Pigmentation: Sun Damage & Melasma
Pigmentation Is A Symptom. Understanding The Cause Is The First Step.
Uneven skin tone comes from many sources — post-acne marks, years of UV exposure, or melasma triggered by hormonal changes. Each type responds differently to treatment, which is why an assessment comes before any recommendation at Lumera Health.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne scarring) responds well to resurfacing treatments and prescription skincare. Sun damage and melasma often require a combination of in-clinic treatment, prescription management, and ongoing sun protection — and melasma in particular needs careful management since some treatments can worsen it if applied incorrectly.
How To Begin Your Pigmentation Care Plan
Meet with Megan to evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns, and identify the underlying causes contributing to pigmentation.
Patients seeking long-term skin improvement often benefit from membership care, which includes ongoing guidance, follow-ups, and preferred treatment pricing.
As your skin responds to treatment, your care plan evolves to help maintain results and address new concerns as they arise.
what makes us different
How We Approach Your Care
Step 1: Evaluate
Pigmentation is rarely straightforward. Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and hormonal discoloration all look similar on the surface but require different approaches. We start by identifying what's actually driving yours.
Step 2: Correct
Prescription-strength topicals — including retinoids, tranexamic acid, and other evidence-based agents — are incorporated when clinically appropriate to target pigmentation at the cellular level and accelerate results beyond what over-the-counter products can achieve.
Step 3: Resurface
Medical-grade chemical peels are selected based on your pigmentation type, skin tone, and sensitivity.
Step 4: Regenerate
Microneedling is integrated when deeper skin remodeling is indicated, stimulating collagen and supporting more even, resilient skin tone over time. PRF may be incorporated to further enhance results depending on your individual treatment plan.
Step 5: Maintain
Pigmentation has a way of coming back without the right plan in place. We build a maintenance plan around medical-grade skincare, sun protection guidance, and ongoing clinical oversight to protect your results.
Why Membership Works
Consistency Creates Results
Healthy skin requires more than occasional appointments.
Your Plan Evolves
As your skin changes, your care plan changes.
Medical Guidance Matters
Work directly with a provider who understands your history and goals.
Prevention Saves Time
Address concerns early before they become bigger issues.
FAQ
ask us
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What causes pigmentation in the skin?
Pigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, acne scarring, hormonal changes (like melasma), inflammation, or a combination of factors. Identifying the cause is key to choosing the right treatment.
What’s the difference between melasma, sun damage, and acne marks?
Melasma is often hormonally driven and appears as deeper, patchy discoloration. Sun damage comes from UV exposure over time, while post-acne marks (hyperpigmentation) are left behind after breakouts. Each requires a different treatment approach.
Why isn’t my pigmentation improving with skincare alone?
Many pigmentation concerns sit deeper in the skin and require clinical treatments in addition to topical products. Without addressing the root cause, results are often limited or temporary.
Can pigmentation be permanently removed?
Pigmentation can be significantly improved, but some types, especially melasma, require ongoing management. Consistency with treatment and sun protection is essential to maintain results.
Which treatments work best for pigmentation?
Treatment depends on the type and depth of pigmentation. Options may include chemical peels like the VI Peel, microneedling, prescription skincare, and a customized at-home regimen.
Is sun protection really that important?
Yes—daily sun protection is critical. Without it, pigmentation can worsen or return, even with the best treatments.
Can treating pigmentation make it worse?
If the wrong treatment is used, especially for melasma, pigmentation can worsen. That’s why a personalized assessment is essential before starting any treatment plan.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks, but full results often take several months depending on the type of pigmentation and consistency of care.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You don’t need to know which treatment is right for you before scheduling.
We’ll help evaluate your concerns, identify potential causes, and create a personalized plan designed around your skin goals.