Skin discoloration is one of the most common concerns estheticians see in the treatment room. Uneven skin tone, dark spots, and pigmentation on the face, hands, or chest are almost always tied to an overproduction of melanin—the pigment that gives skin its color.
So, why does it happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s Happening Beneath the Surface
Melanin is produced by melanocytes—specialized cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. Its main role? To protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. Without it, the skin would be at much higher risk of:
Cellular DNA damage
Premature aging
Skin cancers
When the skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes increase melanin production through a process called melanogenesis. This is your skin’s natural defense against UV rays, and while it gives you a tan, it can also create uneven pigmentation when the system becomes overactive.
Types of Melanin
Eumelanin → Found in darker skin tones, offers stronger UV protection.
Pheomelanin → More common in lighter, fair skin and red hair; offers less protection and is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation.
Why Discoloration Develops
The biggest factor? UV exposure.
Too much sun overstimulates melanocytes, creating clusters of pigment. Add in natural aging (which makes pigment distribution less efficient), and spots become more noticeable.
Most common areas affected:
Face (forehead, nose, cheeks)
Hands and arms (always exposed)
Décolleté (often uncovered)
Professional Treatment Options
The good news: today’s estheticians have access to multiple effective approaches. The right choice depends on the client’s skin type, concern, and depth of pigmentation.
1. Chemical Peels
Exfoliates the upper layers of skin where pigment collects.
Popular actives: mandelic, kojic, azelaic, glycolic.
Results: brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.
2. Microneedling (Mesotherapy)
Creates controlled micro-injuries that allow actives such as vitamin C, arbutin, or glutathione to penetrate deeper and target melanin production.
3. Laser Therapy
Effective for stubborn pigmentation and melasma. Uses targeted energy to break up melanin clusters. Best reserved for deeper cases and requires some recovery time.
4. Elaspromed – A Modern Alternative
This non-invasive technology uses Transdermalporation™ to deliver brightening ingredients deep into the skin, without needles or downtime.
Why it’s gaining popularity:
Gentle, safe, and painless—even for sensitive skin
No peeling, irritation, or downtime
Year-round treatment option
Immediate results: hydration, glow, improved tone
At-Home Care: Essential for Long-Term Results
Professional treatments must be supported by daily routines. A combination of brightening serums, creams, and gentle exfoliants ensures results last longer.
Client-friendly options include:
Elaspa Serums for Discolored Skin - Vitamin C Optimal Age Repair Serum or Brightening Serum Intensive
Elaspa Creams for Discolored Skin - Vitamin C Repair Cream or Brightening Cream Forte
The Bottom Line
The best approach to treating discoloration is a combination of:
Daily SPF 20 for prevention
Professional treatments tailored to the type of pigmentation
Targeted homecare to maintain results
Consistency—because pigmentation is a process, not a quick fix
Thanks to advanced technologies like Elapromed and proven actives, uneven skin tone can be addressed safely, effectively, and with results that last.