Hyperpigmentation is a challenging condition to manage. Around 5 million people in the US are dealing with this condition. These dark patches can appear for various reasons, from injury to UV exposure and hormonal changes. The latter is the main reason the condition is most common among women.

Hyperpigmentation can be treated anytime you are bothered by it, but the best season is likely in the winter. Whether you have something simple, like freckles, or you struggle with much larger spots on the skin, there are multiple treatments that you can use to address this issue. This blog will offer you more insight on treating unwanted hyperpigmentation concerns. 

Why Is Winter the Best Time for Hyperpigmentation Treatments?

Almost every season can be “hyperpigmentation treatment season,” but the best one is ultimately in winter. That’s mainly because you get less exposure to UV rays, which can reverse the effects of any laser treatment. When the skin is already as sensitive as it is after a specialized procedure, exposure to high UV levels outdoors can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Plus, regardless of the treatment, it’s much easier to go through recovery during the winter season. We tend to spend more time at home and indoors during winter as a way to escape the cold, and this can be beneficial when you have side effects to go through. This keeps your skin away from environmental stressors, promoting faster recovery. 

How Medical-Grade Skincare Helps

With most of your tan already gone, there’s a good chance your hyperpigmentation is not as severe as it used to be during summer. Medical-grade skincare can help combat superficial to medium-grade hyperpigmentation, as it has more active ingredients compared to OTC skincare. Its goal is to treat rather than conceal. 

A good way to prevent and potentially treat mild hyperpigmentation is with the Koji brightening pads. Packing kojic acid, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and other brightening agents, this product can inhibit melanin production. In time, this product fades out stubborn dark spots caused by the sun or hormonal issues. Regular treatment and a good routine can improve skin tone in a few months. 

Top Procedures to Address Hyperpigmentation

When it comes to addressing hyperpigmentation, the deeper you go, the more you can achieve. While the Koji brightening pads are great for hyperpigmentation, a holistic approach can offer longer-lasting results. Below are some treatments that can be used to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

1. Fraxel® Dual

When in doubt, the dual wavelengths of Fraxel® Dual work best when addressing hyperpigmentation. This fractional laser technology uses two wavelengths to focus on both superficial and deep-rooted hyperpigmentation while stimulating collagen production. This encourages the body to eliminate excess melanin, starting natural skin repair while promoting healthy cell growth.

2. Fraxel® CO2

Fraxel® CO2 is similar to Fraxel® Dual, the main difference being that it’s more intensive. Using an ablative fractional laser, the treatment removes the top layer of the skin (the part that holds the most damage), allowing the healthy cells underneath to come to the surface. This makes the treatment effective against hyperpigmentation and other textural issues like acne scars and wrinkles. 

3. PicoWay® Laser

When dealing with severe hyperpigmentation, especially the post-inflammatory type, the PicoWay® laser can be a helpful asset. Strong enough to handle even tattoos, it’s effective against melasma, birthmarks, and stubborn pigment patches. This is thanks to its use of ultra picosecond pulses, which break down the pigment into easily eliminated particles.

4. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular treatment for hyperpigmentation, as they work by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin to promote cell turnover and reveal a brighter, more even complexion. Depending on the severity of hyperpigmentation, different types of peels—such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or TCA—can target discoloration by breaking down melanin clusters and stimulating collagen production. Regular chemical peel treatments with Dr. Ostad can help fade dark spots caused by sun damage, acne scars, or melasma while improving overall skin texture and tone. 

Treat Your Hyperpigmentation With Dr. Ariel Ostad

Hyperpigmentation is a complex condition to deal with, but it’s in no way impossible. A holistic approach can help reduce excess pigmentation, helping you obtain even skin that requires no makeup. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ariel Ostad for quality hyperpigmentation treatments!



For more information about hyperpigmentation and how to treat it, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. He can help you find the appropriate treatment for your needs at his Upper East Side of Manhattan practice. As an alternative, you can fill in the provided online contact form, and we will get in touch with you soon.