[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] 'Customized Whitening Solution' Effective for Melasma and Blemish Removal

Melasma and blemishes are among the most common yet challenging pigment concerns, often appearing suddenly and darkening when you look in the mirror. While we frequently receive the question, "Can a single laser treatment clear them up?", pigmentary disorders are not that simple.

As the weather warms and outdoor activities increase, prolonged exposure to strong UV rays leads to a significant rise in people visiting dermatology clinics for pigmentary concerns like melasma, freckles, and blemishes. Clear and translucent skin is something everyone desires, but once pigmentary disorders appear, they rarely fade without proper management.

The most significant characteristic of melasma, blemishes, and other pigmentary disorders is their frequent recurrence. If only the visible surface pigment is removed, it is common for the pigment to reappear over time.

Some pigments reside in the epidermal layer, while others are deeply embedded in the dermal layer of the skin. If only the superficial parts are treated, the remaining pigment deep within can resurface. If you've invested considerable money in melasma and blemish treatment but are not satisfied, it's highly likely that this recurrence mechanism was overlooked.

Melasma, freckles, blemishes, and seborrheic keratoses are all categorized as pigmentary disorders, but their causes and depths vary. Therefore, rather than relying solely on visual assessment, an accurate diagnosis that examines lesions deep within the skin is essential.

Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon approaches treatment with 1:1 customized care based on accurate diagnosis, examining lesions deep within the skin that are difficult to see with the naked eye and suppressing melanin cell activity. Since the size and depth of pigmentary disorders vary from person to person, even if they appear to be the same type of blemish, the treatment plan must be different.

The appropriate laser and intensity vary depending on which layer and how deeply the pigment is located. Procedures focused on epidermal pigment, such as Epidermal Pigment Removal for blemishes, seborrheic keratoses, and freckles, differ from approaches that consider the dermis from the outset.

Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon's five dermatologists examine and diagnose skin conditions using a 3D facial skin diagnostic device, then design the treatment plan.

For pigmentary disorders such as melasma and blemishes, we utilize PicoWay Laser, MAX G, Revlite, GentleMax PRO, and Lumenis One. Equipment is selected based on the location and depth of the pigment, from blemishes primarily appearing in the epidermal layer to melasma and freckles embedded in the dermal layer.

This approach, tailored to the type and depth of pigment, is called the Customized Whitening Solution. It is a method that adjusts everything from diagnosis to procedure and subsequent management to each individual's skin. Detailed information can be found in the Customized Whitening Solution.

If you have any questions, you can easily ask them via chat consultation regarding melasma and blemish pigment treatment.

Many people ask to have it "removed strongly and all at once," but this approach is not recommended for pigment treatment. While strong laser irradiation on melasma and blemishes may temporarily appear to eliminate melanin pigment, it can actually stimulate melanin cells, leading to darker pigment or recurrence.

In clinical practice, we often see cases where pigment returns after aggressive, short-term treatments. Therefore, for pigmentary disorders, it is more suitable to proceed with multiple sessions at a low intensity to minimize skin irritation and refine the results. While individual differences may exist, a gradual approach of at least 10 sessions can help manage pigment while reducing the risk of recurrence.

Daily management is as crucial as the procedure itself. Pigment is particularly sensitive to UV radiation, so daily habits must support the treatment's effectiveness.

• Apply sunscreen thoroughly when going out during strong UV hours.
• After the procedure, temporary swelling, redness, scabs, or flaking may occur; avoid excessive irritation.
• If scabs form, do not forcibly remove them; let them fall off naturally.
• Rather than self-diagnosing faded pigment and stopping treatment, review progress with medical staff.

When these management practices are combined, the risk of treated pigment reappearing can be reduced.

If a treatment only superficially removes epidermal pigment and its effects don't last, you'll find yourself repeating the same concerns. The starting point for pigment treatment is to first assess what type of melasma, blemishes, or freckles you have and at what depth they are located, then adjust the intensity and frequency accordingly.

Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon views pigmentary disorders not as a one-time removal procedure, but as a gradual management process tailored to your skin condition. The path to clear and translucent skin begins with accurate diagnosis and consistent care.

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 2022-04-13 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16

Since the patterns and responses of pigmentary disorders vary from person to person, we recommend determining the appropriate treatment direction through sufficient consultation and diagnosis with medical staff.