Dark Spots, Melasma and Uneven Skin Tone: Your Treatment Options

Dark spots usually come from sun damage, melasma or marks left behind after acne, and each responds to a different approach. Sun spots often clear well with light-based treatments, while melasma needs a gentler, longer-term plan because heat and sun can make it worse.

Three common types of discoloration

• Sun spots (solar lentigines): flat brown spots on sun-exposed areas like the face, chest and hands.
• Melasma: larger, blotchy patches, often on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, linked to hormones, sun and heat.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: dark marks left after acne, irritation or injury.

Treating sun spots

A BBL® photofacial is one of the most effective ways to fade sun spots. Spots often darken for a few days and then flake away. MOXI® and HALO® lasers also improve sun damage along with texture.

Treating melasma

Melasma is managed rather than cured, and it can return with sun exposure or hormone changes. A careful plan often includes:

• Strict daily mineral sunscreen and avoiding heat
• Medical-grade brightening skin care
• Gentle, customized chemical peels
• Carefully selected light or laser settings in some cases, chosen by your provider

Aggressive heat-based treatments can sometimes make melasma darker, so an expert assessment matters.

Treating post-acne marks

These marks often fade on their own over months, but chemical peels, medical-grade skin care and ADVATx can speed things up. Controlling breakouts prevents new marks.

Skin care that supports even tone

• Broad-spectrum SPF every day, all year
• Vitamin C in the morning
• Brightening ingredients recommended by your provider
• A retinoid at night when appropriate

See our guide on medical-grade vs. drugstore skin care.

Frequently asked questions

Can melasma be cured?

Melasma can be greatly improved and controlled, but it tends to come back without ongoing sun protection and maintenance.

Are dark spots dangerous?

Most are harmless, but any spot that changes, grows, bleeds or looks different from others should be checked by a dermatologist.

How long until I see results?

Sun spots can fade within a couple of weeks after a BBL® session. Melasma improves more gradually over months.

Want clearer, more even skin? Call (303) 465-6332 to book a free consultation in Westminster.