One of the most common requests we hear after summer is: "Can you laser off this pigmentation?"

Sometimes the answer is yes — but first, we need to know what type of pigmentation we are looking at. Freckles, sun spots, melasma and marks left behind after inflammation can all look brown, yet they behave very differently. Treating them as though they are the same can lead to disappointing results or, in some cases, make pigmentation more difficult to manage.

Let us break it down without the medical textbook language.

Freckles

Freckles are small, flat spots that tend to become darker with sun exposure and fade somewhat when UV exposure reduces. They are often genetic, but sunlight brings them out.

If you love your freckles, there is absolutely no reason to treat them. If they have become more widespread or uneven than you would like, light-based treatments such as BBL or M22 IPL may be considered following assessment.

Sun spots

Sun spots — also called solar lentigines — are usually larger and more persistent than freckles. They develop after cumulative UV exposure and commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders and hands.

They do not usually fade away when summer ends. BBL and M22 IPL can be useful when distinct brown spots and overall sun damage are the main concern. MOXI or HALO may be considered when pigmentation sits alongside rough texture, enlarged pores or fine lines.

Any new, changing, irregular, itchy or bleeding pigmented lesion should be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment. A laser consultation is not a substitute for a skin-cancer check.

Melasma

Melasma often appears as broader, symmetrical patches of brown or grey-brown pigment, commonly across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Hormones, genetics, heat and light exposure can all play a role.

This is the one clients are often tempted to "blast away", but melasma needs a much more thoughtful approach. It can be reactive, and overly aggressive heat or laser treatment may trigger more pigment rather than less.

Management usually centres on excellent daily sun protection, appropriate skincare and carefully selected professional treatment. In suitable cases, a gentle fractional option such as MOXI may form part of the plan, but there is no universal melasma laser and there is no honest one-session cure.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation

These are the flat brown or grey marks that remain after acne, irritation, a rash or an injury has healed. The inflammation stimulates pigment production, and the mark can linger long after the original problem is gone.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation is more common and can be more persistent in deeper skin tones. The first priority is controlling the acne or inflammation that caused it. From there, treatment might include skincare, peels or carefully selected laser and light options, depending on your skin type.

Which treatment is best for pigmentation?

There is no single "best pigmentation laser", because the right option depends on the pigment itself.

BBL or M22 IPL: often selected for visible freckles, sun spots and areas of sun-related discolouration.

MOXI: useful when mild pigmentation is paired with dullness, early sun damage or uneven texture and a gentler approach is preferred.

HALO: may suit more established sun damage when tone, texture, pores and fine lines are being treated together.

CO₂ resurfacing: a more intensive option for advanced texture and photoageing where pigmentation is only one part of the overall concern.

The best plan may also involve preparing the skin first, completing a course rather than a single session and maintaining the result with consistent SPF and home care.

Why autumn is a smart time to begin

After summer, freckles and sun damage are often easier to see. At the same time, reduced UV exposure over autumn and winter can make it easier to plan many pigment-focused treatments and protect the skin during recovery.

You still cannot arrive with an active tan and expect every treatment to go ahead. Recent sun exposure, fake tan, medication and upcoming travel all need to be discussed honestly at consultation. Safety always comes before the sale.

If pigmentation is bothering you, begin with a proper assessment at Laser + Skin Clinics in Dublin City, Malahide, Athlone or Mullingar. During our Laser Season Sale, selected pigmentation, laser and light treatments are 30% off for a limited time.