Effective Sun Damage Treatments for Hyperpigmentation and Skin Renewal

Many of us do our best to protect our skin from the sun during summer months. Still, even with sunscreen and good intentions, it’s easy to miss reapplications or underestimate the strength of the sun. By fall, it’s common to notice changes in the skin, most often in the form of sun spots, uneven tone, or melasma. The good news is that effective sun damage treatments can help restore a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

Sun spots, melasma, and uneven patches can all develop as a result of sun exposure. The good news? These changes don’t have to be permanent. With advanced treatments and supportive home care, you can restore a clearer, more even skin tone.

Photofacials / Photorejuvenation (PicoWay®, BBL®, MOXI®, Halo®)

One of the most effective ways to target sun damage is through light and laser-based treatments, often referred to as photofacials or photorejuvenation. These advanced technologies—such as PicoWay, BBL, MOXI, and Halo—work similarly to IPL (intense pulsed light), but with greater precision and versatility.

These devices deliver light or laser energy into the skin, where it’s absorbed by unwanted pigment. The pigment particles are broken down and naturally cleared away by your body in the days following treatment, revealing healthier, more evenly toned skin.

The added advantage of treatments like MOXI and Halo is that they also improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen, giving you both corrective and preventative benefits. A series of 3–5 treatments is typically recommended for the best results.

Microneedling: Texture Refinement and Pigment Improvement

While photofacials address pigment at its source, microneedling is another powerful option for overall skin renewal. Using a precision device such as the eDermaStamp®, tiny micro-punctures are created in the skin, triggering your body’s natural healing process.

This repair response brings healthy new cells to the surface, helping to fade hyperpigmentation over time. It also stimulates new collagen production, which smooths uneven texture, minimizes scars, and supports healthier-looking skin overall.

For best results, we typically recommend 3–5 sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Microneedling pairs especially well with pigment-inhibiting skincare products, amplifying its brightening effects.

The Importance of Home Care

Professional treatments can dramatically improve sun damage, but home care is key to maintaining results. UV exposure happens year-round—even during Canadian winters—so daily SPF is non-negotiable.

To further protect against hyperpigmentation, we recommend medical-grade products with pigment-inhibiting ingredients, such as:

• Vivier Radiance Serum
• Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum
• ZO Brightalive Skin Brightener
• SkinMedica Lytera® 2.0 Pigment Brightening Serum

These formulations help regulate melanin production and prevent new spots from forming, making them the perfect complement to in-clinic treatments.

Ready to Treat Sun Damage?

At Ottawa Derm & Surgery Centre, our dermatology and cosmetic team specializes in personalized treatment plans to reverse the signs of sun damage. Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, redness, or uneven skin tone, we’ll help you find the right combination of technology and medical-grade skincare to restore healthier, clearer skin.

Call us at 613-369-8369 or book your consultation online today.