Understanding the Differences and Laser Treatment Efficiency for Lentigo and Seborrheic Keratosis in Sinchon | Yonsei Star Dermatology

When people see brown spots on their face, most assume it's "melasma coming back again" and consider it the same type of pigmentary disorder. However, brown spots can include different types, such as lentigo and seborrheic keratosis, in addition to melasma. To put it simply, these three differ in their causes and how they manifest in the skin, so treating them all with the same laser will not result in clear skin.

This article will explain what lentigo and seborrheic keratosis are, how they differ, and the general approach to laser treatment for these two lesions.

Lentigo is a pigmentary disorder primarily caused by the concentrated increase of melanin pigment in one area due to sun exposure and the skin aging process. It appears as a relatively distinct brown spot with clear borders and commonly occurs on areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, back of the hands, or arms.

It is characterized by a relatively flat appearance, not raised above the skin surface. It typically tends to increase gradually after the age of 30 to 40, but it can appear earlier if one has had a lifestyle with significant sun exposure.

Initially, they may appear as small dots, but they rarely disappear on their own and tend to become larger and darker over time, becoming more noticeable. Therefore, it is better to identify the type of pigment first rather than waiting, thinking "it will fade if I leave it."

Seborrheic keratosis often corresponds to seborrheic keratosis in medical terms. The key difference is that it involves not only pigmentation but also keratin proliferation. It is one of the common lesions that appear with aging, often referred to as "age spots" or "senile warts."

While it may resemble lentigo, the crucial difference is the surface. Seborrheic keratosis often presents with a rough surface or appears slightly raised above the skin. Unlike simple pigmentation, the skin surface may appear thicker, creating a visible difference. However, for an accurate distinction, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

The differences between lentigo and seborrheic keratosis are summarized below:

Thus, Epidermal Pigment Removal, which addresses blemishes, seborrheic keratosis, and epidermal pigments together, begins with the step of distinguishing the type of lesion.

Various types of lasers are used for treating pigmented lesions, and the choice of equipment may vary depending on the depth and thickness of the lesion. Recently, lasers that selectively target pigment and lesion tissue are being utilized.

Among them, RePott Laser is gaining attention as equipment that can enhance satisfaction in removing lentigo and seborrheic keratosis. RePott Laser is a device that removes pigmented lesions by utilizing wavelengths that selectively react to them. It can be particularly effective for epidermal conditions like lentigo and seborrheic keratosis, as its VSLS technology and contact cooling precisely target and destroy melanin pigment.

It is also worth noting that the cooling function helps maintain an appropriate temperature during laser treatment to prevent excessive skin heating, thereby reducing the burden of pain or burns.

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Previously, resolving pigment issues on the skin often involved the burden of repeated treatments. RePott Laser is highlighted for its advantage of potentially helping to remove blemishes like lentigo and seborrheic keratosis with a reduced number of sessions, typically 1 to 2 times.

However, unlike flat lentigo, raised seborrheic keratosis may require an additional laser process to refine the skin surface depending on its thickness. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully confirm the treatment routine needed for your specific case.

In clinical practice, pigment issues on the face or back of the hands often appear as a complex mix of lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, and melasma. In such cases, the treatment order is determined, and other pigment lasers like PicoWay may be combined to enhance removal satisfaction. Depending on the nature of the lesion, Laser Lesion Removal for moles, syringomas, and warts, or a Customized Whitening Solution may also be considered.

A common misunderstanding among those preparing for laser treatment is the intensity of the equipment. Setting the intensity is crucial for removing lesions without damaging the skin. The following points can be helpful to check in advance:

• The form of the lesion, whether it is flat lentigo or raised seborrheic keratosis
• Whether the pigment is confined to the epidermal layer or reaches deeper
• Whether other pigmentary disorders like melasma are present
• Whether to complete the treatment in one session or combine multiple pigment lasers
• Lifestyle habits that may cause pigment to reappear after treatment

It is most important to accurately assess your current skin condition and lesion characteristics before planning.

As explained earlier, lentigo and seborrheic keratosis are typical lesions that can naturally occur due to UV exposure and aging. Therefore, consistent daily care is important to reduce recurrence and maintain treatment effects for a long time.

• Apply sunscreen thoroughly before going out
• Supplement with a hat or parasol during strong sunlight hours
• Reduce irritation or friction on the treated area during recovery
• Regularly check for new or changing spots

Consistently using sun protection and skin care, along with regularly monitoring your condition, can be helpful.

Whether it's lentigo or seborrheic keratosis, and which laser to apply at what intensity, is ultimately decided after directly examining the lesion. If you are curious about which category your spots fall into, we recommend having your condition checked first.

Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, completed dermatology residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2026-02-27 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

Even if they are the same brown spots, the type and depth of the lesion vary from person to person, so please confirm the accurate diagnosis and treatment direction through a medical consultation.