Melasma and Pigmentation: Is Any Toning Treatment Suitable? How to Choose Laser Toning by Pigmentation Type ｜Hongdae Toning

• Hongdae Toning Key Summary

Laser Toning is not a treatment that treats all types of pigmentation in the same way.

The appropriate laser differs depending on how deep the pigmentation is in the skin, whether it is melanin pigmentation or vascular redness, whether it is widespread melasma or clearly defined pigmentation.

• Melasma and overall skin tone → Helios Toning · Dual Toning

• Clearly defined melanin pigmentation such as freckles, pigmentation, and lentigines → PicoSure Toning

• Redness and pigmentation occurring together → Excel V

• Localized lesions that need to be removed, such as moles, skin tags, and raised age spots → CO2 Laser

For pigmentation such as melasma that can easily become darker again, rather than trying to remove it aggressively in a single treatment, it is important to repeatedly reduce melanin while minimizing irritation.

What Is Laser Toning?

One-Line Answer

Laser Toning is a treatment that repeatedly delivers laser energy to melanin pigment within the skin to reduce melasma, pigmentation, and hyperpigmentation while creating a more even overall skin tone.

There is more than one reason why the skin may look dull.

Freckles or pigmentation may be located close to the epidermis, pigmentation may extend into the dermis, or there may be a condition such as melasma in which melanin production itself repeatedly occurs.

Therefore, the key to toning is not simply making the skin “whiter,” but reducing unwanted melanin using wavelengths and energy levels appropriate for the depth and type of pigmentation.

For example, Helios Toning uses two wavelengths, 1064nm and 532nm, to address pigmentation at different depths, while PicoSure uses a 755nm wavelength delivered in picoseconds to break melanin pigment into smaller particles.

CHECK POINT

Widespread melasma → Toning

Clearly defined pigmentation · freckles → Pico laser

Red marks · facial redness → Vascular laser

Raised localized lesions → CO2 Laser

Are Melasma and Pigmentation the Same Type of Pigmentation?

One-Line Answer

No. Melasma often has blurred borders and spreads across a wide area, while pigmentation, freckles, and lentigines often appear as relatively well-defined melanin pigmentation.

Melasma and pigmentation can both appear brown and may seem like the same problem, but the treatment approaches are different.

Melasma often appears as wide, irregular patches on both cheeks, cheekbones, or the forehead and is affected by various factors such as UV exposure, hormones, and heat stimulation.

In contrast, freckles, pigmentation, and lentigines often have relatively clear individual borders.

Simply put,

Wide, blurry brown pigmentation → Possible melasma

Small, clearly defined brown spots → Possible pigmentation · freckles · lentigines

can be used as a general distinction.

This difference is important because melasma is often more suitable for repeated low-energy treatments rather than trying to remove it aggressively in a single session, while pigmentation and freckles can be treated with lasers that more selectively target the pigment.

Which Toning Treatment Is Effective for Melasma?

One-Line Answer

Low-energy 1064nm toning is the basic approach for widespread melasma, and Helios Toning, Dual Toning, or PicoSure Toning can be selected depending on the depth of the pigmentation and skin tone.

Melasma is not pigmentation that exists only on the surface of the skin.

Pigmentation can exist in both the epidermis and dermis, and because melanin-producing cells can repeatedly become activated, it rarely ends after a single removal treatment.

Therefore, in melasma treatment, it is important to gradually reduce melanin while avoiding excessive heat stimulation.

Helios Toning If You Want to Improve Widespread Melasma and Skin Tone Together

Helios Toning uses two wavelengths, 1064nm and 532nm, along with multiple irradiation modes.

1064nm can target relatively deeper pigmentation, while 532nm can be used for pigmentation located closer to the epidermis, making it useful for simultaneously addressing pigmentation across the epidermis and dermis.

Another feature is that it can target not only pigmentation but also improvements in skin tone, pores, and fine lines.

Melasma + dull skin tone + pores · fine lines → Helios Toning

Dual Toning If You Are Concerned About Melasma as Well as Elasticity and Pores

One-Line Answer

Dual Toning is suitable if you want to manage not only pigmentation but also skin texture, pores, fine lines, and elasticity.

Dual Toning combines lasers with different wavelengths and uses laser thermal effects rather than the radiofrequency thermal effects of the Genesis method to induce collagen production while improving pigmentation and skin texture together.

By combining 1064nm · 532nm or 755nm pigmentation lasers with Genesis Toning, it can address melasma · pigmentation · dull skin tone as well as pores · fine lines · reduced elasticity.

It is particularly useful when repeated single toning treatments have not produced sufficient changes in skin tone or when pigmentation treatment and anti-aging are desired together.

Melasma + skin tone → General Toning

Melasma + pores + fine lines + elasticity → Dual Toning

How Is Pico Toning Different From General Laser Toning?

One-Line Answer

Pico Toning delivers high energy over an extremely short period measured in picoseconds to break melanin pigment into smaller particles, giving it strengths in treating clearly defined pigmentation such as freckles, pigmentation, and lentigines.

Pico refers to one trillionth of a second.

It delivers energy over a much shorter period than conventional nanosecond lasers to break pigment particles into smaller fragments.

PicoSure uses a 755nm Alexandrite wavelength and has high selectivity for melanin, allowing it to be used for melasma · freckles · pigmentation · lentigines · age spots · certain nevi · tattoo pigments.

Therefore, Pico Toning can be a good option when the overall skin appears uneven and the pigmentation has clearly defined borders.

CHECK POINT

Widespread melasma → Low-energy Toning

Clearly defined freckles · pigmentation · lentigines → PicoSure Toning

Melasma and pigmentation together → Consider combining Toning + Pico laser

Is PicoSure Toning Good for Freckles and Pigmentation?

One-Line Answer

Yes. PicoSure Toning can be an effective option for pigmentation in which melanin is relatively clearly concentrated, such as freckles, pigmentation, and lentigines.

Freckles and pigmentation often appear as relatively distinct individual spots rather than spreading widely like melasma.

In these cases, the 755nm wavelength is well absorbed by melanin, and short picosecond energy breaks the pigmentation into small particles.

Therefore, PicoSure Toning may be considered in the following cases.

• There are many freckles around the cheekbones.

• Pigmentation has increased after UV exposure.

• There are multiple small brown spots on the face.

• Clearly defined pigmentation remains even after previous toning treatments.

• You want to improve dull skin tone and pigmentation together.

However, applying strong energy uniformly to all pigmentation may not be appropriate when melasma is also present.

This is because melasma is sensitive to stimulation, while freckles and pigmentation can be treated relatively selectively.

Which Laser Is Good If You Have Facial Redness and Melasma Together?

One-Line Answer

If facial redness or red marks are present together with melasma and pigmentation, Excel V Laser, which can address both pigmentation and vascular concerns, may be considered.

Not every cause of a dull-looking face is brown pigmentation.

If the cheeks and nose are red or red acne marks remain, vascular issues may also be involved.

Excel V uses KTP, long-pulsed Nd:YAG, and Genesis modes to address superficial blood vessels and pigmentation as well as relatively deeper vascular lesions. It can also be used to improve pores, fine lines, and skin texture.

Therefore, it is highly useful in the following cases.

Melasma + facial redness

Pigmentation + red acne marks

Pigmentation + small blood vessels

Skin tone + pores + fine lines

CHECK POINT

Mainly brown pigmentation → Toning · Pico

Mainly red pigmentation · facial redness → Excel V

Brown + red together → Combination of pigmentation and vascular lasers

Can Age Spots Be Removed With Toning?

One-Line Answer

Flat pigmented age spots can be treated with pigmentation lasers such as Pico, but thick or raised age spots may be more suitable for direct tissue removal using a CO2 Laser.

Lesions commonly referred to as ‘age spots’ do not all have the same appearance.

Some are flat like brown spots, while others are thick and raised above the skin.

Flat melanin pigmentation can be treated with Pico or other pigmentation lasers, but raised lesions on the skin surface may not be sufficiently removed with simple toning.

CO2 Laser uses a 10,600nm wavelength that is absorbed by water in skin tissue to precisely remove lesions and is used to remove localized lesions such as moles, skin tags, warts, and certain age spots.

Flat brown pigmentation → Pigmentation Laser · Pico

Raised age spots · moles · skin tags → CO2 Laser

Can Moles or Skin Tags Be Removed With Toning?

One-Line Answer

For localized lesions on the skin surface such as moles or skin tags, CO2 Laser is a more direct treatment method than general toning.

Laser Toning repeatedly delivers low energy over a wide area of skin to reduce melanin.

In contrast, when the lesion itself must be physically removed, such as a mole or skin tag, a method that precisely removes the tissue with a laser is needed.

CO2 Laser uses a 10,600nm wavelength that is well absorbed by water, making it suitable for selectively vaporizing tissue.

Therefore, the roles of Toning and CO2 Laser are completely different as follows.

Widespread melasma · skin tone → Toning

Freckles · pigmentation → Pico Laser

Moles · skin tags · raised lesions → CO2 Laser

Does Toning Make the Skin Tone Brighter?

One-Line Answer

Yes. When widely distributed melanin pigmentation in the skin is reduced, the skin tone may appear more even and clearer.

When the face looks dull, large visible pigmentation spots are not the only problem.

When fine melanin pigmentation is widely distributed across the skin, the overall skin tone may appear uneven and dark.

Toning repeatedly reduces this fine pigmentation and can be expected to make the overall skin tone more even.

However, it is more accurate to understand Laser Toning not as a whitening treatment that changes your natural skin color, but as a treatment that reduces unnecessarily increased melanin.

In other words,

Making your natural skin color whiter → X

Making skin tone darkened by melasma · pigmentation · hyperpigmentation more even → O

.

Can Toning Also Improve Pores and Skin Texture?

One-Line Answer

Some toning treatments can help improve pores, skin texture, and fine lines by stimulating collagen production through thermal stimulation of the dermis in addition to treating pigmentation.

Not all toning treatments improve skin texture in the same way.

Helios Toning can target improvements in skin tone, pores, and fine lines along with pigmentation, while Dual Toning combines pigmentation lasers with Genesis-based treatments to address collagen production and skin elasticity together.

Excel V can also use Genesis mode to improve skin texture, pores, and fine lines.

Therefore,

Pigmentation improvement only → General Toning

Pigmentation + skin texture + pores → Helios · Dual Toning

Pigmentation + facial redness + skin texture → Excel V

can be used as a general approach.

How Many Toning Treatments Are Needed to See Results?

One-Line Answer

Melasma Toning usually requires multiple repeated treatments. Changes in skin tone may begin to be noticeable after approximately 3–4 sessions, and more than 10 sessions are often performed for sufficient pigmentation improvement.

Melasma is not a condition that disappears after one strong laser treatment.

Because melanin production can continue, repeated low-energy laser treatments at regular intervals are commonly used to gradually reduce pigmentation.

With Dual Toning, changes in skin tone begin to appear after 3–4 sessions, and programs involving more than 10 repeated sessions are used.

In contrast, when pigmentation is relatively clearly defined, such as freckles or pigmentation spots, Pico Laser can be used to target more noticeable changes with fewer sessions.

Therefore, the number of treatments can be easily understood as follows.

Melasma · widespread hyperpigmentation → Repeated Toning

Clearly defined freckles · pigmentation → Focused Pico Laser treatment

Localized lesions such as moles · age spots → CO2 or focused Pigmentation Laser

Does Melasma Completely Disappear With Laser Treatment?

One-Line Answer

Rather than completely removing melasma, treatment is closer to long-term management that lightens pigmentation and suppresses recurrence.

Melasma is difficult to treat not only because melanin pigment is already present, but also because the process that produces melanin is repeatedly activated.

It can become darker again due to various factors such as UV exposure, heat stimulation, and hormonal changes.

Therefore, melasma treatment should consider both

Treatment to reduce existing pigmentation

Management to prevent excessive production of new pigmentation

together.

Laser Toning helps reduce existing melanin pigmentation, while methods that suppress melanin production, such as Melasma Injections, can also be used as an adjunctive treatment.

Why Does Melasma Keep Recurring?

One-Line Answer

Melasma commonly recurs because melanin production can be reactivated not only by UV exposure but also by heat, hormones, inflammation, and excessive skin irritation.

Even if existing melasma becomes lighter with toning, it may become darker again over time if the environment that promotes melanin production remains unchanged.

Strong sunlight and UV exposure in particular are major factors that stimulate melanin production.

Therefore, after toning, rather than simply repeating laser treatments, sun protection and skin barrier care are important.

In addition, continuously exposing the skin to strong heat and irritation can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or worsen existing melasma, so it is best to avoid strong scrubs and repeated friction.

If I Have Melasma, Will a Stronger Laser Remove It Faster?

One-Line Answer

No. For melasma, repeated treatments using appropriate energy are more important than using strong energy all at once.

When pigmentation is concentrated in a single lesion, such as freckles or lentigines, strong energy can be used to selectively remove the pigmentation.

However, because melasma is widely distributed and melanocytes are sensitive to stimulation, excessive heat stimulation may instead increase inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Therefore, the goal of melasma treatment is to gradually reduce pigmentation without excessive irritation rather than removing it quickly.

Understanding this difference also makes it clear why multiple Melasma Toning treatments are needed.

Do Scabs Form After Toning?

One-Line Answer

General low-energy Laser Toning rarely causes scabbing, but scabs may form when pigmentation is treated intensively or lesions are removed with a CO2 Laser.

This is because treatment methods differ even among ‘pigmentation lasers.’

Toning for widespread melasma delivers low energy over a broad area, so in many cases it does not significantly interfere with daily activities.

In contrast, when pigmentation or freckles are treated intensively with higher energy, the pigmented areas may temporarily darken or thin scabs may form.

If moles or age spots are removed with a CO2 Laser, small wounds are created on the skin surface, so scabs form during the healing process.

Melasma Toning → Almost no scabbing

Focused pigmentation treatment → Pigmentation may darken or thin scabs may form

CO2 removal → Scabbing and healing period required

What Are the Precautions After Toning?

One-Line Answer

After Toning, sun protection and sufficient moisturization are most important, and it is best to avoid activities that expose the skin to strong heat and friction.

Immediately after laser energy is delivered to the skin, the skin may temporarily become red, dry, or sensitive.

Therefore, it is best to minimize irritation while the skin barrier recovers.

CHECK POINT

Use sufficient sunscreen

Prevent skin dryness with moisturizer · regenerative cream

Avoid strong scrubs · peels

Avoid excessive heat stimulation such as saunas · steam rooms

Do not forcibly remove scabs if they form

Do not repeatedly rub pigmented areas

Which Laser Is Suitable for Melasma, Pigmentation, and Freckles?

One-Line Answer

It is easiest to understand by distinguishing Helios · Dual Toning for widespread melasma, PicoSure for clearly defined freckles and pigmentation, Excel V for pigmentation accompanied by facial redness, and CO2 Laser for raised age spots and moles.

There Are Many Types of Toning. What Criteria Should Be Used to Choose?

One-Line Answer

Rather than focusing on the device name, first determining whether the concern is melasma, pigmentation, facial redness, or a raised lesion on the skin surface makes the selection criteria for Toning much clearer.

Even pigmentation that appears to be the same brown color cannot always be treated with the same laser.

The simplest way to summarize it is as follows.

FINAL ANSWER

• Widespread melasma · dull skin tone → Helios Toning

• Melasma + pigmentation + skin texture · pores · elasticity → Dual Toning

• Clearly defined melanin pigmentation such as freckles · pigmentation · lentigines → PicoSure Toning

• Melasma + facial redness · red marks → Excel V

• Moles · skin tags · raised age spots → CO2 Laser

• Recurring melasma → Laser Toning + melanin production suppression approach

The key to Laser Toning is not receiving a stronger laser, but selecting a wavelength and method appropriate for the type and depth of the pigmentation being treated.

Because melasma is widespread and repeatedly recurs, gradual management is important, while lasers that selectively break down pigmentation are more suitable for freckles and pigmentation. If vascular issues such as facial redness are also present, a vascular laser is needed, while moles or raised age spots require a removal laser rather than Toning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Toning (FAQ)

Which Is Better for Melasma, Pico Toning or General Toning?

Widespread melasma that is sensitive to stimulation is approached primarily with low-energy Toning, while Pico Toning can be combined if clearly defined pigmentation such as freckles or pigmentation is present together with melasma.

Is Pico Toning Effective for Melasma?

It can also be used for melasma, but the strength of Pico Laser lies in rapidly breaking down pigmentation where melanin is clearly concentrated, such as freckles, pigmentation, and lentigines. For melasma, repeated management over a broad area is important.

Can Pigmentation and Melasma Be Treated at the Same Time?

Yes. Different types of pigmentation can be treated separately by applying low-energy Toning to melasma and using focused pigmentation lasers such as Pico for clearly defined pigmentation.

Can I Receive Toning If I Have Facial Redness?

If facial redness or red marks are present in addition to brown pigmentation, a laser such as Excel V that targets blood vessels is a more direct option.

How Many Toning Treatments Are Needed Before the Skin Becomes Brighter?

Changes in skin tone may begin to be noticeable after approximately 3–4 sessions, and pigmentation that requires repeated management, such as melasma, is often treated for more than 10 sessions.

Does Repeated Toning Make the Skin Thinner?

Laser Toning performed at appropriate energy levels is not itself a treatment that continuously thins the skin. However, repeated stimulation using excessive energy at short intervals should be avoided.

Can Toning and Pico Laser Be Performed Together?

If melasma and pigmentation are present together, the two methods can be combined to target different types of pigmentation. Toning addresses widespread pigmentation, while Pico Laser focuses on clearly defined pigmentation.

When Can Melasma Injections Be Used Together?

They can be used as an adjunctive treatment when you want to reduce existing pigmentation with laser treatment while also suppressing melanin production itself. Melasma Injections use methods involving tranexamic acid-based ingredients to suppress melanin production.

Which Is Better for Age Spots, Pico Toning or CO2?

Pico Laser may be considered first for flat brown pigmentation, while CO2 Laser may be considered first for age spots that are thick or raised above the skin surface.

Can I Apply Makeup Immediately After Toning?

Daily activities and makeup are often possible after general low-energy Toning. However, if the skin is red or feels hot, it is best to use products with minimal irritation and moisturize sufficiently.

Can I Receive Melasma Toning in Summer?

Yes. However, during seasons with strong UV exposure, more thorough sun protection is necessary to prevent melanin from becoming reactivated after treatment.