Say goodbye to uneven skin tone with laser pigmentation treatments! 

Discover how advanced skin laser treatment targets discoloration, boosts collagen, and reveals radiant, even-toned skin.

Our Picosure laser is the ultimate solution for pigmentation—precisely targeting dark spots, sun damage, and uneven tone, delivering faster results and smoother, clearer skin. Say hello to a more radiant you!

As we age, pigmentation on the skin can become deeper and show up darker on the skin’s surface. 

Understanding the causes of pigmentation is the first step toward achieving a brighter, more even complexion. 

Key Takeaways

• Pigmentation changes are primarily due to an imbalance in melanin production
• Picosure uses the body’s natural process to eliminate the pigment 
• Results are seen in the first few weeks
• Results last approximately 6-12 months
• Picosure is effective for various skin concerns and skin types
• Multiple sessions are often needed for optimal results
• Insurance doesn’t cover laser treatments

Causes of Pigmentation

Sun Exposure (UV Radiation)

Melanin Production: According to the National Library of Medicine, the most common cause of pigmentation is prolonged exposure to the sun.

UV radiation stimulates melanocytes (skin cells responsible for producing pigment) to produce more melanin, leading to tanning or dark spots.

Over time, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, age spots, or freckles.

Hormonal Changes

• Pregnancy (Melasma): Known as “the mask of pregnancy,” hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to dark patches of skin, particularly on the face. These patches are typically more pronounced in women with darker skin tones.
• Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills, which contain estrogen and progesterone, can also trigger melasma-like pigmentation changes.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal shifts that affect pigmentation, often leading to skin darkening (especially around the neck, armpits, and inner thighs).

Inflammation or Skin Injury (Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)

After an injury, burn, or acne outbreak, the skin may darken as it heals. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

It occurs when excess melanin is produced in response to inflammation or trauma to the skin.

Age-Related Pigmentation

• Age Spots (Liver Spots): These are small, flat, brown spots that appear as a result of sun exposure and aging. They are most commonly found on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over the years, such as the face, hands, and shoulders.
• Freckles: Some people develop freckles over time, particularly if they have fair skin. These are small brown spots that become darker with sun exposure.

Genetics

Some people are genetically predisposed to certain pigmentation patterns. Freckles, moles, and darker skin tones are inherited traits.

People with darker skin naturally produce more melanin, which offers some protection from UV radiation, but they can still experience hyperpigmentation or conditions like melasma.

Skin Conditions

• Vitiligo: This is a condition where the skin loses pigment in patches, resulting in white spots or areas of skin. It occurs when melanocytes are destroyed.
• Albinism: People with albinism have a genetic condition where they lack the ability to produce melanin, leading to very light skin, hair, and eyes.
• Tinea Versicolor: A fungal infection that causes small patches of lighter or darker skin. It can lead to uneven pigmentation, especially in warmer, humid climates.

Medications

Certain medications can cause pigmentation changes as a side effect. These include drugs for chemotherapy, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics like tetracycline, or drugs used for hormonal treatments.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of certain nutrients, especially vitamin B12, iron, or folate, can lead to changes in skin pigmentation.

Deficiencies in these nutrients may cause conditions like anemia, which can contribute to paleness or a yellowish tint in the skin.

Skin Care Products and Cosmetics

Some skincare ingredients, like hydroquinone, may cause lightening or fading of pigmentation. Overuse or misuse of certain products can irritate the skin, leading to pigmentation changes, particularly in darker skin tones.

Chronic Skin Conditions

• Eczema and psoriasis can lead to changes in pigmentation, especially in the healing phases when skin regenerates after flare-ups.
• Lupus: This autoimmune disorder can cause butterfly-shaped rashes across the face and other forms of pigmentation on the skin.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors

High sugar intake and other dietary factors can affect skin health and may influence pigmentation, as can smoking, which can lead to skin damage and a dull, uneven complexion.

Dehydration and poor skin care routines may exacerbate pigmentation issues, making them more noticeable.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, or certain metals (like nickel) can sometimes cause pigmentation changes in the skin.

Underlying Health Conditions

Diseases like Addison’s disease (which affects hormone production from the adrenal glands) can result in hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun.

Pregnancy and Birth Control

Melasma is especially common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but it can also occur in women taking birth control pills, due to increased estrogen and progesterone levels.

Key Advantages of Removing Pigmentation

Pigmentation changes are primarily due to an imbalance in melanin production. Proper skincare, sun protection, and treatment can often help manage or reduce pigmentation changes.

If you have specific concerns about pigmentation, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Below are the key advantages of removing pigmentation:

• Clearer, Even Tone: Pigmentation removal restores a smoother, more uniform complexion.

• Boosted Confidence: Achieve glowing skin and feel more confident without the need for concealers.

• Reduced Signs of Aging: Fades sunspots and age spots, giving skin a youthful, refreshed look.

• Long-Lasting Results: Enjoy lasting improvements with minimal downtime and better skin health.

• Prevent Future Damage: Laser treatments help prevent new pigmentation from forming, especially with sun protection.

• Brighter, Healthier Skin: Achieve a radiant, clear complexion that looks naturally glowing and youthful.

How Does Picosure The Laser Work?

Its cutting-edge technology uses ultra-short, picosecond laser pulses to target and break down pigment in the skin, such as tattoo ink or pigment from age spots and other causes. Here’s how it works:

1. Picosecond Technology: Unlike traditional lasers that emit longer, nanosecond pulses, PicoSure delivers extremely short bursts—measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). These pulses are so fast that they create a photomechanical impact, which shatters the pigment particles without generating significant heat.

2. PressureWave™ Effect: When the PicoSure laser’s ultra-short pulse hits the pigment, it causes rapid expansion and contraction of the pigment particles, breaking them into tiny fragments. This effect, called “PressureWave™,” essentially shatters the pigment without overheating the surrounding skin tissue.

3. Natural Clearance by the Body: Once the pigment particles are fragmented, the body’s lymphatic system naturally clears them away over time. This process gradually reduces the appearance of pigmentation or ink in the skin.

The advantage of PicoSure’s technology is that it minimizes the risk of scarring and skin damage because it relies less on thermal energy, making it a safer and more effective option for a range of skin types and pigments.

Picosure Laser is a Health Canada-approved to treat pigmentation such as melasma.

Tips to Maintain The Results

To maintain the results of pigmentation removal treatments, here are some key tips:

• Use Sunscreen Daily: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
• Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Try to limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wear hats or use umbrellas for added protection.
• Reapply Sunscreen: Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours if you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating.
• Follow Aftercare Instructions: Follow the specific aftercare guidelines provided by your practitioner to prevent irritation and ensure proper healing.
• Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated to help maintain skin health and prevent dryness, which can lead to pigmentation recurrence.
• Use Brightening Products: Incorporate gentle, brightening skincare ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract to help maintain an even skin tone.
• Avoid Scratching or Picking: Refrain from picking at your skin, especially after treatments, to avoid scarring or new pigmentation spots.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support overall skin health and keep your complexion radiant.
• Limit Chemical Exfoliation: Avoid harsh exfoliants and limit the use of acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid) in the weeks following treatment to allow your skin to heal properly.
• Schedule Follow-Up Treatments: For ongoing maintenance, consider periodic touch-ups or maintenance sessions as recommended by your dermatologist.

By following these steps, you can protect your skin and extend the benefits of pigmentation removal treatments for a brighter, more even complexion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PicoSure laser treatments provide a highly effective, safe, and innovative approach to addressing pigmentation issues, including dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.

Its precise targeting and stimulation of the skin’s natural healing process make it suitable for all skin types, including darker tones.

With minimal downtime and the right aftercare—like daily sunscreen and proper hydration—you can enjoy long-lasting results.

Whether your goal is to reduce signs of aging, boost confidence, or achieve a radiant, even complexion, PicoSure laser is the perfect solution.

Visit Shiny Lotus today to learn more and start your journey to flawless skin!

FAQs: PicoSure Laser

Is PicoSure safe?

Yes absolutely, it’s the safest laser for all light to dark skin tones and is FDA-cleared to treat a variety of skin conditions.

What skin concerns can PicoSure treat?

PicoSure effectively treats pigmentation (like sunspots and melasma), acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

How many treatments are needed for visible results?

Most people see significant improvement in 3-5 sessions, but the exact number varies depending on the severity of the pigmentation, scarring, and individual skin response.

How often are treatments?

We space out treatments every 4 weeks to allow the skin to regenerate and heal. 

Is PicoSure safe for all skin types?

Yes, PicoSure is designed to be safe for a variety of skin tones and types. However, a consultation is recommended to determine if it’s the right treatment for your skin.

Is there any downtime after a PicoSure treatment?

PicoSure is minimally invasive with little to no downtime. You may experience mild redness or slight swelling that usually resolves within a few hours to a full day. 

Does PicoSure help with acne scars?

Yes, PicoSure stimulates collagen production and resurfaces the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.

Can PicoSure be combined with other treatments?

Absolutely! Many patients combine PicoSure with microneedling, chemical peels, or a personalized skincare routine to enhance and maintain results.

How soon can I see the results from PicoSure?

Results are often noticeable within a few weeks as the skin heals and regenerates, with optimal results appearing after multiple sessions.

Does PicoSure hurt?

PicoSure treatments are generally well-tolerated. You may feel a slight tingling/static sensation or warmth to the skin, but numbing creams and a cooling machine can be used for added comfort.

How can I maintain my results after PicoSure?

Protect your skin with SPF, follow a consistent skincare routine (including Vitamin C or niacinamide), and avoid sun exposure to prolong the results.