Discoloration & Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Cincinnati, Ohio

Brown spots that develop after years of sun exposure are often called sun spots, age spots, solar lentigines, or hyperpigmentation. Patients may notice them on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, particularly the face, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Depending on the type of pigmentation and the patient's skin, treatment options may include IPL/intense pulsed light, professional skincare, chemical peels, resurfacing treatments, or a combination plan.

The right treatment depends on the cause and depth of the pigment. This is why we recommend evaluating the concern before deciding which technology or product to use.

IPL (intense pulsed light), sometimes called a photofacial, is one treatment that may be used for certain pigmentation and vascular concerns. Rather than making “photofacial” the focus of the page, IPL should appear as one potential solution for a concern the patient already recognizes.

IPL uses pulses of broad-spectrum light that target selected chromophores in the skin. In aesthetic treatment, it may be used for concerns such as certain brown spots, sun damage, uneven tone, and visible redness when appropriate for the patient's skin and condition.

Not every form of hyperpigmentation should be treated with IPL. An assessment is particularly important when melasma or pigment-prone skin is suspected.

Melasma commonly appears as patches of brown or gray-brown pigmentation, often on the face. Hormones, genetics, heat, and sun exposure can contribute to the condition.

Melasma is different from a typical isolated sun spot and can be persistent. Treatment commonly requires a long-term pigment-management strategy that may include diligent sun protection and topical skincare. Energy-based treatment is not automatically the right first choice for every patient.

If you are unsure whether your pigmentation is melasma, sun damage, or another condition, a consultation can help determine the appropriate next step.

Some patients develop flat dark marks after acne, irritation, or inflammation. This is often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

These marks are different from active acne scars that change the texture of the skin. Treatment may focus on controlling the underlying inflammation, protecting the skin from UV exposure, supporting healthy cell turnover, and using an appropriate pigment-correcting skincare or procedural plan.

Not every discoloration concern is brown. Some patients describe their skin as blotchy, flushed, red, or uneven.

Depending on the cause, IPL may be considered for certain visible vascular or redness concerns. Persistent facial redness can have multiple causes, however, so the appropriate treatment should be determined after evaluation.

Treating visible pigment without addressing ongoing sun exposure can limit results. Broad-spectrum sunscreen and an appropriate home skincare routine are important parts of managing many pigmentation concerns.

Professional skincare may also be used alongside procedures to address uneven tone and help maintain results. At New Body Aesthetics, treatment plans may combine in-office procedures with a home regimen based on the patient's skin and goals.