Dark Spots & Sun Damage: Clinical Treatment Guide
Fade Dark Spots, Even Tone, Protect Skin—Results You Can See.
Pigment concerns—sun spots, age spots, post-acne marks, and melasma, respond best to a plan that combines in-clinic procedures, medical-grade skincare, and daily sun protection. Below is our evidence-based approach, built to be personalized after a provider consult.
Available at our Bedford, NH & Lynnfield, MA locations
Fast Facts
-
Best for: UV-induced sun spots (lentigines), uneven tone, photoaging, mild-to-moderate melasma (with caution), texture changes from sun damage.
-
Not for: Pregnancy/breastfeeding (peels/needling/neuromodulators deferred), active infections, recent isotretinoin, open lesions, or history of abnormal scarring (reviewed at consult).
-
Skin tones: We treat all Fitzpatrick types with adjusted settings, prep, and pacing to minimize PIH risk.
-
Downtime: Typically mild flaking/bronzing (peel), coffee-ground darkening and sloughing (IPL), or 1–3 days of pinpoint redness RF microneedling (includes Benev Exosomes).
The Foundation: Prevention Before Correction
Before discussing treatments for sun damage, we need to address the elephant in the room: 80% of visible facial aging comes from UV exposure. Treating dark spots without addressing sun protection is like bailing water from a boat with a hole in it.
The Science of Photoaging:
UV radiation causes direct DNA damage, upregulates collagen-degrading enzymes (MMPs), decreases procollagen synthesis, and creates oxidative stress. This isn't cosmetic, it's cellular damage that treatments can correct but lifestyle must prevent.
Non-Negotiable Foundation:
-
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily (mineral or chemical—we carry both)
-
Reapplication every 2 hours during sun exposure
-
Protective clothing, hats, seeking shade 10am-4pm
-
Antioxidant support (vitamin C serum, oral antioxidants)
Without this foundation, any treatment results will be temporary. We'll discuss this in every consultation because it's that important.
Learn More: The Foundation of Aging Well
Our Most Effective Combination Pathways
Our evidence-based protocols combine peels, IPL, and RF microneedling(includes Benev Exosomes) to target pigment, texture, and sun damage. Each plan is tailored to your skin type and goals for safer, more noticeable results.
1) VI Peel® + IPL Photofacial
Balances epidermal renewal with targeted pigment and redness correction.
Treatment cadence (example):
-
Visit 1: VI Peel — promotes controlled exfoliation and pigment lift.
-
Visit 2 (2–3 wks later): IPL — targets brown spots (and red vessels if present).
-
Visit 3 (3–4 wks later): VI Peel — clears residual dyschromia, brightens.
-
Visit 4 (3–4 wks later): IPL — refines remaining hyperpigmentation.
Typical plan: 2–4 total sessions depending on severity.
Pricing: Starts at $1,600
2) VI Peel® + RF Microneedling(includes Benev Exosomes)
Ideal when pigment sits with texture loss, enlarged pores, or early laxity.
Treatment cadence (example):
-
Visit 1: VI Peel
-
Visit 2 (4 wks later): RF Microneedling — stimulates dermal collagen and remodels dyschromia over time.
-
Visit 3 (4 wks later): VI Peel
-
Visit 4 (4 wks later): RF Microneedling
Typical plan: 2–3 RF sessions with interleaved peels.
Pricing: Starts at $2,298
3) IPL + RF Microneedling(includes Benev Exosomes) (Same-Day Option)
For resilient, UV-damaged skin needing a brisk reset.
-
Same day: IPL first, then microneedling (or staged 1–2 weeks apart for sensitive skin).
-
Series: Minimum 2–3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart.
-
Pricing: Starts at $1,350
Your provider will tailor energy settings, peel selection, and spacing to your skin tone, history of PIH, and seasonal sun exposure.
Medical-Grade Skincare That Supercharges Results
Procedure Recovery
-
Alastin® Procedure Enhancement Kit or Neocutis® Aftercare: soothes, speeds barrier repair, and reduces downtime after peels/needling.
Sunscreen: Your Non-Negotiable
Prevention > Correction. Daily, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB is the single most important step to stop pigment from returning.
What to Expect:
Before your first visit
-
Avoid tanning beds/self-tanners 2–3 weeks.
-
Pause retinoids, AHAs/BHAs 3–5 days (unless instructed otherwise).
-
Bring your current skincare list and sun-exposure patterns.
After treatment
-
VI Peel: skin browns/freckles darken day 2–3; peeling days 3–7. Do not pick.
-
IPL: sun spots darken to “coffee grounds,” flake off in ~7–10 days.
-
RF Microneedling(includes Benev Exosomes): pink/red 24–48 hours; makeup typically day 2.
-
Strict SPF + shade for 2–4 weeks; avoid heat/sauna and high-intensity workouts for 24–48 hours.
Results & maintenance
-
VI Peel: skin browns/freckles darken day 2–3; peeling days 3–7. Do not pick.
-
IPL: sun spots darken to “coffee grounds,” flake off in ~7–10 days.
-
RF Microneedling(includes Benev Exosomes): pink/red 24–48 hours; makeup typically day 2.
-
Strict SPF + shade for 2–4 weeks; avoid heat/sauna and high-intensity workouts for 24–48 hours.
Special Considerations: Melasma
Melasma is hormone- and heat-sensitive and can rebound with aggressive light/heat. We use:
-
Gentle peels, pigment inhibitors, and strict SPF/heat avoidance.
-
Cautious energy settings and seasonal timing; sometimes we defer IPL in active melasma.
-
Expect management rather than “cure.”
Who Is a Candidate?
-
Healthy adults with bothersome brown spots, mottled tone, or sun damage.
-
Willing to commit to sun protection and a home routine.
-
Not currently pregnant/breastfeeding; off isotretinoin ≥6 months; no active infection or open lesions in the area.
Pricing & Packages
-
VI Peel (per session): Starts at $250
-
IPL Photofacial (per session): Starts at $550
-
RF Microneedling (per session): Starts at $899(includes Benev Exosomes)
-
Combination packages and member-preferred pricing available. Ask about custom series to match your goals and budget.
Why PM Aesthetics
-
Clinician-led protocols, advanced devices, and skin-tone-aware settings.
-
Thoughtful sequencing (peel → light → collagen remodeling) for faster, more durable outcomes.
-
Seamless integration of medical-grade skincare and sun defense so your results last.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most patients need 2–4 visits in a combination plan; melasma may require ongoing maintenance.
Yes—our team treats all Fitzpatrick types using pre-treatment pigment control, conservative settings, and careful spacing to minimize PIH risk.
Social downtime ranges from 1–7 days depending on the modality. We’ll tailor to your calendar.
Early brightening can appear within a week; best results accumulate over 4–12 weeks as skin renews and collagen remodels.
Pigment will return. Sunscreen (ZO or Alastin), hats, and shade are essential to protect your investment.
VI Peel: ~30 minutes
IPL Photofacial: ~20–40 minutes
RF Microneedling: ~45–60 minutes
Your provider will combine or space sessions based on your skin type and tolerance.Most patients feel mild tingling or warmth during peels and IPL. RF microneedling may cause brief pinching or pressure. Numbing and cooling methods are available to improve comfort.
Some products like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs should be paused 3–5 days before treatment. Aftercare will include medical-grade products to enhance results and protect your skin.
Rewind Sun Damage & Reveal Radiant Skin
Years of UV exposure can leave behind uneven tone, enlarged pores, and stubborn discoloration. The PM Sun Undone Package restores clarity and glow by combining medical-grade treatments with targeted brightening skincare—designed to correct, renew, and protect your skin from future damage.
Join Us on Your Aesthetic Journey
At PM Aesthetics, we're here to support you in feeling your best-inside and out. Whether you're ready to elevate your skincare routine or explore new wellness options, we're here to guide you. Book a consultation to learn more about our personalized care, tailored treatments, and current offers created just for you.