Living in Singapore’s heat, skin discolouration is something almost everyone deals with. Between the year-round sun and our daily habits, it’s common to notice dark spots, uneven patches, or skin that just looks a bit dull.
At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we believe the best results start with understanding how your skin works. “Skin Pigmentation” isn’t a single condition; it’s a category of conditions that require a medical approach. This guide covers the different types of dark spots and the best ways to treat them in 2026.
Understanding Pigmentation: It’s Not Just Surface Spots
Pigmentation in Singapore is simply the colour of your skin. This colour comes from melanin, which is made by cells called melanocytes. Melanin’s main job is to protect you from the sun. However, when these cells get damaged or over-triggered, they make too much melanin in one spot, creating a dark patch.
When you visit a clinic in Singapore, the doctor will look at how deep your pigment goes:
- Surface level (Epidermal): This includes things like freckles and sunspots.
- Deep level (Dermal): This includes deeper marks like Hori’s Nevus.
- Mixed: A combination of both, which is common in conditions like melasma.
Common Types of Pigmentation in Singapore
The type of spot you have changes how we treat it. Here are the most common ones we see:
- Melasma: These are larger, brownish patches that usually show up on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. Hormones (like during pregnancy) often cause this, and heat or sun makes it much worse.
- Sunspots: Also called age spots, these flat brown marks come from years of being out in the sun.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): These are the dark marks left behind after an injury, like an acne scar or a patch of eczema.
- Hori’s Nevus: These look like greyish-blue spots on the cheekbones. Because the pigment is deep in the skin, creams usually won’t work on them.
Why “Brightening” Creams Often Don’t Work
It’s tempting to buy a “brightening” serum from the store, but they usually aren’t enough for stubborn spots.
- They don’t go deep enough: Most creams can’t reach the deeper layers of the skin. If your pigment is deep-seated, a surface cream won’t do much.
- They stop new spots but don’t fix old ones: Many products stop your skin from making new dark spots, but they aren’t strong enough to break down the spots you already have.
- They can cause irritation: Some harsh “brightening” ingredients can actually irritate your skin, which can lead to even more dark marks.
Professional Treatment Options
When creams hit their limit, medical treatments can help. These are designed to target the pigment without damaging the rest of your skin.
- Pico Laser Technology
Pico lasers are a huge step forward. Older lasers used heat, which could sometimes cause more spots in Asian skin. Pico lasers use ultra-fast pulses of energy to shatter melanin into tiny particles (like dust). Your body then clears these particles away naturally.
- Medical-Grade Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are stronger than the ones you buy at the store. They use specific acids to remove dead skin cells and lift away surface-level spots. Because they are medical-grade, they are done under a doctor’s supervision to keep them safe.
- Depigmentation Programs
For tough issues like melasma, we use a multi-step plan. This usually starts with a mask applied in the clinic, followed by a specific home routine to prevent the pigment from coming back.
- Medical-Grade Skincare
Treatments only work if you maintain them. This means using high-quality antioxidants (like Vitamin C) and a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from all types of light, not just the sun, but also the light from your screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the treatment permanent?
While we can remove current spots, your skin can always make new ones. You have to keep up with sun protection and occasionally come back for “maintenance” sessions to keep your skin clear.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It depends on the spot. Basic sunspots might take 1 to 3 sessions. Deeper spots or melasma might need 6 to 10 sessions spaced out over a few months.
Q: Is there any downtime?
A: With Pico lasers, there is very little downtime. You might be a bit red for a few hours, but most people go right back to their normal day.
Q: Can all skin types be treated?
A: Yes, but the laser settings have to be just right. If used incorrectly, lasers can actually cause dark marks on darker skin tones, which is why seeing a professional is so important.
Getting Started!
Achieving clear skin takes time, consistency, and a well-planned approach. Moving beyond basic over-the-counter products and opting for a professional medical consultation allows for accurate diagnosis and effective, results-driven treatment.
If you’re ready to begin, Cutis Medical Laser Clinics offers a personalized medical consultation to assess your skin concerns and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
To share, click on the Icon.