Hyperpigmentation can develop over time due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin injuries. It appears as dark spots or patches that stand out against the surrounding skin and become more noticeable with age. Laser treatments can help reduce these discolorations and give you a more even tone. At Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness in San Jose, we use The Icon™ Aesthetic laser system to target unwanted pigmentation. This laser treatment can address many types of hyperpigmentation in areas such as the face, neck, chest, and more.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, become overactive. Sun exposure is one of the main triggers since UV radiation stimulates excess melanin production to protect the skin. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or birth control use, can also lead to melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation.
Inflammation from acne, eczema, or injuries can cause hyperpigmentation along with certain medications and medical conditions. While some pigmentation fades over time, deeper or long-standing discoloration often requires targeted treatments like laser therapy or IPL to break down excess pigment.
Years of sun exposure can cause sunspots, also called solar lentigines, dark spots, or liver spots. Often, these spots appear on the face, hands, and shoulders where UV damage is most likely. When your skin absorbs UV radiation, it increases melanin production and causes these concentrated patches of pigment. These spots tend to darken and increase in number and don’t usually fade on their own.
Melasma is a special type of hyperpigmentation that usually looks like brown or grayish patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Hormonal changes can trigger excess melanin production in specific areas of the face. Sun exposure makes it worse and deepens the discoloration over time.
When your skin heals from an injury, acne breakout, or irritation, it can leave behind dark spots. This happens when inflammation triggers an overproduction of melanin during the healing process. The discoloration can last for months, especially if the area is exposed to sunlight.
Freckles are small, pigmented spots that appear due to a genetic predisposition combined with sun exposure. Melanin can cluster in certain areas, creating these tiny spots that darken in the summer and may fade in the winter. While freckles aren’t harmful, some patients want to reduce their appearance for a more even skin tone.
Lasers deliver concentrated light energy to the skin, specifically targeting the melanin. The brown pigmentation absorbs this energy which causes the excess pigment to break down into smaller particles. The body is equipped to naturally clear these fragments and gradually reduce discoloration. The precision of laser technology allows us to focus on pigmented areas without affecting the surrounding skin. We can treat hyperpigmentation at different depths depending on the wavelength of light.
The Icon system combines IPL and laser technology to target unwanted pigmentation. It features Skintel™, a melanin reader that measures pigment levels in real time and allows for more customized treatment settings. With this laser, we are able to improve the safety and effectiveness of our treatments by adjusting the energy levels based on your skin’s needs. With options for both surface and deeper pigmentation, the Icon system provides a flexible skin pigmentation treatment designed to address a range of discoloration concerns along with other skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne scars, and more.
Laser treatments and IPL both use light energy to target pigmentation, but they work in different ways. Lasers emit a single wavelength of concentrated light for deeper penetration and precise pigment targeting. IPL, or intense pulsed light, releases multiple wavelengths in scattered pulses and may be more suitable for broader discoloration and surface-level pigmentation. While both options can improve skin tone, the choice depends on the type and depth of hyperpigmentation being treated.
During a hyperpigmentation laser treatment, we apply targeted light energy to break up excess pigment in the skin. The laser delivers short bursts of energy, focusing only on pigmented areas while leaving surrounding tissue untouched. You might feel a mild warming or snapping sensation. We can use topical anesthetic to reduce these sensations if you have more sensitive skin. Sessions usually take less than an hour, but the exact time spent in your appointment will depend on the size of the area being treated.
Your skin won’t look instantly lighter after treatment. Pigment initially darkens before it starts to fade because it is coming to the surface. Over the next few weeks, your body processes and removes the fragmented pigment, and you might notice it sloughing off. Lasers also stimulate collagen, so you may notice improved skin texture and overall brightness. Most patients see noticeable changes within a month, with full skin-lightening results appearing after a series of treatments.
Protecting your skin from the sun is the most important step in maintaining your results. UV exposure can trigger new pigmentation, so daily sunscreen use helps prevent dark spots from returning. A good skincare routine with brightening ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids can also support the effects of your skin discoloration treatment. We may recommend follow-up sessions or occasional maintenance treatments, depending on how your skin responds over time.
Laser treatments work well for many types of hyperpigmentation, but the best option depends on your skin type, pigmentation depth, and treatment goals. Some patients respond better to laser therapy, while others may benefit more from IPL. During a consultation, we evaluate your skin and recommend the right approach based on what will be safest and most effective for you.
Laser and IPL treatments can break down excess pigment and give you a more even skin tone. We are here to help find the right hyperpigmentation treatment for you and to give you advice about caring for your skin. To learn more about treatments for pigmentation concerns at Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness in San Jose, CA, call (669) 200-0459 or contact us online.
