Hyperpigmentation can manifest in various forms, including sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). While these concerns are common, the best treatment depends on your skin tone, pigment depth and how your skin responds to heat and inflammation.
At Berman Skin Institute, your provider personalizes your plan to safely and effectively brighten discoloration, whether you’re dealing with long-standing brown spots or new marks after a breakout.
Why Hyperpigmentation Happens
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excessive melanin in response to triggers such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation and skin injuries.
While the cause can vary, so does the treatment — what works beautifully for sun spots may worsen melasma, and specific lasers must be used with extra caution on deeper skin tones.
Types of Dark Spots and How We Treat Them
Some of the most common dark spots include:
Sun Spots and Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
If you’re considering IPL for sun spots or age spots, our providers use the latest devices to safely target discoloration for smoother, clearer skin.
Most effective options:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for lighter skin tones.
- BBL® (BroadBand Light) for face, neck, chest and hands.
- Topical treatments with brightening ingredients.
Your provider personalizes your plan to help you find the best treatment for dark spots based on your skin tone and unique needs.
Melasma
When it comes to treating melasma, lasers and peels are common options. For most skin types, gentle chemical peels offer a safer starting point than laser alone, but your provider will recommend what’s best for your pigmentation.
Safe, effective melasma treatments may include:
- Chemical peels to lift surface pigment gradually.
- Azelaic acid for gentle yet effective brightening.
- Tranexamic acid (oral or topical) to reduce stubborn discoloration.
- Low-energy laser or light settings in select cases, performed with extreme caution.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH happens after inflammation — the pigment left behind after acne, eczema, bug bites, waxing or ingrown hairs.
Best treatments for PIH include:
- Microneedling to support skin remodeling.
- Gentle chemical peels.
- Azelaic acid or retinoids to encourage cell turnover.
- Laser treatments designed for darker spots without overheating the skin.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment for Skin of Color
Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) need a careful approach to avoid new pigmentation or scarring. At Berman Skin Institute, your provider may use:
- Non-ablative lasers with customized settings.
- Microneedling or chemical peels that support pigment normalization.
- Iron-oxide–based tinted sunscreens for visible-light protection (critical for melasma and PIH).
Ingredients That Make a Difference
Curious about azelaic vs. tranexamic acid for pigment? Both are dermatology favorites — azelaic acid is gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin, while tranexamic acid is often chosen for its targeted effects on stubborn patches of discoloration.
Here are some of the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation and dark skin:
- Azelaic Acid: Great for melasma, acne-related PIH and sensitive skin
- Tranexamic Acid: Helps reduce persistent pigment when used consistently in topical or oral form
- Retinoids: Encourages cell turnover and helps fade uneven tone over time
- Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and protects from environmental damage
The Importance of Using Sunscreen Every Single Day
Daily sunscreen is nonnegotiable when treating hyperpigmentation. Mineral formulas are often recommended for melasma and PIH because they block UVA, UVB and visible light.
Look for:
- SPF 30+ or SPF 50+.
- Tinted, iron-oxide–based sunscreens.
- Non-comedogenic options if you’re breakout-prone.
Your provider can help you choose a formula that fits your skin type and routine.
Start a Personalized Treatment Plan
Your hyperpigmentation — and your skin tone — deserve a tailored plan. Whether you’re targeting melasma, brown spots or post-acne marks, our providers guide you through safe, effective solutions backed by experience and clinical insight.
Ready to fade dark spots? Book a consultation at Berman Skin Institute to get a customized treatment plan for clearer, brighter skin.
