Why We Treat Melasma, PIH, and Sunspots Differently
“Pigmentation” isn’t one problem. It’s an umbrella for issues that behave differently in the skin—melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and sunspots. Treat them the same way and you risk slow progress or, worse, darker pigment. Here’s the straight science behind our approach and how it shapes our Pigmentation Reset program.
Three concerns, three behaviors
Melasma
Patchy brown or gray-brown areas that flare with light, heat, and hormones. The pigment pathway is overactive and can sit deeper. Heat-based devices often make it worse.
PIH
Brown marks that follow acne, irritation, or procedures. It’s inflammation-driven. Calm the skin and restore the barrier; it fades faster. Provoke more inflammation; you set the clock back.
Sunspots
Freckle-like brown spots from cumulative UV. They’re usually superficial and respond well to targeted light and controlled exfoliation.
Different triggers. Different depth. Different risk. So the plan must change.
The Pigmentation Reset: two tracks by design
We built our program around what the biology tolerates—not what’s trendy.
Track 1 — Spots & Sun Damage (for light–medium skin tones that burn before they tan)
Series: 3 IPL + 3 customized chemical peels (6 visits)
Why: Sunspots and superficial PIH respond efficiently to targeted light. We alternate with peels to smooth background tone and texture.
Safeguards: No over-stacking. Visits are spaced to allow recovery and prevent rebound.
Track 2 — Melasma or Deeper Skin Tones (tan easily, rarely burn)
Series: 6 customized chemical peels (no IPL)
Why: Melasma and deeper complexions need low-heat, low-trauma care. Light-based devices can trigger rebound; we don’t risk it.
Safeguards: Longer spacing (typically every 6 weeks) to minimize flares and support barrier repair.
Both tracks start with the same 2–4-week pre-care kit to quiet the pigment pathway and improve peel tolerance. More on that below.
What “customized” means
We don’t lock you into one formula. We adjust your treatment per visit and per area:
Peel family: chosen for your goal (brighten vs decongest vs ultra-gentle) and your pigment risk.
Strength: set within skin’s limits
Contact time: timed to a visible endpoint
Layers/coats: fewer for first visits or higher-risk zones; more once tolerance is proven.
Leave-on vs rinse-off: selected based on sensitivity, schedule, and how your skin responds in the room.
Neutralization: used when necessary for precision and safety.
Spacing: 4–6 weeks for sunspots/PIH; ~6 weeks for melasma to reduce rebound risk.
Net effect: the type of peel, its strength, and the time on skin are customized—every time.
Prep first: why the kit matters
A good outcome starts before the first visit. Your pre-care set is used for 2–4 weeks and is included with the program:
Barrier-Pro cleanser and moisturizer to stabilize the skin.
Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C) to address oxidative triggers.
Pigment-regulating serum (HQ-based, and yes—it contains exfoliants, so we pause it a few nights before peels).
Daily SPF—non-negotiable.
Prep reduces baseline inflammation, slows melanin production, and helps us use gentler settings for the same gain. We’ll give you exact hold/restart windows around each appointment.
Why we avoid “more is more”
Pigment is slow biology. Melanin moves through the epidermis over weeks, not days. Stack too many actives or perform treatments too close together and you fuel the very process we’re trying to calm: inflammation. Our cadence and endpoints are deliberate. The goal is steady improvement with a low risk of PIH or melasma rebound—not a dramatic peel that sets you back.
What to expect
Spots & sun damage track: gradual clearing of scattered sunspots, smoother texture, brighter overall tone across the 6-visit series.
Melasma/deeper tones track: controlled change with fewer flares; think management and prevention, not a one-time erase.
Across both tracks, daily SPF protects your progress. Without it, results won’t hold.
Bottom line
Treat the condition, not just the color.
Sunspots: targeted light plus controlled, customized exfoliation.
PIH: reduce inflammation, support the barrier, then methodically exfoliate.
Melasma: no heat, longer spacing, and a calm, consistent plan.
That’s why we separate paths in the Pigmentation Reset and why each peel’s type, strength, and time on skin are tailored in-room—so effort turns into results, not setbacks.
Have questions or want help choosing your track? Call or text 250-258-7344.
