment, particularly if the underlying trigger is still present. Continued sun exposure can cause sun spots and uneven pigmentation to reappear, while melasma is a chronic condition that can recur in response to sun exposure, heat and hormonal influences.

Daily sunscreen, appropriate skincare and maintenance treatments can help protect treatment results and reduce the development of new pigmentation. Your recommended maintenance plan will depend on the type of pigmentation and how your skin responds to treatment.

Ready to Address Dark Spots & Uneven Pigmentation?

Not sure what type of pigmentation you have or which treatment is right for you? Our team can assess your skin concerns and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your skin, the type of pigmentation and your goals.

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