Pigmentation, Sun Spots and Melasma Treatment
Author: Uzm. Dr. Oya Oylum Argun, dermatologist
What causes dark spots on the face?
A dark spot on the skin is not the name of one condition. Different causes sit beneath it, and the approach changes with the cause. So the type of pigmentation is identified before treatment.
What types of pigmentation are there?
Common types are:
- Sun spots build up over years of ultraviolet exposure. They usually appear on areas left uncovered, such as the face, the backs of the hands and the chest.
- Melasma is pigmentation that usually sits symmetrically, with a strong hormonal influence. It can become more visible in pregnancy and with some medications.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the darker colour left in an area after a spot, an injury or itching.
How is the type of pigmentation identified?
The type cannot always be told apart by eye. A dermatoscope removes surface reflection and gives an idea of which layer the pigment is in. Pigment near the surface and pigment deeper down are not treated the same way.
Which treatments are used for pigmentation?
Methods include creams applied to the skin, chemical peels and certain laser treatments. Which one suits you is decided by the type of pigmentation, your skin colour and the season.
Why is sunscreen essential during pigmentation treatment?
Whichever method is chosen, sunscreen is used throughout treatment. Without protection the result of pigmentation treatment does not last, because the trigger that produces pigment continues. Time spent in the sun is long in Antalya, so this point carries even more weight here.
What if a spot changes colour or size?
A spot that changes in colour, border or size is a separate matter; that change needs to be assessed first.
Pigmentation treatment is planned at the practice in Muratpaşa, Antalya. Dr. Oya Oylum Argun identifies the type and the method at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for dark spots on the face?
A dark spot on the face is a skin finding, and it is assessed at a dermatology clinic, that is, by a dermatologist. Sun spots, pregnancy-related spots and marks left by acne can look alike, but the approach to each is different. This is why a diagnosis comes before any procedure. In Muratpaşa, Antalya, Specialist Dermatologist Dr. Oya Oylum Argun determines the type of spot at the consultation.
Do lemon or apple cider vinegar remove dark spots?
No, home mixtures such as lemon or apple cider vinegar do not remove spots. Acidic mixtures irritate the skin, and an irritated area can darken even more in the sun. Perfume, lemon and some medicines can themselves cause a spot when they come into contact with sunlight. No product should be tried before the cause of the spot is found.
Which vitamin deficiency causes dark spots on the face?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can rarely cause darkening of the skin. The great majority of spots on the face, however, are not related to a vitamin deficiency, and taking supplements does not remove a spot. Spots on the face are most often caused by the sun. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the contraceptive pill can also cause spots on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip.
How do I choose sunscreen for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays; on the box this is written as broad spectrum. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 30, preferably 50. Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxide give extra protection against the visible light that darkens pregnancy-related spots. About two finger lengths of product are needed for the face and neck.
How many sessions does it take for a dark spot to clear?
There is no single number of sessions for a spot to clear. The time depends on the type and depth of the spot and on how well the skin is protected from the sun. Without sun protection the result does not last, because the stimulus that makes the pigment continues. In Antalya, where sun exposure lasts long, protection matters even more.
This page is for general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. The approach that suits you is decided at the consultation.
Last updated: 8 September 2026
The treatment images on this page are illustrative and AI-generated. We do not use images of real patients, out of respect for patient privacy and in line with Turkish health-communication regulation. Photographs of the clinic and the physician are real.
Prices
Prices are in Turkish lira and are the same for every patient. The euro figure is approximate, calculated at a fixed rate set on 2026-08-09.
- Medical aesthetics consultation
- no charge
- Chemical peelper session
- ₺8,500 ≈ €154
- BBL (broadband light)per session
- ₺12,000 ≈ €218
- Fractional laserper session
- ₺14,000 ≈ €254
The final plan and price are confirmed at the consultation, after your skin has been examined.
See the full price list →Related articles
- How do sun spots form?A sun spot does not appear in a day. It is the result of a build-up that spreads across the whole year and carries on through every season, and summer is the most intense period of that build-up.
- What causes dark spots on the face?Dark spots on the face are most often caused by the sun. Most facial spots are harmless.
- What causes white spots on the face?White spots on the face are most often due to a harmless cause. No product should be tried until the cause is known.
- How does a dermatoscope show a mole?To the naked eye, a mole shows only its surface. A dermatoscope gets past this limit. The procedure is painless and takes a few minutes.
- Why is autumn the season for skin renewal?Most skin-renewing treatments are planned for a particular time of year. There is a medical reason for this. That is why autumn is the most suitable time of year for planning.
Not sure what you need? That is exactly what a consultation is for.
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