What Is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to darkened areas of skin caused by excess melanin. Common types include:

✔ Sun spots / age spots
✔ Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — marks after acne or injury
✔ Melasma — patchy brown patches, often hormone-related
✔ Freckles

In Seoul, pigmentation treatments are very popular due to high demand for even, bright skin tone.

Why Pigmentation Happens

Pigmentation can be triggered by:

• Sun exposure (major factor)
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control)
• Acne or skin injury
• Inflammation
• Genetics
• Certain skincare/products causing irritation

Melanin overproduction leads to darker areas that can be stubborn and slow to fade.

Common Treatment Options in Seoul

Clinics often tailor combinations of treatments based on type, depth, and severity of pigmentation:

 1. Pigment-Targeting Lasers

These are among the most popular and effective options:

✨ Pico lasers — target pigment with ultrashort pulses
✨ Q-Switched lasers — break up melanin clusters
✨ Fractional pigment lasers — combine pigment correction + texture improvement

Benefits:
✔ Breaks pigment into tiny particles
✔ Gradual fading over multiple sessions

 2. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

• Broad-spectrum light improves overall tone and brown spots
• Good for diffuse, milder pigmentation

Benefits:
✔ Even tone improvement
✔ Can help redness + brown spots together

 3. Chemical Peels

Peels use acids to remove surface layers and speed up skin renewal:

• Glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids
• Brightening peels with antioxidants

Benefits:
✔ Freshens dull skin
✔ Lightens mild pigmentation

 4. Topical Lightening Serums

Often prescribed medically or used in clinic programs:

✔ Vitamin C
✔ Niacinamide
✔ Arbutin
✔ Tranexamic acid
✔ Retinoids (for deeper marks)

These help slow melanin production and support laser/peel results.

 5. Combined Approaches (Best Results)

Most effective programs combine:

✔ Laser or light therapy
✔ Peels
✔ Medical-grade topical regimens
✔ Sun protection and maintenance care

This targets pigment deeply while preventing rebound.

How a Treatment Plan Usually Works

 Typical Schedule

• 4–8 sessions spaced weekly or biweekly
• Some people require ongoing maintenance
• Protocol varies with pigment type (melasma often requires longer plans)

 Timeline

✔ Early fading in 2–4 weeks
✔ Best results over 8–12 weeks + maintenance

Pigmentation doesn’t disappear instantly — consistent treatment and protection are key.

Aftercare & Sun Protection

Sun care is the most important part of treating pigmentation.

Daily Aftercare Tips:

✔ Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every day
✔ Reapply sunscreen if outdoors
✔ Wear a hat and UV-protective clothing
✔ Avoid peak sun hours
✔ Gentle skincare — avoid harsh exfoliants after treatments
✔ Use doctor-recommended serums consistently

Pigment easily returns if sun exposure isn’t controlled.

Special Considerations

 Melasma

• Often linked to hormones
• Needs gentle, consistent care and sun discipline
• Must avoid irritation

 Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation

• Follows acne or trauma
• Responds well to combination protocols

 Sun Spots / Age Spots

• Great candidates for laser + topical care
• Gradual fading with sessions

What to Expect After Treatments

Right after:
• Redness or warmth
• Mild darkening of spots before fading (“laser frosting”)

Next few days:
• Flaking or light peeling possible
• Gradual lightening

Do not pick or peel aggressively.
Let the skin heal naturally for optimal results.

Who Benefits Most

Pigmentation treatments in Seoul are ideal for people who:

✅ Want a more even, brighter complexion
✅ Have stubborn dark marks from acne or sun
✅ Are consistent with sun protection
✅ Prefer tailored, medical-grade options