Hyperpigmentation & melasma,
treated for your skin tone.
Dark spots, uneven skin tone and melasma caused by sun exposure, hormones, or post-inflammatory response — especially common in deeper Fitzpatrick types. Every PSRx plan starts by identifying which kind of pigmentation you have, because each one is treated differently.
Not all dark spots
are the same.
Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can look alike, but they have different causes and different treatment paths. Treating one like the other is one of the most common mistakes in pigmentation care.
Heat-based treatments that help some dark spots can trigger rebound darkening in melasma — so your provider confirms which type you have before recommending anything.
Why deeper skin tones
need a different approach.
Melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) has more reactive melanocytes — the cells that make pigment. Inflammation, heat, UV and trauma that leave a faint mark on lighter skin can leave a lasting dark patch on deeper skin, and lasers or peels set for lighter skin can cause the very darkening they are meant to treat.
- ✦Fitzpatrick typing and a skin history review before any treatment
- ✦Laser settings and peel strength calibrated to your skin tone
- ✦4–6 weeks of melanin-inhibiting prep before any medium-depth peel
- ✦Sessions paced so your skin fully recovers between treatments
Your treatment options.
Your personalized plan.
Every plan is customized at your consultation — often a combination of in-clinic treatments and home care, matched to your skin type and goals.
From consultation
to lasting results.
Hyperpigmentation & Melasma FAQ.
What's the difference between melasma and dark spots from acne?
Melasma is driven by hormones and UV light and usually shows up as symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Dark spots from acne are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — marks left where the skin was inflamed. They are treated differently, so we identify which one you have before recommending anything.
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is chronic. It can fade significantly, but it can return with sun exposure or hormonal shifts — which is why daily SPF 50+ and a maintenance plan are part of every melasma protocol.
Is laser safe for hyperpigmentation on dark skin?
It can be, with the right technology and settings. Lasers set for lighter skin can cause new darkening on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. At PSRx, settings are calibrated to your skin tone, and for melasma we start with topical suppression and sun protection before considering any heat-based treatment.
How long does it take for dark spots to fade?
Topical brightening protocols usually take 8–12 weeks of consistent use before meaningful fading. Most surface PIH fades within 6–12 months with sun protection and the right care; deeper pigment takes longer. Your provider gives you a realistic timeline at your consultation.
Do I really need sunscreen every day?
Yes. UV light directly stimulates pigment production and can undo treatment progress — UVA even passes through clouds and windows. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning is the single most important step.
Can I treat hyperpigmentation at home?
Home care is half of the result. The right products — melanin inhibitors, barrier support and daily SPF — keep pigment from coming back between and after treatments. PSRx's Precise M.D. line is formulated to support treatment results, and the PSRx Skin Portal builds a personalized at-home routine for you.
right diagnosis.
Book a consultation at our South Loop clinic, or take the 5-minute Skin Assessment and our clinical team will build your personalized skin summary.