Skin concern
Pigmentation & sun damage
Hyperpigmentation, melasma
Brown patches, sun spots and uneven tone — why the type of pigmentation determines what will work.
What it actually is
Not all pigmentation is the same, and the distinction matters more than any product choice. Sun spots are discrete, well-defined marks from cumulative UV exposure. Melasma is a larger, patchy, symmetrical discolouration strongly influenced by hormones and heat, and it behaves very differently — it's prone to returning and is easily made worse by overly aggressive treatment. Post-inflammatory pigmentation is the mark left behind after a spot or injury heals.
Why it happens
- Cumulative UV exposure over years, including through car and office windows
- Hormonal influence — pregnancy and oral contraceptives are common melasma triggers
- Heat itself, independent of UV, which is a genuine aggravator in melasma
- Inflammation from acne, picking, or overly aggressive treatment
What tends not to work
Treating melasma like sun spots is the classic mistake — heat and aggressive resurfacing can worsen it considerably and durably. There's no such thing as a permanent fix without ongoing sun protection either: pigment returns readily with UV exposure regardless of how well the initial treatment worked.
How we approach it
Identifying the type comes first, because it determines whether an active approach is appropriate at all. Sun spots generally respond well to targeted treatment. Melasma is approached more conservatively, with an emphasis on not provoking it. In every case, daily broad-spectrum sun protection is not an optional add-on — without it, results don't hold.
When to see a doctor instead
See your physician about any pigmented spot that is changing in size, shape or colour, has an irregular border or more than one colour, itches or bleeds. Skin cancer screening is a medical assessment and should never be substituted with a cosmetic treatment.
Treatment
How we treat pigmentation & sun damage
Every treatment is performed by Karilee Slubowski, LPN.
Sun Spot & Age Spot Removal
Nd:YAG laser treatment in Salmon Arm to fade sun spots, age spots, and freckle-like pigmentation left by years of sun exposure.
Melasma & Pigmentation Laser Treatment
Targeted Nd:YAG laser treatment in Salmon Arm to lighten melasma and stubborn facial pigmentation for a clearer, more even complexion.
Crow & Co.Hydra-Dermabrasion / Crow Royalty™
Deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and hydration in one luxurious resurfacing treatment.
Questions
Pigmentation & sun damage — common questions
- What's the difference between melasma and sun spots?
- Sun spots are discrete, well-defined marks caused by UV exposure. Melasma is larger, patchier and usually symmetrical across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, and is strongly influenced by hormones and heat. They respond to quite different approaches, which is why the distinction is made before any treatment.
- Will my pigmentation come back?
- It can, particularly melasma, and particularly with sun exposure. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is what protects the result — it's the single highest-value habit for anyone treating pigmentation.
Not sure if this is what you have?
That’s what an assessment is for. Karilee Slubowski, LPNwill tell you what you’re actually dealing with — including when the answer is that you should see your physician instead.
Related: Acne & breakouts, Rosacea & facial redness, Loose skin & fine lines