As summer fades, uneven tone often becomes more obvious. Sun exposure stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin, which can collect as sun spots, mottled patches, and a general dulling of the complexion. Melasma can darken. Autumn is an ideal season to correct this: lower ambient UV and steadier routines support both device-based treatments and medical-grade skincare. Two light- and laser-based options that reliably improve dyschromia are Clear + Brilliant and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

What is Clear + Brilliant®?

Clear + Brilliant is a fractionated, non-ablative laser that creates precise microscopic treatment zones to trigger epidermal renewal and collagen remodeling. Depending on the wavelength used (most commonly 1440 nm for texture and pore size; 1927 nm for pigment), it addresses early photodamage, fine lines, and superficial pigment with minimal downtime. Results build progressively as the skin repairs itself.

What you should know about Clear + Brilliant:

• What it treats best: early sun damage, uneven tone, residual acne marks, textural roughness, and enlarged pores. The 1927 nm setting targets epidermal pigment; the 1440 nm setting focuses on texture.
• Melasma nuance: it can assist selected melasma patients when paired with strict photoprotection and gentle pigment inhibitors, yet heat and light can provoke rebound. We precondition and sequence carefully for this diagnosis.
• Course of care: most patients see visible brightening after a single session, but a series of 4 to 6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart optimizes and stabilizes results.
• Candidacy and safety: appropriate across many skin tones with parameter adjustments; pre- and post-treatment sun avoidance and pigment-safe skincare reduce risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Experience and recovery: sessions are quick. Expect mild warmth, transient redness, and a sandpapery feel for several days as the skin renews.
• At Philosophy MD: treatments include a demi-facial to enhance barrier recovery and glow.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment?

IPL delivers filtered, high-intensity light that is absorbed by chromophores such as hemoglobin and melanin. The absorbed energy converts to heat, selectively clearing vascular redness and superficial pigmented lesions while stimulating dermal remodeling over time. IPL is versatile for photoaging when used on carefully selected skin types.

What you should know about IPL:

• Who benefits most: Fitzpatrick I–III and select IV skin types with discrete sun spots, diffuse mottling, and rosacea. Greater contrast between lesion and background skin improves pigment clearance.
• Important exclusions: recent tanning or sunburn, photosensitizing medications, active skin infections, and pregnancy. We avoid IPL for active or mixed-type melasma due to a risk of worsening.
• Treatment plan: typically 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance as pigment recurs with incidental UV. Lentigines often darken and micro-crust before sloughing within 7 to 10 days.
• Longevity of results: improvements in color and clarity compound over several months as collagen remodels; ongoing sun protection and pigment-safe skincare prolong results.
• Treatment areas: face, neck, chest, and hands are the most common; we individualize settings and spot-test as needed.

Autumn is the perfect time to start Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment.

• Lower UV index supports safe healing and reduces the risk of rebound pigmentation after light-based procedures.
• Post-summer correction: IPL efficiently clears sun-induced lentigines and background mottling that surface after seasonal exposure.
• Better candidacy: untanned baseline skin increases lesion contrast, improving efficacy and reducing side-effects.
• Strategic sequencing: a series begun in fall typically completes by winter, allowing time for collagen remodeling before spring holidays and events.

What skincare ingredients can brighten pigmentation or sun spots?

Device-based renewal is maximized by a disciplined regimen that suppresses excess melanin, accelerates epidermal turnover, and fortifies the barrier.

• Retinoids (retinaldehyde, tretinoin): normalize keratinocyte turnover, disperse melanin, and upregulate collagen for clearer, smoother skin.
• Hydroquinone and non-HQ inhibitors (azelaic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, arbutin, tranexamic acid): down-regulate tyrosinase and melanocyte signaling to fade hyperpigmentation and prevent rebound.
• Stabilized vitamin C (ascorbic acid and next-gen derivatives): provides antioxidant defense against UV-induced oxidative signaling and interferes with melanogenesis while brightening overall tone.
• Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic/lactic; BHAs like salicylic; PHAs for sensitive skin): lift pigmented corneocytes and speed visible clarity; dosing must respect barrier integrity, particularly after procedures.
• Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 with high UVA protection: essential to maintain gains; mineral filters are preferred for sensitive or melasma-prone skin.
• Barrier support (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids): reduces inflammation-driven melanogenesis and improves tolerance to actives.

Explore our favourite products for pigmentation in the PHI Shop

Our curated collection includes pigment inhibitors for daily use, stabilized antioxidants for morning defense, procedure-compatible retinoids, and recovery-focused barrier care. Each is selected for evidence, formulation stability, and real-world tolerability. Visit the PHI Shop to explore clinically aligned options for your skin type and goals.

Our Skin Therapists can build a custom skincare plan just for you.

Book a complimentary virtual consultation with our team to calibrate active ingredients, set a procedure timeline, and align daily care with your lifestyle. Email hello@philosophymd.com to request a time.

Request a complimentary consultation today to explore our services and build a tailored treatment plan for a brighter, more even complexion.