Pigment Correction Clinic

 

 

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Why Pigmentation Is Harder to Treat in Skin of Color

Darker skin tones naturally contain more melanin, which makes the skin more reactive to inflammation, heat, and injury. Traditional treatments—like certain lasers or harsh topicals—can sometimes do more harm than good if not used carefully. That’s why it’s essential to work with a dermatologist who understands the science and subtleties of treating skin of color.

Conditions We Treat:

• Melasma

• Sun spots / Solar lentigines

• Age spots / Seborrheic keratoses

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Blotchiness or uneven skin tone

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Melasma

What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown to gray-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, or jawline. It’s often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control), and heat or inflammation.

Who Gets It?
Melasma is more common in women and individuals with medium to darker skin tones, especially those of Asian, Latinx, African, or Middle Eastern descent.

Why It’s Difficult to Treat:
Melasma forms deep in the skin and is easily reactivated by UV light, heat, or irritation. Incorrect treatment—especially with the wrong lasers or harsh peels—can actually worsen the condition.

Our Approach:
We use picosecond laser technology, topical agents like tranexamic acid and azelaic acid, and custom skincare regimens designed to fade pigmentation without irritating sensitive melanocytes. We also educate you on strict sun protection to help prevent relapses.

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Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines)

What Are Sun Spots?
Also known as liver spots or age spots, these flat brown patches develop due to cumulative sun exposure over time. They usually appear on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands—areas most exposed to the sun.

Who Gets Them?
They’re more common as we age, especially in lighter skin, but they can occur in all skin types with prolonged sun exposure.

Our Approach:
Sun spots respond well to targeted laser treatments, like picosecond lasers, which break up melanin with minimal risk of irritation. We often combine this with topical brightening agents and broad-spectrum sun protection to enhance results and prevent recurrence.

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Age Spots

What Are Age Spots?
Age spots are essentially the same as sun spots, caused by long-term UV damage. They can appear as light brown to dark brown patches and may vary in size. Though benign, they can make the skin appear uneven or older.

How They Differ from Melasma:
Age spots are usually well-defined and superficial, while melasma tends to be patchier, deeper, and hormonally driven.

Our Approach:
We use non-invasive laser treatments to fade these spots safely and effectively. For patients with darker skin tones, we tailor settings to avoid rebound hyperpigmentation, which can happen with aggressive treatment.

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Hyperpigmentation & PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)

What is Hyperpigmentation?
This term refers to any darkening of the skin caused by excess melanin. It can be due to acne, eczema, insect bites, injuries, or inflammation.

What is PIH?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after skin trauma or irritation, leaving behind dark marks—especially common after acne breakouts.

Who Gets It?
PIH disproportionately affects skin of color because melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) are more active and reactive.

Why It’s Challenging:
Even mild inflammation (like from a breakout or cosmetic procedure) can lead to lingering discoloration. Some OTC products can worsen it by irritating the skin further.

Our Approach:
We use a combination of:

• Low-strength chemical peels

• Pigment-safe lasers

• Topical brighteners (like vitamin C, niacinamide, and gentle retinoids)

• Barrier-repairing moisturizers
  to treat the discoloration while protecting the skin.

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Why Choose a Dermatologist for Pigment Concerns?

Pigment disorders can be frustrating, complex, and emotionally distressing, especially when treatments fail or make things worse. Many of these conditions overlap and require expert diagnosis.

At DC Dermatology, we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we provide:

• Expert pigment diagnosis and depth analysis

• Treatment plans tailored for your skin type and tone

• Safe use of lasers, peels, and prescription skincare

• Specialized expertise in treating skin of color

• Ongoing education and maintenance programs

Our Advanced Treatment Approach

We tailor every treatment plan to your skin’s unique needs using a blend of:

1. Picosecond Laser Technology

We use state-of-the-art picosecond laser systems, which deliver ultra-fast pulses of energy to break down pigment safely and precisely—without overheating the skin. This technology is ideal for melasma and pigment conditions in darker skin tones, where safety and precision are critical.

2. Prescription-Strength Topical Treatments

We formulate personalized regimens using medical-grade ingredients like:

• Hydroquinone (short-term use)

• Tranexamic acid

• Azelaic acid

• Kojic acid

• Retinoids and vitamin C

These target pigment at the cellular level to fade discoloration and prevent new pigment from forming.

3. Skin Care Product Guidance

Not all skincare is created equal—especially when dealing with pigment. We educate patients on the right cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens (including iron-oxide-based sunscreens that protect against visible light), so you can maintain and protect your results long term.

4. Lifestyle and Maintenance Education

Pigment correction doesn’t stop at treatment—it’s a long-term commitment to skin health. We help you understand your triggers (sun exposure, hormones, heat, skin trauma) and provide long-term strategies for preventing recurrence.

 

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Patient-Focused, Results-Driven Care

Pigmentation can be emotional. It affects how you feel in your skin every day. We’re here to offer real solutions, expert care, and a plan that works—not just quick fixes.

You deserve more than one-size-fits-all treatments. You deserve a dermatologist who understands the science of pigment correction—especially in skin like yours.

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Ready to start your pigment correction journey?

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier, more even-toned skin.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the consultation fee?

Initial consult: $200

We do not accept medical insurance but do accept HSA/FSA

What does the consult entail?

A thorough examination will be performed by Dr. Lanny Dinh, a board-certified dermatologist, or one of her highly trained Physician Assistants to accurately diagnose the specific type of pigmentation condition. A personalized treatment plan will be discussed, along with detailed education on what to expect throughout the course of treatment.

It's important to note that not all brown spots are the same—each condition may require a different therapeutic approach. Consultations typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the diagnosis.

In some cases, due to the nature of the skin concern, a biopsy may be recommended to rule out skin cancer or other conditions that could impact the treatment plan. If a biopsy is necessary, the doctor will thoroughly discuss this with you during your visit.

Can treatment, like laser, be started on the same day as the consultation?

In most cases, yes. This will be discussed between the care team and the patient. If for some reason, treatment cannot be started on the same day, the patient will be rescheduled to a different day for treatment.

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