Q: What is the difference between melasma and sun spots?

Sun spots are well-defined brown spots caused by years of sun exposure, often on the face, hands and chest. Melasma forms larger, symmetrical patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, and is influenced by hormones, sun and heat. The difference matters: laser or IPL can clear sun spots but may worsen melasma.

Q: Can melasma be cured?

Melasma is a chronic condition : it can be lightened and kept under control, but it tends to return with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Good results depend on daily SPF, medical creams and in-clinic treatments such as peels, followed by maintenance . Our physicians explain this honestly, so your expectations match what treatment can do.

Q: Does laser or IPL make melasma worse?

It can. Laser and IPL work with heat, and heat can worsen melasma . That is why they are not the first step for melasma and are used only selectively, if at all, with careful settings. For well-defined sun spots, carefully chosen laser or IPL is a useful option. Your physician decides after examining your skin.

Q: What is a Cosmelan or Dermamelan peel?

Cosmelan and Dermamelan are depigmentation peels designed for stubborn pigmentation, including melasma. They combine an in-clinic treatment with a home-care phase using medical creams. As with other peels, redness and peeling can follow, and strict sun protection is essential. Your physician explains whether it suits your skin and pigmentation type.

Q: How many sessions does pigmentation treatment take?

It depends on the type and the treatment. Chemical peels are usually a series of 3–6, 2–4 weeks apart; skin boosters usually 3 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart; a HydraFacial can be repeated every 4 weeks. Melasma also needs ongoing maintenance. Your written plan lists the sessions and the spacing between them.

Q: Which sunscreen should I use for pigmentation?

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning, all year round, including on cloudy days, and reapply when you are outdoors. A hat and shade help in strong sun. Sun protection is not optional with pigmentation: without it, dark spots return and the results of any treatment fade.

Q: Can I start pigmentation treatment in summer?

You can, but it is harder. Peels and laser need strict sun protection , and summer heat can worsen melasma. Many plans therefore start in the cooler months and use summer for gentle maintenance: daily SPF, medical creams and treatments without downtime, such as a HydraFacial with a brightening booster.

Q: Will dark marks after acne fade?

Post-inflammatory marks often fade gradually once the acne is under control. The first step is treating active acne, which needs medical assessment. Medical creams, superficial peels and strict sun protection then help the marks fade. Avoid squeezing spots, which can leave new marks. See acne treatment.

Q: Is HydraFacial good for pigmentation?

A HydraFacial with a brightening booster can help mild pigmentation and dullness, with no downtime, and fits well between other treatments. It is a supportive treatment, not a stand-alone solution for melasma or deeper pigmentation, so it is usually combined with SPF, medical creams and, where suitable, a peel series.

Question 1

What is the difference between melasma and sun spots?

Accepted Answer

Sun spots are well-defined brown spots caused by years of sun exposure, often on the face, hands and chest. Melasma forms larger, symmetrical patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, and is influenced by hormones, sun and heat. The difference matters: laser or IPL can clear sun spots but may worsen melasma.

Question 2

Can melasma be cured?

Accepted Answer

Melasma is a chronic condition: it can be lightened and kept under control, but it tends to return with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Good results depend on daily SPF, medical creams and in-clinic treatments such as peels, followed by maintenance. Our physicians explain this honestly, so your expectations match what treatment can do.

Question 3

Does laser or IPL make melasma worse?

Accepted Answer

It can. Laser and IPL work with heat, and heat can worsen melasma. That is why they are not the first step for melasma and are used only selectively, if at all, with careful settings. For well-defined sun spots, carefully chosen laser or IPL is a useful option. Your physician decides after examining your skin.

Question 4

What is a Cosmelan or Dermamelan peel?

Accepted Answer

Cosmelan and Dermamelan are depigmentation peels designed for stubborn pigmentation, including melasma. They combine an in-clinic treatment with a home-care phase using medical creams. As with other peels, redness and peeling can follow, and strict sun protection is essential. Your physician explains whether it suits your skin and pigmentation type.

Question 5

How many sessions does pigmentation treatment take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type and the treatment. Chemical peels are usually a series of 3–6, 2–4 weeks apart; skin boosters usually 3 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart; a HydraFacial can be repeated every 4 weeks. Melasma also needs ongoing maintenance. Your written plan lists the sessions and the spacing between them.

Question 6

Which sunscreen should I use for pigmentation?

Accepted Answer

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning, all year round, including on cloudy days, and reapply when you are outdoors. A hat and shade help in strong sun. Sun protection is not optional with pigmentation: without it, dark spots return and the results of any treatment fade.

Question 7

Can I start pigmentation treatment in summer?

Accepted Answer

You can, but it is harder. Peels and laser need strict sun protection, and summer heat can worsen melasma. Many plans therefore start in the cooler months and use summer for gentle maintenance: daily SPF, medical creams and treatments without downtime, such as a HydraFacial with a brightening booster.

Question 8

Will dark marks after acne fade?

Accepted Answer

Post-inflammatory marks often fade gradually once the acne is under control. The first step is treating active acne, which needs medical assessment. Medical creams, superficial peels and strict sun protection then help the marks fade. Avoid squeezing spots, which can leave new marks. See acne treatment.

Question 9

Is HydraFacial good for pigmentation?

Accepted Answer

A HydraFacial with a brightening booster can help mild pigmentation and dullness, with no downtime, and fits well between other treatments. It is a supportive treatment, not a stand-alone solution for melasma or deeper pigmentation, so it is usually combined with SPF, medical creams and, where suitable, a peel series.

Question 10

Can I treat melasma during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Melasma often appears or darkens during pregnancy. In this period, sun protection is the main step, and active treatments are discussed individually; many are postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A HydraFacial can be adapted, as its peel step is adjusted in pregnancy. Your physician advises what is suitable for you.

Type	Usual options	Be careful with
Sun spots	Laser or IPL, peels, medical creams	New spots if SPF is skipped
Post-inflammatory marks	Treating the cause, medical creams, superficial peels	Irritation and squeezing spots
Melasma	SPF, medical creams, Cosmelan/Dermamelan, superficial peels	Heat-based treatments, sun and heat

Pigmentation & Melasma Treatment: Sun Spots, Dark Marks and Realistic Results — Istanbul

At a Glance

Three Types of Pigmentation

Why Sun Protection Is Step One

Pigmentation Treatment Options

Medical creams

Chemical peels

Cosmelan / Dermamelan

Skin boosters

Laser or IPL

HydraFacial with booster

Which Treatment for Which Type?

Laser, IPL and Melasma: Why We Are Careful

Realistic Expectations

A Typical Treatment Timeline

Timing and Treatment for Visitors

Related treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Free Consultation — Pigmentation Treatment in Istanbul

Why Veneta?