From sun spots to stubborn melasma, our board-certified dermatology team uses customized prescription topicals, professional chemical peels, and pigment-safe laser protocols to restore an even, luminous complexion — safe for all skin tones.
Schedule Your ConsultationHyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin — become overactive in certain areas of the skin. The result is patches or spots that are darker than the surrounding skin tone. In sunny Miami, this is one of the most common dermatology complaints we treat year-round.
There are three main categories: sun-induced lentigines (age and sun spots), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne, eczema, or injury, and melasma, a chronic hormonal condition that requires specialized care.
Pigmentation is more visible — and more challenging to treat — in skin of color. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma disproportionately affects women with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V, common in Miami's diverse Latin and Caribbean populations.
Our approach combines accurate diagnosis (Wood's lamp examination to determine pigment depth), gentle but effective treatments, and aggressive sun protection — the single most important factor in any pigmentation plan.
🎬 Video Coming Soon: Dr. Teresa Moreno explains how we treat melasma in skin of color.
Symmetric brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip — driven by hormones plus UV exposure. Common in pregnancy ("mask of pregnancy") and with birth control.
Small flat brown spots on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, chest, and shoulders. Result of cumulative UV damage over years.
Dark marks that linger after acne, ingrown hairs, eczema, or injury. Especially common in skin types III-VI.
Genetic small light-brown spots that darken with sun exposure. Generally fade with sun protection and brightening agents.
Darkness around the eyes from genetics, allergies, or sun exposure — often combined with under-eye hollows.
Discoloration from medications such as certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, or chemotherapy agents.
The foundation of every plan. We commonly prescribe combinations of hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and corticosteroid — selected based on your pigment type, skin tone, and tolerance. Topical tranexamic acid has emerged as a particularly effective melasma treatment.
Light-to-medium glycolic, salicylic, mandelic, or trichloroacetic acid peels accelerate cellular turnover and lift superficial pigment. We tailor peel strength and frequency to your skin type — a critical safety consideration in skin of color.
Microneedling enhances penetration of pigment-fighting serums (vitamin C, tranexamic acid, niacinamide) while stimulating collagen for overall skin quality.
For resistant pigmentation, we use Q-switched and pico lasers calibrated specifically for melasma and skin of color. We avoid aggressive ablative lasers that can worsen melasma.
Tinted mineral sunscreen with SPF 50+ (containing iron oxide to block visible light) is non-negotiable. Most patients also benefit from a wide-brim hat and oral antioxidants like Polypodium leucotomos.
Hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term for any darkening of the skin. Melasma is one specific subtype caused by hormonal changes plus UV/visible light exposure. Melasma is more chronic and harder to treat than simple sun spots.
Melasma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. With consistent topical therapy, careful in-office treatments, and aggressive sun protection, most patients maintain dramatic, lasting improvement.
Most patients notice initial brightening within 8–12 weeks. Significant clearing typically takes 4–6 months of consistent treatment. Maintenance is then ongoing.
Yes — when the right device is used. We use pico and Q-switched lasers calibrated for skin types IV–VI. We avoid aggressive ablative resurfacing in melasma, which can worsen the condition.
Without continued sun protection and maintenance, recurrence is likely — especially with melasma. Daily SPF 50+ with iron oxide is the most important step you can take.
Schedule a personalized pigmentation consultation today.
Call (786) 738-9515