Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation means areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin because of excess melanin. It includes sun spots, melasma and marks after acne or injury. A dermatologist identifies the type first, because each responds to different treatment.
Overview
Dark patches can look alike but have very different causes. Treating melasma like a sun spot, for example, can make it worse.
Board-certified dermatologists in Korea often use a skin analysis device and close examination to map pigment depth before choosing lasers or topicals.
At a glance
Main types
Solar lentigines, freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, nevus of Ota and Hori's nevus.
Treatment options
Topical lighteners, chemical peels, Q-switched or picosecond lasers, IPL and strict sun protection.
Risk to know
Darker skin tones can develop post-laser pigmentation, so settings must be conservative.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to remove dark spots?
Discrete sun spots often respond to one or two pigment laser sessions; diffuse pigment usually needs longer combined treatment.
Can dark spots come back?
Yes, especially with sun exposure. Sunscreen is essential after treatment.
Do I need a diagnosis first?
Yes. Some dark spots are not pigment problems at all, and rare ones need to be checked for skin cancer.
Related
Choose a specialist
See a board-certified dermatologist, not just a “skin clinic”
In Korea, only about 1 in 10 clinics that treat skin is run by a dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의). Specialists complete a four-year dermatology residency and a national exam. Our directory lists only clinics in the Association of Korean Dermatologists’ specialist search. This page is general information, not medical advice.