Pigmented lesions are one of those things most people live with for years before asking about. They start small. A few darker spots after a summer in the sun. Freckles that don’t fade like they used to. Patches of uneven color that slowly become more noticeable in photos or mirrors.
For many patients, it’s not about one spot. It’s about how uneven the skin has started to look overall. Pigmented lesions are common, and in many cases, they’re related to sun exposure and aging. At Lazaderm, the first step is always understanding what type of pigment you’re dealing with — because not all pigmentation should be treated the same way.
Areas of excess melanin in the skin
Sun exposure, aging, genetics, hormones
Clearer, more even-looking skin tone
What Pigmented Lesions Are
Pigmented lesions are areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin due to excess melanin.
They can vary in:
Some pigmented lesions are superficial and respond well to light-based treatments. Others sit deeper and require more targeted laser technology. Proper evaluation matters before treatment begins.
Common Types of Pigmented Lesions
Pigmented lesions can appear in several forms, including:
Sun spots (age spots) — Flat, tan or brown spots that develop on sun-exposed areas over time. Also called solar lentigines.
Freckles that have darkened — Small spots that may have been faint in youth but become more prominent with continued sun exposure.
Flat brown or tan patches — Areas of uneven pigmentation that make skin tone look blotchy.
Uneven pigmentation from sun damage — General mottling or discoloration across larger areas of skin.
Some pigmented lesions are purely cosmetic concerns. Others may need closer evaluation to rule out medical concerns before aesthetic treatment is considered.
For other specific pigmented conditions, see our pages on melasma, seborrheic keratosis, and poikiloderma of Civatte.
Why Pigmented Lesions Develop
Pigmented lesions most commonly develop due to:
Cumulative sun exposure — UV damage causes pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to behave unevenly, leading to blotchy or patchy color. This is the primary driver of most pigmented lesions.
Aging skin — Over time, melanin distribution becomes less even, and years of sun exposure accumulate.
Genetic predisposition — Some people are naturally more prone to freckling or developing pigmented spots.
Hormonal influences — In some cases, hormones can trigger or worsen pigmentation (as seen with melasma).
Sun exposure is the major factor. The spots you see today often reflect sun exposure from years or even decades ago.
When Pigmented Lesions Should Be Evaluated
Any new, changing, or irregular pigmented lesion should be evaluated by a medical professional before treatment.
At Lazaderm, providers assess:
This evaluation ensures that cosmetic treatments are used appropriately and safely. Lesions that appear suspicious are referred for further evaluation before any aesthetic treatment is considered.
What Results to Expect
Any new, changing, or irregular pigmented lesion should be evaluated by a medical professional before treatment.
At Lazaderm, providers assess:
This evaluation ensures that cosmetic treatments are used appropriately and safely. Lesions that appear suspicious are referred for further evaluation before any aesthetic treatment is considered.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A consultation at Lazaderm is focused on accurate evaluation and personalized recommendations.
During your visit, your provider will:
If any lesion appears suspicious or atypical, your provider will discuss next steps before any cosmetic treatment is considered. The goal is safe, effective treatment based on what your skin actually needs.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Pigmented lesion treatments improve skin tone. They do not stop new pigment from forming.
Ongoing sun exposure, genetics, and skin type all influence long-term outcomes. Maintenance treatments and daily sunscreen are often part of the plan.
The goal is clearer, more even-looking skin — not perfection.
Treatment depends on the type and depth of pigmentation. Your provider will recommend the treatment that best matches your skin and the type of pigment present.
BBL (BroadBand Light) and IPL are effective for treating broad sun damage and surface-level pigmentation.
How it works: Light energy targets melanin in the skin, causing pigmented cells to rise to the surface and flake off naturally over the following days to weeks.
Best for:
Multiple sessions are typically recommended for cumulative improvement. Results continue to develop over several weeks after each treatment.
For more stubborn or deeper pigmentation, Q-Switched laser technology offers targeted treatment.
How it works: The laser delivers short, high-energy pulses that break up pigment into smaller particles, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them.
Best for:
Your provider will determine if Q-Switched laser is appropriate based on the type and depth of your pigmentation.
MOXI is a gentle fractional laser effective for improving pigmentation, sun damage, and overall skin tone.
How it works: MOXI delivers fractionated laser energy that promotes cellular turnover and stimulates collagen. This helps fade pigmentation while improving overall skin quality and texture.
Best for:
MOXI is often combined with BBL for comprehensive results — BBL targets pigment at the surface while MOXI works on texture and tone at a deeper level.
When both pigmentation and skin texture are concerns, laser resurfacing treatments can address both simultaneously.
Options include:
Fraxel Laser — Fractional resurfacing that improves pigmentation, tone, and texture.
Halo Laser — Hybrid laser that treats surface and deeper skin layers for comprehensive improvement.
Erbium Laser — Can be used for more aggressive resurfacing when needed.
These treatments are particularly effective when pigmented lesions are accompanied by sun damage affecting skin texture.
Skincare plays an important role in both treating and maintaining results for pigmented lesions.
Supportive ingredients include:
Essential: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) is non-negotiable. Without consistent sun protection, pigment will continue to form and treatment results will fade.
Your provider can recommend specific medical-grade products suited to your skin type and concerns.
If pigmented lesions are making your skin look uneven or older than you feel, a consultation can help determine what type of pigmentation you’re dealing with and which treatment makes sense. At Lazaderm, pigment concerns are approached carefully, with education and safety guiding every recommendation.
