Dark spots or discoloration of the skin – officially known as hyperpigmentation – is one of the most common skin concerns, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying or upsetting.
Whether it’s post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne or other skin traumas, or age spots, sun spots, or liver spots caused by sun exposure or the natural aging process, these patches of discoloration are one of the top things that people visit skin specialists looking to address.
A common question is whether it’s necessary to visit a dermatologist to fix hyperpigmentation, but the reality is that medical spas like BodyTonic are often the best first port of call.
This is because med spas offer a wide range of advanced medical-grade treatments specifically developed to treat hyperpigmentation and other age- or sun-related skin issues, while dermatologists are typically recommended for more serious or complex skin conditions. However, med spas and dermatologists frequently work together, recommending clients or patients to each other as appropriate and depending on the complexity of specific cases. So you can rest assured you’ll always be in the right and best hands.
But for most people, medical spas like BodyTonic Cleveland are the perfect place to treat your hyperpigmentation – whether through skincare products like hyperpigmentation creams, laser therapy, medical facials, or other cutting-edge treatments.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation vs. hyperpigmentation: what’s the difference?
Skin hyperpigmentation is something everyone’s bound to face at some point or another.
It’s a very common skin condition that comes about when the body produces too much melanin, the pigment responsible for color.
Two of the most common types of hyperpigmentation are:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: this type is directly related to a skin injury or irritation, such as acne, cuts, burns, eczema, etc. The skin produces too much melanin as part of the healing process, which results in a dark or discolored mark on the skin.
- Age spots, sun spots, and liver spots: these are dark spots or patches on the skin that can look a lot like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but rather than come as a result of injury, they are caused by sun exposure or aging.
In both cases, the marks can vary in color and severity. They can also both appear anywhere on the body, although they’re especially common on the face.
The main difference is that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is generally more superficial than age, sun, and liver spots, which means that a) it can often fade of its own accord over time (although this can sometimes take years), and b) it responds well to a wider range of treatments.
Age spots, sun spots, and liver spots, on the other hand, are usually caused by long-term sun exposure, which means they are generally deeper and therefore require stronger treatments to remove or reduce their appearance. These types of hyperpigmentation won’t ever fade on their own.
What is the first-line treatment for hyperpigmentation?

When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, topical skincare treatments are often the first option.
Some of the most common and effective ingredients in topical treatments for hyperpigmentation include retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and hydroquinone, which mainly work by either accelerating skin cell turnover or inhibiting melanin production.
However, it’s important to know that some of these ingredients, such as hydroquinone, can also cause skin irritation and may not be suitable for long-term use, so it’s always recommended to consult a professional for the best advice and products.
With skincare products, by far the most effective solutions are medical-grade products. There are a lot of over-the-counter products that contain ingredients that may help reduce the appearance of dark spots, but medical-grade products undergo rigorous clinical testing and offer higher concentrations and more advanced formulations, resulting in more effective, faster, and more noticeable results.
Three medical-grade skincare brands we recommend and carry at BodyTonic are Skinbetter Science, Neocutis, and iSClinical, each of which offers powerful formulas for tackling hyperpigmentation. And better still, their products are hydroquinone-free – instead using alternative, highly effective ingredients to lighten your pigmentation safely and without the potential irritation or side effects associated with hydroquinone.
Some of our favorites include:
- Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum: This serum targets dark spots with a blend of alpha-arbutin, peptides, and antioxidants to reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin tone – no hydroquinone required.
- Neocutis Perle Skin Brightening Cream: Using a special blend of skin-brightening ingredients, including Vitamin C, this cream visibly reduces dark spots while promoting an even complexion.
- iSClinical Brightening Complex: This formula combines botanical brighteners, antioxidants, and exfoliants to help fade pigmentation, while also nourishing and protecting the skin.
Using these types of quality products consistently, alongside professional advice from your skin specialist, can significantly improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.
Does laser therapy work for hyperpigmentation?
If topical treatments aren’t delivering your desired results, advanced in-office procedures are the next step. And there is a wide range of cutting-edge treatments designed to address even the most stubborn pigmentation.
Laser therapy is one of the most effective at treating all types of hyperpigmentation. Procedures like IPL (intense pulsed light) – also known as a photofacial – can be extremely effective, as can fractional laser resurfacing such as the CoolPeel CO2 laser or the MOXI laser by Sciton, both of which target pigmentation at deeper levels of the skin, breaking up the melanin and allowing the body to naturally fade the spots.
However, in addition to laser therapy, there are several other treatments that can also effectively treat age- or sun-related and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation:
- Chemical Peels: These treatments use exfoliating acids to remove the outer layer of the skin, promoting cell turnover and fading pigmentation over time. Peels can be customized to suit your skin type and concerns.
- Microneedling: By creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling (and even more so when combined with radiofrequency) stimulates collagen production and encourages the skin to heal itself, reducing the appearance of dark spots and evening out skin tone.
- Dermaplaning: This involves gently scraping away the top layer of skin to remove all dull, dead, and discolored skin cells, triggering cell renewal of the skin while also instantly uncovering a brighter and smoother complexion.
- HydraFacial: Combining exfoliation, hydration, and brightening serums, the HydraFacial is a popular treatment for those looking for a non-invasive way to improve pigmentation and skin texture.
- And more…
These advanced treatments offer faster results than skincare alone, and can be combined with topical products for an even more comprehensive approach. To find out which treatment is best suited to your skin and and type of hyperpigmentation, book an appointment at BodyTonic for a consultation.
Prevention and maintenance: long-term care for hyperpigmentation
After treating your post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or age, sun, or liver spots, it’s important to take steps to maintain those results and prevent future dark spots from appearing. While hyperpigmentation can fade with the right treatments, without proper care, it can easily come back.
Here are the top ways to maintain your results and prevent new pigmentation from forming:
Sunscreen: Daily sun protection is a must. UV exposure is one of the leading causes of hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even during winter or cloudy days, to protect your skin from further dark spots.
Avoid skin picking: Picking at blemishes or irritations can trigger new pigmentation, so resist the urge. Let your skin heal naturally to avoid unnecessary inflammation.
Stick to your skincare routine: Continue using brightening products like Vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliants, which not only prevent new spots but also help maintain an even skin tone. Consistency is key for long-term results.
Professional treatments: Regular follow-up and maintenance treatments are the best way to maintain your results, prevent new skin issues or signs of aging from appearing earlier than necessary, and for generally enhancing your skincare routine.


Treat your post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, age spots, and more at BodyTonic Cleveland
Dark spots and skin discoloration can be frustrating and upsetting, but with the right approach, it’s possible to reverse the worst of it and achieve clear, even-toned skin once again.
At BodyTonic in Cleveland, we can help you treat all types of hyperpigmentation – whether it’s sun- or age-related, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
From topical medical-grade skincare to advanced treatments such as laser skin rejuvenation, microneedling, medical facials, and more, our expert team will start with a thorough and in-depth consultation before mapping out your optimal treatment plan to remove or minimize your skin discoloration and leave you with smooth, clear, confidence-boosting skin. Book your consultation today and find out exactly how we can help you.