How to Remove Pigmentation on Face Completely
- Dream Clinic
- 13h
- 11 min read
You spot a small dark mark on your cheek and assume it’s just an acne scar, nothing serious. You’ve had plenty of those before, and this should fade as well, right?
But weeks pass, and it’s still there, and the mark doesn’t seem to go away — it’s darker, wider, and harder to cover. You’ve tried everything from whitening creams and facials to home remedies and even viral hacks, yet the spots keep returning, sometimes darker than before.
That’s pigmentation, and it’s a very common skin concern. Globally, pigment concerns are widespread: about 50% of adults report at least one pigmentary disorder, with women experiencing them more than men. On the local front, in Malaysia, this is made worse by where we live — with year-round sun, heat, and daily UV exposure.
On the bright side, pigmentation isn’t hopeless, even if it feels that way — with the right diagnosis and a tailored combination approach, many people can achieve significant clearance and long-term control.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most effective treatment options in Malaysia, how to choose what suits your pigment type, what to avoid, and how to maintain results long term.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation usually refers to patches or spots that look darker than your natural skin tone because the skin is producing (or holding onto) extra melanin — the pigment that gives skin its colour.
On the face, this can show up as:
Sunspots / age spots (often from cumulative sun exposure as we age)
Melasma (often linked to hormonal changes and triggered by sun and heat)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (dark marks after acne, irritation, burns, or aggressive treatments)
Pigmentation doesn’t appear “for no reason.” Common triggers include:
Ageing
Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
Sun exposure
Skin damage or irritation can also lead to PIH — for example, after acne, insect bites, cuts or burns, ingrown hairs, harsh skincare products, or scarring from inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Why Do Most Pigmentation Treatments Fail?
Most people think pigmentation is a simple problem: see a dark mark, so you try to remove it. The issue is that pigmentation isn’t one single condition, and treatments are often chosen based on what looks “strongest” rather than what’s actually driving the colour change.
Here are the most common reasons results don’t last (or get worse):
The “One Laser Fixes Everything” Myth
Lasers work by targeting specific chromophores in the skin. For example:
Melanin for brown pigment
Haemoglobin for blood vessels and redness
Water for texture and resurfacing
This concept is part of how laser treatment is designed and why different devices treat different concerns. So when a clinic tries to treat all pigmentation with a single machine, outcomes tend to be inconsistent because the target may be wrong.
Pigment-Only Treatment Misses the Vascular Driver in Melasma
With melasma, research describes increased vascularity (blood vessel activity) in affected areas, and the “vascular component” is often discussed as a reason pigmentation can recur if only pigment is treated.
This is why some people see temporary fading after pigment-focused treatments, then the patches return — the underlying vascular/inflammatory signalling may still be active.
“Stronger” Treatments Can Trigger PIH (and Asian Skin is More Prone)
In skin that is more pigment-prone, excessive heat or inflammation can trigger PIH, in which the skin produces more pigment in response to irritation or injury. PIH is widely recognised as more common in skin of colour.
That’s why overly aggressive procedures can backfire, making pigmentation appear darker after treatment.
Why Pigmentation Keeps Coming Back (Especially in Malaysia)
Pigmentation can be re-triggered when melanin production increases after common triggers such as:
UV exposure (even quick errands or driving)
Heat and inflammation (sweat, friction, over-exfoliation)
Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, contraception, perimenopause)
PIH after acne, irritation, burns, or harsh treatments
In Malaysia, year-round sun and heat make these triggers harder to avoid, which is why many people experience a frustrating fade → rebound cycle.
Quick Fixes Ignore Diagnosis and Maintenance
Pigmentation typically improves best when you combine:
accurate diagnosis (type + depth + triggers),
a safe in-clinic plan,
and consistent maintenance (sun protection + barrier care).
Without that, even good treatments may not last.
Stubborn melasma isn’t just surface pigment — learn why the vascular trigger matters and how Sylfirm X targets deeper drivers for longer-term control
Types of Treatment for Pigmentation
Pigmentation improves best when you match the treatment to (1) the pigment type, (2) how deep it sits, and (3) how easily your skin gets inflamed (because inflammation can trigger rebound darkening). Most people do best with a combination plan: daily prevention + targeted clinic treatments.
At-home essentials
Daily Protection and Trigger Control
It’s not the most exciting part of a pigmentation plan, but it’s the part that makes results last. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection, such as DreamLab UV Radiance Medical Grade Sunscreen is essential, especially if you spend time outdoors or drive often, because UV exposure is one of the fastest ways to reactivate pigment.
Pair this with a gentle cleanse and regular moisturising to keep your skin barrier strong, and avoid over-exfoliating, harsh scrubs, or repeatedly “scrubbing the spot,” since irritation and inflammation can trigger more darkening.
Especially helpful for: people with easily returning pigmentation, sensitive or reactive skin, outdoor lifestyles, and frequent driving.
Why it matters: without strong UV protection and barrier care, even good clinic results can fade faster.
Medical-grade skincare (topicals that support gradual fading)
Topicals won’t “erase” pigment overnight, but they’re often the backbone of long-term control and the reason results last. In a doctor-guided plan, this may include
Tyrosinase inhibitors (to reduce pigment production)
Azelaic acid
Retinoids
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Topical tranexamic acid
Barrier-repair actives chosen based on your skin’s sensitivity and pigment type.
This approach is especially helpful for diffuse uneven tone, post-acne marks (PIH), and maintaining results after in-clinic treatments. It also suits people who prefer low downtime, especially those who want a simple routine and can’t have visible recovery.
Important: Strong “whitening” agents (including hydroquinone) should be time-limited and medically supervised, not used continuously on your own.
Prescription Support
Oral treatments (for selected cases, doctor-prescribed)
Oral treatments aren’t necessary for every type of pigmentation, but they can be helpful in selected cases, especially relapse-prone, patchy pigmentation (often melasma-type) that hasn’t responded well enough to topical care and in-clinic treatments. In a doctor-guided plan, oral options may include:
Oral tranexamic acid (TXA) (prescribed for suitable candidates after medical screening)
Oral photoprotective supplements (as supportive add-ons alongside sunscreen, not replacements)
This approach is best reserved for people who need additional support for long-term control and are suitable based on their medical history. Oral options should be used only under medical supervision, with treatment tailored to your skin type and triggers.
In-Clinic Treatments
Pico Laser (precision pigment targeting)
Think of Pico as a “spot specialist” for pigment. It’s commonly used for concerns such as freckles, sunspots, distinct dark spots, and stubborn marks where precision matters.
This option is especially popular among men and tends to suit people with clearly localised pigmentation who want a more targeted approach rather than treating the entire face aggressively.
Best for: individuals who prefer discreet downtime and straightforward aftercare.
Downtime: varies; spots may look temporarily darker before gradually fading.
At Dream Clinic, our Pico Laser treatments use the Fotona Pico PQX Laser to target dark spots and freckles with precision, supporting brighter-looking skin. Ready for a safer, targeted plan? Book your consultation with us today.
Fotona (protocol-based brightening + skin quality support)
Fotona is a laser platform, which means results depend on the specific protocol chosen for your skin concerns. It’s often used to support overall brightness and clarity, especially when pigmentation is part of a bigger picture that includes uneven tone and general skin quality.
Best for: individuals who want pigment improvement plus general tone/texture refinement, especially when dullness, rough texture, enlarged pores, or other ageing concerns are part of the goal.
Downtime: varies by settings (your doctor should explain what you’ll look like the next day).
At Dream Clinic, our Fotona laser treatments, such as the Fotona Non-Invasive Laser Facial Solution, are performed under medical guidance to support clearer, brighter-looking skin while refining overall tone and texture. Get in touch with us!
RF microneedling (for relapse-prone pigmentation patterns)
RF microneedling is often used when pigmentation behaves like a pattern that reactivates, rather than a one-time “spot you remove once.” It’s commonly considered for recurring patchy pigmentation (often melasma-type), especially when there are signs of redness, sensitivity, or inflammation triggers.
Best for: people who say, “It keeps coming back,” or those who flare with heat/sun/stress. It can be particularly useful for women when pigmentation seems linked to hormonal changes, and recurrence is the main issue.
Downtime: commonly mild redness; depends on settings and your skin.
At Dream Clinic, our RF microneedling treatments using Sylfirm X help support long-term control by addressing the redness/inflammation factors linked to recurring pigmentation patterns. Get a quote from us today!
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help brighten the skin by encouraging controlled exfoliation and faster cell turnover, which may improve mild, surface-level pigmentation and overall dullness. The key is choosing the right type and strength for your skin, because not all peels suit pigment-prone or sensitive skin types.
Best for: mild, more superficial pigmentation and dullness, especially when the pigment sits closer to the surface, and you want a gradual brightening effect.
At Dream Clinic, our chemical peel treatments, such as the Lhala Chemical Peel, gently refine and brighten dull skin while improving texture and clarity — try our Chemical Peel 1st Trial Offer (RM150) and speak to our team today!
Caution: peels that are too strong, too frequent, or done without proper assessment can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation, which may lead to rebound darkening (PIH), particularly in pigment-prone skin.
IPL / Light-Based Treatments
IPL (intense pulsed light) is a light-based treatment that can improve certain sun-related pigment patterns. However, results depend heavily on selecting the right candidate and using appropriate settings. IPL works differently from pigment-specific lasers and can be less forgiving in pigment-prone skin if done too aggressively.
Best for: selected cases where sun damage is the main driver of uneven tone (for example, superficial sunspots) and the skin type is suitable, especially when the goal includes overall brightening.
Caution: if IPL is used too aggressively or on the wrong pigment type or skin type, the irritation and heat can trigger inflammation and make pigmentation appear worse (including rebound darkening).
Worried a laser will burn or worsen pigmentation? Discover why Pico laser works differently from older lasers — and why the doctor matters more than the machine.
Pigmentation Treatment Options at a Glance
Main concern / goal | Best-fit options | Who it suits | Downtime / notes |
A few stubborn dark spots (freckles, sunspots, distinct marks) | Pico Laser (e.g., Fotona Pico PQX) | Great for people who want precision; often preferred by men for discreet recovery | Spots may look temporarily darker before fading; downtime varies |
Overall uneven tone + “brightening” | Fotona protocols + medical-grade topicals | People who want radiance + overall improvement, not just spot remova | Downtime depends on settings/protocol; plan should be tailored |
Pigmentation that keeps coming back (patchy, relapse-prone patterns) | Combination plan: daily protection + topicals + RF microneedling (e.g., Sylfirm X) ± laser | Common in people who flare with sun/heat/stress; often relevant for women with hormonal triggers | Usually mild redness for RF microneedling; long-term control needs maintenance |
Post-acne marks (PIH) | Barrier repair + topicals first, then cautious in-clinic options if needed | Pigment-prone/sensitive skin; anyone who darkens after irritation | Avoid overly aggressive heat/inflammation; PIH risk is higher in pigment-prone skin |
Texture issues alongside pigment (roughness, pores, acne scarring) | Fotona protocols (incl. fractional laser when indicated) + topicals | People with mixed goals: tone + texture + “skin quality” | Fractional options can have a few days of recovery, depending on settings |
Mild, surface-level dullness or superficial pigment | Chemical peels (e.g., Lhala peel) | Those wanting gradual brightening; best when pigment is superficial | Must be the right type/strength; overly strong peels can trigger PIH |
Sun-damage pigment patterns (selected cases) | IPL / light-based (case-by-case) | Suitable candidates where sun damage is the main driver | Not for everyone; can worsen pigment if used too aggressively/wrong skin type |
When additional support is needed (selected cases) | Prescription support (e.g., oral options under doctor supervision) | Relapse-prone patterns that haven’t responded well enough | Not for everyone; requires medical screening and supervision |
Your Beauty, Backed by Medical Expertise
All treatments are performed by qualified doctors using FDA-approved technologies, ensuring safety and natural-looking results.
Dream Clinic’s Pigmentation Audit Checklist
Before you commit to any treatment package, use this quick checklist to guide your consultation. It’s not for self-diagnosis; it’s to help you describe your symptoms clearly and choose a safer, more appropriate treatment plan with a qualified professional.
Step 1: Self-check your pigmentation pattern
Step 2: Safety audit the clinic
Step 3: Product audit what you’re using
Take the First Step Towards Clearer Skin!
The best pigmentation treatment for your face depends on your pigment type, how deep it sits, your skin tone, and how easily your skin reacts to heat or inflammation.
At Dream Clinic, we combine medical expertise with personalised care to recommend a plan that fits your skin and your lifestyle — with clearer, more even-looking skin and long-term control you can feel confident about.
Why patients trust Dream Clinic:
Ranked among the top 3 aesthetic clinics in Penang and KL
Licensed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM)
Treatments performed by qualified LCP-certified doctors
Using clinically trusted technologies and medical-grade products
Book a consultation today to find out which pigmentation treatment is best suited to your skin.
FAQs
Q1. Can pigmentation be removed permanently?
Some types of pigmentation can clear very well, but a guaranteed “permanent cure” isn’t realistic for every case, especially for relapse-prone patterns like melasma. Even after successful treatment, pigment can reactivate with ongoing triggers such as UV exposure, heat, and inflammation.
The goal is usually significant clearance plus long-term control, supported by maintenance (sun protection, a consistent routine, and occasional top-ups if needed).
Q2. Is Sylfirm X painful?
Most people describe it as very tolerable rather than painful. A numbing cream is typically applied beforehand, and the sensation is often described as light tapping or warmth. Discomfort varies depending on settings and individual sensitivity.
Q3. How many sessions do I need before I see results?
It depends on pigment depth and type. Some spots improve quickly, while relapse-prone patterns often need a staged plan over multiple sessions. A responsible clinic will give a range after assessment, not a “one session guarantees everything” promise.
Q4. How do I know if my pigmentation is superficial or deep?
Superficial pigment often looks lighter brown and responds faster, while deeper pigment can look grey-brown and takes longer. The most reliable way is a professional assessment (often with skin analysis tools), because guessing can lead to the wrong treatment choice.
Q5. How many sessions does pigmentation treatment usually take?
It depends on your pigmentation type, how deep it sits, and how easily your skin re-pigments with triggers like sun, heat, inflammation, or hormonal shifts.
Stubborn, well-defined spots (freckles/sunspots/distinct dark marks): ~1–3 sessions, with 1–2 extra sessions if any marks remain.
Relapse-prone, patchy pigmentation (melasma-type patterns): ~4–6 sessions or more, usually staged for long-term control, plus maintenance habits (especially strict sun protection).
Chemical peels (mild, superficial dullness/pigment): typically a course of ~3–6 sessions, depending on peel strength and skin sensitivity.
IPL / light-based treatments: case-by-case, but usually planned as a series for suitable candidates.
A practical way to start is a first-visit offer, such as Dream Clinic’s Pico Brightening 1st Trial Offer (RM388; normal RM688) using the Fotona PQX Laser. This allows a doctor to assess your pigment type and triggers first, then advise the safest plan and realistic number of sessions before you commit.
References
1. Passeron, T., Liu, W., Morita, A., Goh, C. L., Alexis, A., Dreno, B., ... & Lim, H. W. (2025). PIGMENTARY DISORDERS AROUND THE WORLD: SELF-REPORTED PREVALENCE AND IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL STIGMATIZATION. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
2. Davis, E. C., & Callender, V. D. (2010). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 3(7), 20.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921758/pdf/jcad_3_7_20.pdf
3. Kerob, D., Passeron, T., Alexis, A., Dreno, B., Wei, L., Morita, A., ... & Lim, H. W. (2024). 54772 Pigmentary disorders, prevalence, impact on quality of life and social stigmatization: Results of the first large international survey.https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)02155-8/pdf
