When spring arrives, with rising temperatures and longer days, melasma and freckles on the face or back of the hands become particularly prominent. We often receive questions like, "If I start managing them now, will they lighten?" Since pigmentary disorders darken in response to sunlight, it's wise to start checking and managing them as spring begins.
Why Pigmentation Concerns Deepen in Spring
In spring, the time spent exposed to sunlight naturally increases. This is also when concerns about blemishes like melasma and freckles on the face or back of the hands tend to grow.
If not properly managed, the color can deepen over time and spread widely across the skin, quickly making the skin tone appear dull. If the condition is already noticeably darker, it's best to start active treatment without delay.
Why Creams and Ointments Alone Have Limitations
Once pigmentary issues appear, they rarely disappear on their own. While daily creams, ointments, and oral medications play a positive role in preventing problems, they have limitations in completely erasing already darkened pigmentation.
In dermatology, laser toning is frequently used to address pigmentary issues on the face or body. By delivering strong energy to the lesion, it can reach deep into the skin, which is difficult to see with the naked eye, reporting better results compared to home care. If dark blemishes, seborrheic keratosis, or freckles are present, Epidermal Pigment Removal targeting epidermal pigment may also be considered in conjunction.
How Toning Lasers Have Evolved
Previously, Nd:YAG Laser (Nd:YAG), which uses two wavelengths to treat pigmentary disorders located in the epidermis and dermis, was frequently used. Recently, with the introduction of more advanced equipment like the PicoWay Laser (PicoWay), which delivers strong energy at a speed 1000 times shorter than nanoseconds, satisfaction with pigment treatment has increased, leading to a growing number of people consistently seeking laser toning.
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Nd:YAG Laser | Treats epidermal and dermal pigment with two wavelengths |
| PicoWay Laser | Delivers strong energy at a speed 1000 times shorter than nanoseconds |
Since each device approaches the depth and method of pigmentation differently, choosing the right device for your skin condition determines satisfaction.
Why 10 Sessions at 1-2 Week Intervals Are Recommended
Typically, when performing laser toning in dermatology, about 10 sessions at 1-2 week intervals are recommended. At first, you might think, "Couldn't I reduce the number of sessions by using stronger energy?" However, there's a reason why we recommend consistently adhering to the prescribed cycle, even if it's a bit inconvenient.
Pigmentary disorders like melasma and freckles are affected by UV rays. To protect the skin from UV rays, our bodies naturally produce melanin pigment, and when this is excessively generated, it manifests on the skin as common pigmentary disorders.
While pigmentation may appear to decrease during toning treatment, if the recommended cycle is exceeded, melanocytes can reactivate, leading to a risk of recurrence. Therefore, it is advisable to adhere to the treatment period as much as possible.
In the consultation room, even with the same equipment and number of sessions, there is a clear difference in outcomes between those who followed the cycle and those who received treatments sporadically.
If you have any questions, contact us via chat for pigment treatment cycle inquiries
Why You Shouldn't Indiscriminately Increase Laser Intensity
Strong intensity does not necessarily mean better pigment treatment. Appropriate intensity and consistency are key to safe pigment management.
Increasing the intensity all at once can actually stimulate melanocytes, risking further darkening of the pigment.
Also, if the cells themselves are destroyed, hypopigmented spots, where only that area turns white, can occur, so caution is needed. Therefore, intensity and cycle are adjusted gradually while observing the skin condition.
Management Points to Enhance Laser Toning Effectiveness
To maximize the effect of laser toning, it is important to continue consistent management with appropriate intensity. Checking the following items before starting toning can enable safer and more efficient management.
- Confirm which laser device is suitable for your skin
- Carefully establish a treatment plan and cycle from the beginning
- Do not arbitrarily skip recommended treatment cycles
- Adjust intensity gradually, rather than increasing it all at once
- Combine with daily care, such as UV protection
If you also wish to achieve a brighter and more even tone, Customized Whitening Solution or Water-Luminous Injection to replenish skin hydration and radiance may be considered together, depending on your condition.
How to Maintain Radiant Skin Like Spring for a Long Time
Safely undergoing laser toning in a way that suits you can not only improve skin radiance but also help activate skin cells, contributing to maintaining overall healthy skin for a long time.
Just as spring brings bright and warm changes, we hope your skin remains clear and radiant for a long time. However, since the type and depth of pigmentation vary from person to person, it is advisable to receive an accurate diagnosis before starting.
If you're curious about the equipment and cycle suitable for your pigmentation condition, feel free to inquire below.
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Chief Director Lee Sang-ju (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, completed dermatology residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Society for Dermatology) Chief Director Lee Sang-ju's Profile First published 2025-03-27 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This article provides general information, and since the type and progression of pigmentation vary by individual, please confirm an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan through consultation with medical staff.