IPL Photofacial
Intense pulsed light targets sun spots, freckles, and redness — the gold standard for sun-induced surface pigment.
From $350
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Skin Concern
Pigmentation & Sun Damage
Brown spots, melasma, and uneven tone — faded with the right treatment for your skin.
Uneven tone and brown spots are one of the most common concerns we see in Los Angeles — and one of the most treatable. The key is matching the treatment to the type of pigmentation, because what fades a sun spot can aggravate melasma. At Skinsation LA, we identify what's actually driving your discoloration and build a plan around it.
Types of Pigmentation We Treat
- Sun spots & age spots — flat brown marks from cumulative sun exposure (solar lentigines)
- Melasma — patchy, hormone- and UV-driven discoloration that needs a gentler, medical approach
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — dark marks left behind after acne or irritation
- Freckles — genetic and sun-activated pigment that IPL can soften
Which treatment for which pigment?
- Sun spots & freckles → an IPL photofacial targets them directly; chemical peels help too.
- Melasma → a deliberately gentle, layered plan — diligent SPF, physician-guided brightening, and softer options like DiamondGlow. Aggressive heat or light can make melasma worse, so we go carefully.
- Post-acne marks (PIH) → chemical peels, brightening, and Morpheus8 to even tone and texture together.
- All of the above → daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable, and treating early is always easier than treating set-in pigment.
Pigmentation — especially melasma — is a medical concern, and the right approach depends on your skin type and history. The information here is general education, not a treatment plan. For more on protecting your skin, read the biggest summer skin mistakes. — Dr. Lusanik Galustian, MD
Recommended Treatments
How we treat pigmentation
Chemical Peels
Resurface the top layers to fade brown spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone for a brighter, clearer complexion.
From $350
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Morpheus8
RF microneedling that improves stubborn discoloration and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while refining texture.
From $650
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DiamondGlow
Gentle resurfacing plus a brightening serum infusion — a melasma-friendly option when heat and light need to be avoided.
From $200
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Common Questions
Pigmentation FAQ
What's the difference between sun spots and melasma?
Sun spots (also called age spots or solar lentigines) are flat, well-defined brown marks caused by cumulative sun exposure, and they respond very well to light- and peel-based treatments. Melasma is a deeper, hormone- and UV-driven pattern of patchy discoloration that is more stubborn and behaves differently — so the two are treated in very different ways.
Is IPL or a chemical peel better for brown spots?
For true sun spots and freckles, an IPL photofacial is usually the most efficient option because it targets pigment directly. Chemical peels are excellent for surface discoloration, post-acne marks, and overall tone. The best choice depends on the type and depth of your pigmentation, which is why we start with a consultation.
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is managed rather than cured. Because it is driven by hormones and UV, it can return without diligent sun protection, so we focus on a gentle, layered plan — daily SPF, physician-guided brightening, and carefully chosen in-office treatments — to fade it and keep it controlled. Aggressive heat or light can sometimes worsen melasma, so the approach is deliberately conservative and personalized.
Is pigmentation treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Yes — but it has to be done thoughtfully. Some light- and laser-based treatments carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on richer skin tones, so treatment selection and settings matter. We tailor the plan to your skin type, often favoring gentler resurfacing and brightening protocols, and our medical director oversees care.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost?
It depends on the treatment and the number of sessions: IPL photofacials and chemical peels start around $350, DiamondGlow from $200, and Morpheus8 from $650. Most pigmentation plans use a short series for best results; we confirm pricing at your consultation.