Beauty

Pigment spots? Here's what you can do about it

By Annelijn van Ierland | #!31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:002531#31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:00-8Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202631 19am31am-31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:008Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2026312026Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200308307amSunday=9#!31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#07-19-2026#!31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:002531#\/31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:00-8Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202631#!31Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#

A brown spot on your cheek that wasn't there last year. Dark spots above your upper lip that just won't go away. Or pigmentation spots on your hands that suddenly make your skin look older than it feels. There's a good chance you'll encounter this at some point. But did you know that not every pigmentation spot is the same? And that a treatment that works perfectly for one person can leave another with even more pigmentation? It all starts with knowing exactly what you're dealing with.

Because sunspots, melasma, and pigmentation spots that occur after, for example, acne all require a different approach.

Sunspots

Do you see round, sharply defined brown spots on your face, hands, décolletage, or arms? Then you are likely dealing with lentigo solaris, better known as sunspots. They occur due to years of exposure to UV radiation and are completely benign. However, they can be cosmetically disturbing and are common in both women and men.

For this type of pigmentation spots, light and laser treatments often work very well, such as IPL or a 755 nm alexandrite laser. These treatments specifically target the pigment in the skin. A powerful light pulse breaks down the pigment, which the body then naturally clears away. The result is often visible after just one or two treatments: a more even skin tone that looks fresher immediately.

This is the best tested sunscreen and costs only 6 euros

Sun damage is more than just pigmentation spots

Years of sun exposure often leave more traces than just visible pigmentation spots. Think of a dull complexion, fine lines, a less even skin texture, or a tired appearance. All those small damages together are referred to as sun damage.

A skin-renewing laser such as the Youlaser MT has been scientifically studied for improving overall skin condition and reducing visible signs of sun damage. The treatment stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and supports the skin's natural cell renewal. Old damage is gradually replaced by new, healthy skin cells.

That's why daily sun protection is so important. Not only when you already have pigmentation spots, but especially to prevent new damage. In this case, prevention is truly better than treatment.

Melasma: more stubborn than you think

You can recognize melasma by irregular dark brown spots on the face, often on the cheekbones, forehead, and upper lip. A notable feature is that it almost always occurs symmetrically, so on both sides of the face.

Melasma is also known as the pregnancy mask, but that name doesn't do justice to how often it occurs outside of pregnancy. Hormones play an important role. Not only pregnancy but also contraception or hormonal changes during menopause can cause or worsen melasma. Additionally, UV radiation is a significant trigger. Men can also develop melasma, although it occurs less frequently.

It's important to know that melasma is a chronic skin condition. This means that daily sun protection remains essential all year round. Additionally, pigmentation-reducing ingredients can help to decrease pigment production.

With melasma, choosing the right treatment is extra important. IPL and alexandrite lasers are usually discouraged because the heat generated can actually worsen the pigment. Medical peels and cold lasers, such as a mild fractional CO2 laser with a short pulse duration and minimal heat development, are often more suitable. Sometimes this is combined with medication from the general practitioner, such as azelaic acid.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: pigment after damage

Sometimes pigmentation only occurs after the skin has been damaged. Think of dark spots after acne, a scrape, or a scar. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The discoloration can vary from dark brown to reddish and occurs more frequently in people with darker skin types.

Sometimes these spots fade on their own, but that process can take months. Which treatment is most suitable depends on the skin type and the cause of the pigmentation. In some cases, medical peels are a good choice, while in other cases, IPL or the Youlaser MT can be used very specifically. For example, if there is still active acne? Then a peel is often preferred.

The most important tip for any form of pigmentation

Whatever form of pigmentation you have, sun protection remains the foundation. Without good protection against UV radiation, every treatment is less effective, and the chance of pigmentation spots returning or worsening is greater.

So yes, even in winter. Even on cloudy days. And even if you're just going outside for a moment.

Are you unsure which form of pigmentation you have? A skin therapist can assess the skin and, with the help of a VISIA skin analysis, also look into the deeper skin layers. Based on that, a personal treatment plan can be drawn up.