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Skin Discoloration

Skin Discoloration, Melasma, Sun Spots & Age Spots


Even skin tone starts with understanding what causes discoloration. At Aroma Spa & Laser Center, we treat all types of hyperpigmentation—whether it’s from the sun, hormones, or post-inflammatory damage. Common concerns like melasma, sun spots, and age spots are some of the most frequent reasons clients seek professional help, and we have advanced, medical-grade treatments designed to fade these pigments safely and effectively.

What Causes Skin Discoloration?

Hyperpigmentation happens when excess melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) collects in certain areas, leading to dark patches or uneven tone. This can be triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, inflammation, or even skin trauma.

Here are the most common types we see and treat:

UV-Induced Hyperpigmentation (Sun Spots & Age Spots)
Caused by years of exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, and even indoor lighting, sun spots—also known as age spots or liver spots—appear as flat brown patches, typically on the face, hands, and chest. They’re a clear sign of UV damage and can worsen without proper protection or treatment.

Hormonally Induced Hyperpigmentation (Melasma)
Melasma is a deeper, hormonally triggered pigmentation that often appears as symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It’s commonly seen during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control, and tends to darken with UV exposure or heat.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH occurs after acne breakouts, rashes, waxing, or other skin irritation. Once inflammation heals, pigment is left behind, creating stubborn dark marks that can take months to fade on their own.

Treating Melasma, Sun Spots & Age Spots at Aroma

Our team specializes in advanced, results-driven treatments to reduce pigment and restore a more even, radiant complexion. Depending on your skin type and concern, your customized treatment plan may include:

  • IPL Photofacial – targets sun damage, freckles, and age spots using light energy to break up pigment.

  • Laser Genesis – gently heats the skin to fade discoloration and boost collagen for smoother texture.

  • Chemical Peels – exfoliate away damaged surface cells and lighten uneven pigment.

  • Microneedling or Microchanneling – stimulates fresh collagen and encourages pigment renewal.

  • Medical-Grade Skincare – supports your results with brightening serums and SPF protection.

Each treatment plan starts with a complimentary skin consultation so our estheticians can evaluate your skin tone, type, and pigmentation level to recommend the best approach.

In Office Treatments:

At-Home Tips for Managing Skin Discoloration

Treating discoloration doesn’t stop when you leave the spa. Daily habits and the right products make a huge difference in keeping melasma, sun spots, and age spots under control and preventing new pigmentation from forming.

Here’s how to keep your skin bright, even, and protected between professional treatments:

1. Stick with a Customized Pigmentation Routine
Consistency is everything when it comes to fading discoloration. Use your recommended pigmentation kit daily—this usually includes brightening serums, exfoliating agents, and pigment-correcting creams designed just for your skin type and tone. Our estheticians can customize a plan using ZO® Skin Health, EltaMD®, and PCA Skin® medical-grade products for maximum results.

2. Never Skip SPF (Seriously, Never)
UV exposure is one of the top triggers for melasma and sun spots, even on cloudy days or indoors. Apply a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning and reapply every two hours if you’re outside. We carry dermatologist-approved options from EltaMD® that protect without clogging pores or leaving a white cast.

3. Add Antioxidants to Your Routine
Vitamin C and other antioxidants help protect against free-radical damage and prevent pigment from darkening. Incorporate a high-quality antioxidant serum into your morning routine for an extra layer of defense.

4. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Avoid picking blemishes or over-exfoliating—both can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Instead, focus on calming, hydrating products that support your skin barrier.

5. Stay Consistent with Professional Treatments
At-home care and in-spa treatments work best together. Services like IPL Photofacials, Laser Genesis, chemical peels, and microneedling accelerate pigment correction while your daily products maintain and extend the results.

6. Protect from Heat and Light Exposure
Melasma can worsen not just from UV rays but also from heat and visible light. Wear a hat outdoors, limit direct sun, and use mineral SPF with iron oxides for added protection against visible light.

Before & After Images: