Melasma, acne marks and uneven tone treated with settings chosen for melanin-rich skin — never a one-size-fits-all protocol.
The term “dark skin pigmentation” can have two meanings. It may describe dark spots or patches that develop on any complexion, or it may refer to hyperpigmentation occurring in naturally brown, olive, Asian, Black or other melanin-rich skin tones.
Hyperpigmentation develops when melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin—create more pigment than usual. This excess pigment can collect within the skin, causing an area to appear brown, grey-brown or darker than the surrounding complexion.
Common triggers include sun exposure, acne, eczema, hormonal changes, skin irritation, waxing, friction, previous injuries and unsuitable cosmetic procedures.
If you are unsure whether you have melasma, sun damage, freckles or another form of pigmentation, read our guide to melasma, sun spots and freckles.
Melanin-rich skin can make extra pigment when it’s irritated by heat, injury or an aggressive laser setting. That reaction is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — and it’s why the strongest setting is rarely the right one.
Successful treatment starts with understanding what is causing the discolouration. Treating every brown mark in the same way can lead to disappointing results and, in some cases, additional pigmentation.
Your consultation may include:
Mark-Vu uses different light modes to help assess brown spots, UV-related changes, redness, pores and overall complexion evenness. It also allows us to photograph and compare your skin as treatment progresses.
Founded and clinically led by Crystal Shin, a registered nurse with 15+ years of hospital experience, in the Trust Building on King Street.
A: Pigmentation is caused by factors like sun/UV exposure, hormonal imbalance, skin trauma or ageing triggering uneven melanin production.
A: Melasma is skin discolouration causing symmetrical, brownish patches often on the face, sometimes triggered by pregnancy or hormonal changes.
A: We use multiple lasers (including Cynosure lasers), skin analysis with Mark-Vu, and tailor treatments for epidermal and dermal pigment layers.
A: If you follow post-treatment care (sun protection, skincare) the pigmentation is unlikely to return, though sun-caused pigmentation may reappear over time.
A: Pigmentation shows as brown or pinkish marks darker than your natural skin tone — freckles, sun spots, age spots or melasma are common examples.
A: Any area can be treated, commonly the face, neck, chest, hands, shoulders and backs which are exposed most to sun.
A: Most treatments are completed in about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and type of lesion.
A: Most patients find the laser/ light-based treatment tolerable — many don’t need numbing cream; sensation is often compared to a snap of a thin rubber band.
