Why Is Pigmentation Treatment Important?
At Shine MD, we understand that pigmentary conditions of the skin can cause a heavy burden for patients. Pigmentary conditions such as sun spots, melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be intensely impactful of a patient’s quality of life and significantly affect day to day decisions.
Pigmentary conditions affect all skin types and are definitely more common in skin of color patients. Pigmentation can affect the face and body and lead to significant emotional distress.
Patients with ongoing pigmentary issues are likely to make social and work-related decisions that can impact their life trajectory. Based on this awareness, Dr. Khurana and the team at Shine MD have aimed to become a center of excellence for treating pigmentary conditions.
Our exemplary results and high patient satisfaction are attributed to the strategic integration of medical management and skin care protocols with the application of first in class technology.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mona Khurana, Shine MD has become a trusted Vancouver destination for advanced pigmentation treatment. Pigmentation is one of the most common conditions treated at Shine MD.
What Causes Pigmentation?
Skin colour is determined by melanin, a natural pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. When these cells become overactive or disrupted, excess pigment can form, leading to uneven tone, dark patches, or discoloration.
While pigmentation is completely normal, undesired or uneven pigmentation can be devastating for patients and lead to anxiety, depression and in extreme cases, social isolation.
If you have pigmentation of any kind, it is very normal to seek treatments that will restore clarity, even tone, and confidence in your skin.
Common Types of Pigmentation We Treat
Sun Spots and Sun Damage
Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of uneven pigmentation. Over time, ultraviolet light stimulates melanin production, leading to concentrated dark spots or widespread discoloration.
At Shine MD, we offer multiple treatment options depending on your skin type and pigmentation pattern:
- PicoSure Pro – Advanced treatment safe for all skin tones, including melasma and mixed pigmentation
- Forever Young BBL® – Ideal for lighter skin types and sun-induced pigmentation
- Halo™ Hybrid Laser – Improves pigmentation while enhancing skin texture, fine lines, and acne scarring
- MOXI® Laser – Gentle resurfacing for early or mild pigmentation.
- Combination treatments with Forever Young BBL, Moxi, and Halo to accelerate the improvement of pigmentation.
Prevention remains essential. We emphasize sun protection, maintenance treatments, and long-term skin health strategies.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
PIH occurs when inflammation or skin injury triggers excess melanin production. This commonly follows:
- Acne breakouts
- Eczema or dermatitis
- Allergic reactions or rashes
- Skin injuries or burns
- Certain cosmetic or medical procedures
PIH is particularly common in patients with medium to deeper skin tones, but it is highly treatable.
Treatment typically begins by addressing the underlying condition before carefully introducing therapies such as:
- PicoSure Pro
- Halo or MOXI Laser
- Aerolase Laser
- Glycolic Acid Peels
Melasma
The creation of The Melasma Clinic at Shine MD reflects Dr. Mona Khurana’s strong commitment to treating this common, chronic, and often emotionally impactful skin condition.
Melasma is a complex pigment disorder that causes patchy, uneven darkening of the skin, most commonly affecting the face. It occurs more frequently in women than men and is often influenced by hormonal changes, including pregnancy and birth control use. Sun exposure is one of the most significant triggers and can worsen or reactivate melasma.
Many patients experience mixed hyperpigmentation, meaning multiple causes of pigmentation are present at the same time, with melasma often being a contributing factor. Because of this complexity, treatment requires a thoughtful and highly customized approach.
At Shine MD, the foundation of melasma treatment includes:
- Medical-grade skincare
- Prescription pigment therapies
- Strict sun protection and prevention strategies
- Cautious and strategic laser protocols
- Chemical peels, including our custom Shine MD Glycolic Acid formulations
The PicoSure Pro is our first-line laser treatment for melasma and remains the only laser with an official FDA indication for melasma treatment. Additional technologies, including Aerolase and MOXI, can also be highly effective when carefully selected for the appropriate patient and pigmentation type.
Because melasma can worsen if treated incorrectly, laser selection, energy settings, and treatment timing must be carefully customized to maximize results while minimizing risk.
Melasma is a challenging and chronic condition, and there is currently no permanent cure. The primary goal of treatment is to safely reduce pigmentation, maintain long-term control, and improve overall skin clarity and quality of life.
Long-term success requires consistent prevention strategies, including daily sun protection, sun avoidance when possible, and ongoing skin care maintenance treatments tailored to each patient’s skin and lifestyle.
Pigmented Skin Lesions
Benign pigmented lesions can be safely removed using precise electrocautery techniques. This treatment gently removes lesions while preserving surrounding tissue and minimizing downtime.
- Skin tags
- Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
- Seborrheic Keratoses
- Moles
In patients with richly pigmented skin, we proactively manage any post-treatment pigmentation with customized skincare and laser therapy.
Our Inclusive Approach to Pigmentation Treatment
At Shine MD, inclusivity is central to our treatment philosophy. Many pigmentation treatments historically carried higher risks for darker skin tones. Our clinic is specifically equipped with technologies and protocols designed to safely treat the full spectrum of skin colour, from very fair to deeply pigmented skin.
Dr. Khurana has a special interest in pigmentary disorders and skin of color treatments. Our team prioritizes safe treatment selection, precise laser settings, and comprehensive pre- and post-treatment care to maximize results while minimizing complications.
Pigmentation Treatment Options at Shine MD
Medical-Grade Skincare
Skincare is the foundation of all pigmentation treatment plans. We incorporate clinically proven ingredients that help reduce pigment production and improve treatment outcomes, including:
- Hydroquinone
- Cysteamine
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Azelaic Acid
- Kojic Acid
- Arbutin
Daily sunscreen is essential for maintaining results and preventing recurrence. We carry carefully selected formulas suitable for all skin tones, including options that blend seamlessly into darker complexions.
Pigmented Skin Lesions
We offer one of Vancouver’s most comprehensive laser platforms for pigmentation correction.
PicoSure Pro
Our most versatile pigmentation laser, effective across all skin types and pigment conditions, including melasma. It also improves skin texture and stimulates collagen production with minimal downtime.
Forever Young BBL®
An excellent option for sun damage and age-related pigmentation, particularly in lighter skin types. Often combined with Halo or MOXI for enhanced rejuvenation.
MOXI® Laser
A gentle resurfacing laser ideal for early pigmentation, maintenance treatments, and preventative skin care.
Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser
Treats pigmentation while improving wrinkles, acne scars, and overall skin quality. One of our most popular combination treatments.
Aerolase® Laser
Highly effective for post-inflammatory pigmentation and large treatment areas, with minimal discomfort or downtime. Also treats inflammatory skin conditions that can contribute to pigmentation. Effectively treats acne and rosacea in all skin types.
Glycolic Acid Peels – Shine MD Custom Formulation
Our customized Glycolic Acid peels are a powerful, physician-designed treatment that helps improve uneven skin tone, dullness, and superficial pigmentation.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin, accelerates cellular turnover, and helps disperse excess melanin within the skin. At Shine MD, we utilize a proprietary formulation and treatment protocol that allows us to safely customize peel strength and layering based on skin type, pigmentation severity, and patient goals.
These peels are particularly beneficial for:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Early or superficial sun damage
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Maintenance treatment for melasma management
- Patients seeking a non-laser option with minimal downtime
Our medical team carefully prepares the skin before treatment and provides detailed aftercare to ensure safe and consistent results across all skin tones, including skin of color.
Pigmentation Treatment at Shine MD
Personalized Pigmentation Care
No two pigmentation concerns are identical. During your consultation, our team carefully evaluates:
- Your skin type and tone
- Type and depth of pigmentation
- Underlying skin conditions
- Lifestyle and environmental factors
- Long-term skin health goals
From there, we create a customized treatment plan designed for safe, gradual, and lasting improvement.
A Trusted Vancouver Leader in Pigmentation Treatment
Shine MD is proud to be recognized as a leading Vancouver clinic for pigmentation correction and skin of color expertise. Our results are built on evidence-based medicine, advanced technology, and individualized patient care.
We are passionate about helping patients achieve clearer, healthier, and more confident skin while respecting and celebrating every skin tone.
Why Choose Shine MD in Vancouver
At Shine MD, we combine medical expertise with advanced technology to tailor treatments that work for your skin type and pigmentation concerns. Our team has special experience treating skin of color, minimizing risk while maximizing results through personalized protocols.
Ready to Start Your Pigmentation Journey?
Book a consultation at our Vancouver clinic and get a treatment plan tailored to your unique skin needs. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Discover Our
Before & After Gallery
Want to see real patient results from our innovative skin treatments? View our impressive before and after images in our photo gallery.
*Individual results may vary.
