What Should I Do About Dark Spots or Pigmentation?

September 08, 2025By Skin Junkies Studio

What Should I Do About Dark Spots or Pigmentation?

Dark spots and uneven pigmentation can be some of the most frustrating skin concerns. Whether they come from sun exposure, hormonal shifts, acne scarring, or natural aging, they can make the skin look dull, uneven, and older than it really is. The good news? With the right plan, you can significantly reduce their appearance and restore a brighter, more balanced complexion.

Why Pigmentation Happens

Melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, is produced by melanocytes. When these cells become overstimulated (by UV exposure, inflammation, or hormonal changes), they create clusters of excess pigment—resulting in dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). [Source]

First Step: Daily Sunscreen

No matter what treatment plan you choose, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Without daily protection, new spots will form and existing ones will darken. At Skin Junkies Studio, we recommend:

Skin Junkies Tinted SPF – A daily shield with a subtle glow.
Skin Junkies Sheer SPF – Lightweight, invisible coverage.

Apply every morning, reapply every 2 hours outdoors, and make it part of your lifelong routine.

Targeted Skincare for Pigmentation

When it comes to brightening and evening skin tone, consistency with the right products is key. Skinbetter Science offers several gold-standard options:

AlphaRet Products

AlphaRet Clearing Serum – Combines retinoids with alpha hydroxy acids to improve texture, fine lines, and pigmentation without the irritation of traditional retinols.
AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads – At-home chemical peel pads that gently resurface, brighten, and refine skin tone.

Even Tone Correctors

Even Tone Correcting Serum – A hydroquinone-free serum that visibly improves the appearance of brown patches and sun damage.
Even Tone Intensive Serum – A more advanced formulation for stubborn pigmentation. Includes a gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid for additional resurfacing and brightening benefits.

These products work together to gently resurface the skin, reduce melanin buildup, and encourage brighter, clearer skin over time.

Professional Treatments That Deliver Results

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use acids to lift away the top layers of dull, pigmented skin and stimulate cell turnover. With a series of peels, you can expect:

Lighter, more even skin tone
Fewer visible dark spots
Boosted collagen for smoother texture

Quarterly Facials

Regular facials help maintain results, increase blood flow, and give the skin a constant refresh. At Skin Junkies Studio, we tailor every facial to your skin’s current needs, ensuring your treatments are always customized.

When to Consider Lasers or Deeper Treatments

For stubborn pigmentation or melasma, deeper treatments like laser therapy, IPL (intense pulsed light), or fractional resurfacing may be needed. These treatments target pigment at deeper levels than skincare and peels alone. However, not every client is a candidate—commitment level, downtime, and skin type all factor in. That’s why we always start with a thorough skin evaluation to map out the safest and most effective path for your goals.

As estheticians we do not work in this scope of practice of utilizing lasers, but have worked along side Physician Assistant Jaqi Kenney from Unfiltered Skin Lab just up the road from us. She can work with you to develop a plan for what lasers may benefit you as well as offer prescription options if needed. With her wealth of knowledge within the aesthetic space, you'll be provided with the know how on how to tackle your pigment on an even deeper level.

The Importance of a Skin Evaluation

Every skin journey is unique. What works for post-acne pigmentation may not be right for melasma. At Skin Junkies Studio, we always begin with a first-time consultation to assess your skin type, history, and lifestyle. From there, we design a personalized treatment plan that balances in-studio treatments with the right homecare products.

Final Thoughts

Dark spots and pigmentation can be stubborn, but they are not permanent. With daily sunscreen, consistent use of targeted products, and professional treatments like chemical peels or microchanneling, you can dramatically improve skin clarity and brightness. For more advanced or resistant pigmentation, laser treatments may be an option after a proper evaluation.

Let us guide you every step of the way—from product selection to treatment planning—so you can feel confident in your skin again.