Hyperpigmentation & Melasma Treatment Victoria BC

Clearer Skin — So You Don’t Always Have to Cover It Up

Uneven skin tone, dark patches, or melasma can leave you feeling like makeup is your only option. At Vitality Laser Clinic in Victoria BC, we use advanced Alexandrite laser technology, chemical peels, and medical-grade skincare to safely fade discoloration — so you can feel confident without having to hide behind foundation every day.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is your body’s way of trying to protect your skin from further damage. When your skin senses UV stress or inflammation, it tells pigment cells (melanocytes) to make more melanin. This extra pigment acts like a shield to protect from more UV damage — even though it’s helpful, it often shows up as dark patches that people find distracting or unwanted.

Common triggers include:

Sun exposure — UV light directly activates melanocytes. Even one sunburn can leave lasting spots.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — When the skin is inflamed from acne, rashes, or injury, your body releases chemical messengers (cytokines, prostaglandins, and growth factors). These stimulate melanocytes, leaving dark patches that linger long after redness fades.
Aging — As we get older, the skin loses its ability to regulate pigment well. Think of it like a thermostat that doesn’t shut off properly — pigment production gets “stuck on.”
Genetics — Some people are naturally more prone to pigment changes.

So while hyperpigmentation begins as protection, most people would rather treat it and prevent new spots with sunscreen and healthy skin habits.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma is more complex and not fully understood, but research shows it’s tied to:

Hormones — Pregnancy, birth control, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can all activate pigment cells.
UV and inflammation — Sun exposure sets off inflammatory enzymes that weaken the basement membrane (the barrier between skin layers). This lets pigment settle deeper.
Basement membrane disruption — Once pigment drops into deeper layers, it’s harder to clear.
Vascular theory — More blood vessels under melasma patches may keep melanocytes active.
Genetics — Family history increases risk.

Because melasma is influenced by hormones, UV, and structural skin changes, it’s considered a chronic condition we can manage, but not cure outright.

Before and After Acne Treatment

How We Treat Pigmentation

Your treatment plan is tailored to your skin type and pigment pattern. Options include:

Alexandrite laser technology to break up pigment so your body can naturally clear it.
Chemical peels to lift surface pigment and improve skin turnover.
Medical-grade skincare to support results and reduce new pigment from forming.

What to Expect

Comfort: Treatments feel like a gentle snap or warmth. No numbing or icing needed.
Pigment Response: Melasma usually does not darken with laser treatment. Brown spots and sunspots may darken shortly after treatment, then flake away.
Timeline: Some notice change after 1–2 sessions, but best results usually take about 4 treatments.
Downtime: Minimal. Flaking can often be minimized and covered with tinted sunscreen or light makeup.
Skin Type Suitability: Alexandrite isn’t safe for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI). For those clients, we recommend chemical peels, medical-grade skincare, or referral to a clinic with lasers designed for darker skin.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

This treatment may be right for you if you have:

Brown spots or sunspots
Uneven tone from UV damage
Post-inflammatory pigmentation (from acne or injury)
Dull, blotchy skin
Melasma / “pregnancy mask”
Or if you simply want a brighter, more even overall skin tone

Treatment Safety & Customization

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. We always assess your skin type, history, and goals first. For some, lighter chemical peels may be the best start. For deeper pigment, stronger treatments may be recommended. Aftercare is personalized so your skin heals properly and rebound pigmentation is minimized.

And remember: hats and sunscreen are both useful, but neither one alone is enough. Daily sun protection plus treatment is the best way to keep pigment under control long-term.

Client Review

"Seriously life-changing. My skin is so much better, and I finally don't dread looking in the mirror."

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I need?

On average, 3–4 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Some see results sooner.

Does it hurt?

It feels like a gentle snap or warmth. No numbing required.

Will my spots get darker?

Sunspots and freckles often darken briefly before flaking away. Melasma usually does not darken with treatment.

Can I wear makeup afterward?

Yes. Most people return to regular activities right away. Tinted sunscreen or light makeup can help if you notice flaking.

Why does melasma keep coming back?

Because it’s tied to hormones, UV exposure, and structural skin changes. It’s chronic, so ongoing care is often needed.

Do you treat very dark skin?

Alexandrite isn’t safe for Fitzpatrick V–VI. For these skin types, we recommend chemical peels, medical-grade products, or referral to a clinic with the right laser technology.