Fading Dark Spots: Do Laser Treatments for Pigmentation Work?

One key to having clearer, brighter skin is addressing or eliminating dark spots, age spots, melasma, and other types of stubborn pigmentation. And in ways to do this, you’ve probably asked or searched “What removes pigmentation fast”? Do creams and other topical treatments work? Or what is the best laser treatment for pigmentation?

Continue reading as we learn more about the causes of pigmentation, as well as what our clinic offers for safe and effective pigmentation removal in Singapore. 

What causes or triggers pigmentation?

An increase in melanin (the pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color) is the main cause of hyperpigmentation. Several factors can trigger increased melanin production, but the most common ones are:  

• Sun exposure – UV exposure causes tanning as a way of protecting your skin from the sun. Too much UV exposure, however, can disrupt this process and lead to hyperpigmentation. This can also make existing dark spots worse.
• Hormones – these are said to influence the development of melasma or chloasma. This commonly occurs in women and is associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• Skin injuries and inflammation – post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after an injury or inflammation. This can include scars, cuts, burns, atopic dermatitis, and chemical exposure. After the wound heals, the skin darkens or is discolored.
• Certain illnesses and medications – vitamin deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases can also trigger pigmentation. The same is also true for certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and chemotherapy drugs.
• Genetics – or a family history of pigmentation also increases your chances of having this concern. Freckles are one of the most common face marks caused by genetics and sun exposure. There are also birthmarks or discolored spots present at birth.

For further reading: 5 Surprising Causes of Pigmentation

What removes pigmentation fast?

Treating it sooner is the easiest way to improve or remove pigmentation. This will prevent the pigment in the dark spots from moving deeper into the skin. OTC treatments with certain exfoliating and brightening ingredients can help fade pigmentation after months of consistent use. A few things that can help reduce its appearance include:

• Skin acids – such as alpha hydroxy acids can help shed the top layer of the skin, which then evens out your skin tone. There is also kojic acid that inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme that controls melanin production, which helps fade areas with pigmentation.
• Retinoids – help lighten pigmentation by stimulating cell turnover. They also have a small molecular size that can penetrate deeper into the skin to treat below the epidermis. Retinoids can be either OTC or prescription, but the former tends to be weaker.
• Vitamin C serum – helps balance skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals that protect the skin against oxidative stress.
• Lightening creams or serums – such as those with vitamin B3 or niacinamide can assist in fading pigmentation. This ingredient can target dark spots and helps break down excess pigment or melanin.

The aforementioned treatments DO NOT remove pigmentation instantly. You will need to use them consistently or as prescribed to see results. Some also only lighten the dark spots and do not eliminate them completely. This is especially true for deep or dermal pigments. 

What is the best laser treatment for pigmentation

There is no single best laser treatment for pigmentation. The right solution for you will depend on several factors including the cause of pigmentation, your age and gender, and its severity. Fortunately, Cutis has several laser and light-based therapies that safely and effectively address your pigmentation concerns. 

PicoLaser – is designed for removing tattoo ink and pigmented lesions. It uses an Nd:YAG picosecond laser system that breaks down pigments and ink colors. Our PicoLaser pigmentation removal treatment also has a fractional system device for acne scarring. It can destroy scar tissues in the deep dermis and lift depressed or indented scarring. PicoLaser can treat:

• Epidermal lesions
• Freckles, melasma, café au lait
• Age spots (senile lentigos), solar lentigo (sun spots)
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Acne scars (box, ice pick, rolling, hypertrophic)
• Skin rejuvenation

Limelight Photo Facial – uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to draw out dark spots on the skin’s top layers. With Limelight, the targeted spots turn darker and will then fall off after five to seven days. This reveals a healthier, brighter complexion. Limelight also stimulates collagen production and decreases blood flow to broken capillaries. It can treat or improve:

• Brown spots, pigmentation
• Sun damage
• Enlarged pores
• Facial redness and tiny facial veins
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Scarring
• Uneven skin texture

Laser and fractional skin resurfacing – remove the damaged top layer and heat the dermis to stimulate collagen regrowth. Skin resurfacing causes the skin to form a natural, protective dressing that will peel off after three to five days. This provides stem-to-stern rejuvenation, revealing clearer, glowing skin. It can be combined with fractional resurfacing, which is an ablative treatment for sun damage, deep wrinkles, and scarring. 

The combination of two treatments can treat or improve:

• Mild to moderate photoaging
• Skin laxity
• Uneven color and texture
• Wrinkles (particularly around the eyes and mouth)
• Acne or surgical scarring

How do I choose the right laser pigmentation treatment in Singapore?

As previously mentioned, there are several factors to consider. Some types of pigmentation may also require a combination of treatments to deliver desired outcomes. A consultation with an aesthetic doctor will let you know which laser treatment or other cosmetic procedure is suitable for your concerns.

At Cutis, we offer laser and light-based procedures, as well as other treatments such as chemical peels. We also use a combination approach and carefully assess the patient’s condition to prescribe the right treatment and skin care regimen. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to learn more or schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.