Blotchy, uneven skin tone can be frustrating, especially when drugstore products and trendy treatments fall short. Hyperpigmentation can make your complexion look tired or patchy, whether it’s sun damage, melasma, post-acne scarring, or mysterious dark patches. And unfortunately, these spots don’t fade on their own. Without the right approach, pigment can return again and again.
At Columbia Laser Skin Center, we offer a science-backed, multi-layered strategy to help you achieve clear, even skin. From in-depth skin assessments to targeted in-office procedures and customized skincare regimens, our team addresses pigment at the source.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a big fancy word for blotchy, uneven skin tone. It shows up as dark patches or spots, and while it’s common, it can be frustrating. These changes in pigmentation happen when your skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Common Types of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can appear in many forms, but some types are especially common and recognizable. It can include:
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Sun Spots
- Age Spots
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (a dark spot that occurs after an injury to the skin ~ acne breakout)
There are more types, but these are the most common. During your consultation, our team will identify the exact type of hyperpigmentation you have to ensure you receive the most effective treatment plan.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This overproduction is usually triggered by internal and external factors that disrupt or overstimulate melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells). The main causes for blotchy, uneven skin tone are pretty basic:
- Sun ~ UVA & UVB exposure
- Pollution
- Heat
- Blue Light (light that comes from your phone, tablets, computer and TV)
- Inflammation
- Hormones
- Diet (Yes, even what we eat can contribute to blotchy uneven skin tone!)
Hyperpigmentation is complex and often results from a combination of these triggers. Our treatment plans are designed to address the root causes—not just the symptoms—so you can enjoy clear, even-toned skin that lasts.
Why Treatment Needs to Be Comprehensive
The cause of our skin cells (melanocytes) making excess pigment (melanin) is actually pretty complex. Because this process is complex, successful treatment needs to be comprehensive to be able to address all the different aspects of the production of excess pigment.
At Columbia Laser Skin Center, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all skincare. After your skin assessment, our skincare experts will create a customized treatment plan to help you reach your #skingoals of healthy, even skin tone.
How We Treat Hyperpigmentation
At Columbia Laser Skin Center, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments tailored to your skin type, pigmentation concerns, and lifestyle. Whether your discoloration is caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or post-acne inflammation, we combine in-office procedures with daily skincare to deliver visible, long-lasting results. Some of our favorite treatments and products that we love for the treatment of blotchy, uneven skin tone:
IPL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses broad-spectrum light energy to target and break down pigment beneath the skin’s surface. It’s especially effective for sun spots, age spots, and freckles. Over several treatments, IPL brightens the complexion, evens tone, and encourages collagen production with minimal downtime.
Facial Peels
We offer a range of medical-grade facial peels that use safe, controlled exfoliation to remove dull, discolored skin cells. These peels help fade melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Peels vary in strength and depth. Our providers will help select the right formula for your skin.
Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling creates microscopic channels in the skin, triggering a natural healing response that encourages new collagen and elastin. When paired with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), this treatment delivers powerful regeneration at a cellular level, helping fade deep pigmentation and improve overall skin texture and clarity.
Medical Grade Skincare Regimens
Daily skincare is essential. We prescribe high-performance products that work synergistically with your treatments to target pigment at the source, calm inflammation, and prevent future discoloration. These regimens include targeted serums, pigment inhibitors, antioxidants, and SPF tailored to your unique skin needs.
These are a MUST! Think of this like your toothbrush and toothpaste. You wouldn’t go to the dentist for dental work or a cleaning, and then never brush or floss your teeth? Same thing with our skin! We have to care for our skin EVERY DAY with the right products that not only protect your investment, but also continue the treatment process when you are not here with us receiving your treatments.
Hyperpigmentation Treatments Before and After
Check out some of our before and after photos from our hyperpigmentation treatments:
What to Expect During Treatment
At Columbia Laser Skin Center, every hyperpigmentation journey starts with a personalized consultation. During this visit, we will assess your skin using advanced diagnostic tools, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin tone, lifestyle, and pigment type.
In-office treatments such as IPL, microneedling with PRP, or facial peels typically take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment. Most clients describe sensations ranging from mild warmth to light tingling or a prickly feeling—nothing too intense. We’ll walk you through everything beforehand so there are no surprises.
Recovery time varies. Many treatments involve little to no downtime, though you may experience mild redness, flaking, or tightness for a few days. You’ll be given detailed post-care instructions and product recommendations to support healing and boost results.
Results are progressive. While some patients notice brighter, more even skin after just one session, most see their best results after a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. As your skin renews itself, dark patches fade gradually, leaving behind a smoother, more balanced complexion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperpigmentation Treatment
How long do results last?
Your results can be long-lasting with proper home care, consistent use of medical-grade skincare, and diligent sun protection. Many patients experience a dramatic reduction in discoloration that improves over time with maintenance. However, because internal and external factors can trigger hyperpigmentation, we may recommend periodic touch-up treatments to preserve your results year-round.
Will I need more than one session?
Hyperpigmentation develops in layers, and it often takes a series of treatments to break up pigment clusters and reveal a more even complexion. Depending on the severity and type of discoloration, you may need three to six sessions spaced several weeks apart.
We’ll design a custom schedule based on your skin’s unique needs, with built-in flexibility for your lifestyle and goals. Maintenance treatments and ongoing skincare will also play a key role in sustaining your results.
Why Choose Columbia Laser Skin Center?
Located in The Dalles, Columbia Laser Skin Center is the Columbia Gorge region’s go-to destination for personalized skin care. Our team has years of expertise with the latest technologies to create treatment plans that work. Whether you’re from Hood River, Goldendale, or right here in The Dalles, we’re proud to help our local community feel at home in their skin.
Ready to Brighten Your Skin and Fade Stubborn Dark Spots?
Are you ready for healthy-looking skin? Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, melasma, or lingering post-acne marks, our expert team at Columbia Laser Skin Center is here to help. We’ll guide you through a personalized plan that targets discoloration at the source—so you can enjoy long-term clarity and radiance. Call or text our office at 541.298.5066, or click here to schedule online.
