By Emily Johnston, PA-C | Refine Aesthetics, Austin, TX
If you’ve ever caught your reflection and thought, “When did that spot RSVP to my face?”, you’re not alone. Dark spots—aka hyperpigmentation—show up for all kinds of reasons: sun, breakouts, hormones, time, and sometimes our own enthusiastic exfoliating. The good news? With the right mix of daily habits, medical-grade skincare, and in-office treatments, we can meaningfully fade discoloration and protect your glow going forward.
First, What Are Dark Spots?
Dark spots form when patches of skin make excess melanin. They’re most common on sun-exposed areas (face, chest, shoulders, hands) and typically deepen with time if left untreated.
Why They Happen (and How to Outsmart Them)
- UV exposure: The #1 trigger—UV turns on melanin production. Daily, correct sunscreen use isn’t optional; it’s the foundation.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Spots that linger after acne or skin irritation.
- Hormones & melasma: Pregnancy, birth control, and heat can amplify pigment pathways—yes, heat (think hot yoga and saunas) can worsen melasma.
- Aging & medications: Natural aging and some meds can increase photosensitivity and pigment.
Daily Routine That Moves the Needle
I build brightening plans in layers—gentle, consistent, and protective.
AM: Defend + Brighten
- Cleanse (gentle).
- Vitamin C serum to support brightness and fight UV-induced oxidation.
- Niacinamide (if sensitive or redness-prone) to calm and regulate pigment.
- SPF 30+ (broad-spectrum, every day, rain or shine). Reapply outdoors.
PM: Correct + Renew
1. Cleanse.
2. Targeted actives (we’ll customize):
- Retinoids to speed cell turnover and soften uneven tone.
- Tranexamic acid (topical) for melasma-prone skin.
- Azelaic acid if you’re acne-prone or sensitive.
- Botanical brighteners (kojic acid, licorice, arbutin) as supportive players.
3. Moisturizer to keep the skin barrier resilient.
These ingredients are well-supported for fading pigment when used consistently and paired with sun protection.
Emily’s friendly PSA: Please skip DIY “lighteners” (lemon juice, baking soda) and mystery creams. They can irritate skin and make discoloration worse. Stick with physician-vetted formulas.
When Skincare Isn’t Enough: In-Office Options We Love at Refine
Think of treatments as accelerators—we still pair them with your daily routine for lasting change.
- BBL® Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets brown and red discoloration from sun damage and general uneven tone. Great for sun spots and overall brightening. (We’ll adjust settings thoughtfully for your skin type.)
- Moxi® / Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Delivers controlled micro-columns of energy to lift pigment and refine texture with minimal downtime—ideal for “tired skin” + pigment mix. (HALO® is another fractional option when we need more horsepower.)
- Chemical Peels: From light refreshers to medium-depth blends for stubborn spots or PIH. We tailor acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, TCA) to your skin and season.
- Microneedling (with or without PRP): Helps soften post-acne marks, blends tone, and improves texture with minimal downtime.
- LED Light Therapy: Reduces inflammation and supports healing, especially after other procedures.
What Results Should I Expect?
Most patients see visible brightening in 8–12 weeks with a consistent routine; procedure series often begin showing results sooner, with continued gains over a few months. (We’ll map realistic milestones at your consult.)
Austin-Specific Pro Tips
- Sun is a lifestyle here. Keep a “car kit”: sunscreen stick, wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.
- Heat-smart habits: If you’re melasma-prone, swap hot yoga/saunas for cooler workouts before big events to avoid flares.
- No picking. Hands off healing breakouts to prevent new PIH.
Your Custom Brightening Plan (The Refine Way)
At your visit, we’ll:
- analyze your pigment type (sun spots vs. PIH vs. melasma),
- audit your current routine,
- build a home plan you’ll actually use, and
- layer a series of treatments (BBL®, Moxi®, chemical peels, microneedling, or HALO®) for faster, safer results—all matched to your skin tone and calendar.
A Gentle Word on Safety
Not every device or acid is right for every skin tone. My priority is results without collateral damage. We move deliberately, protect your barrier, and keep melanin biology in mind at every step.
Ready to Even Things Out?
Book a Dark Spot & Melasma Consult with me, Emily Johnston, PA-C, at Refine Aesthetics in downtown Austin. We’ll create a plan that’s smart, sustainable, and kind to your skin—so you can glow with or without makeup.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for in-person care.
