[Seongsu Station Pigmentation Treatment] Melasma and Freckles: Different Pigment Treatments Despite Similar Appearances
![[Seongsu Station Pigmentation Treatment] Melasma and Freckles: Different Pigment Treatments Despite Similar Appearances](https://d2pfwwt98s720h.cloudfront.net/clinic-blog/5/224247784233/9b264c9055980a59ea0f02237b92121386e5bc9c.png)
[Seongsu Station Pigmentation Treatment] Melasma and Freckles
Different Pigment Treatments Despite Similar Appearances
Hello, this is Sio Clinic at Seongsu Station.
Have you ever spent a long time standing in front of the mirror, examining your face? You might have wondered, "It looked fine until yesterday, so why has the area around my eyes become so dull?" or "I thought these were just freckles I've had since childhood, so I got laser treatment, but why does it feel like they're getting darker?"
In fact, what we often group together as 'blemishes' when looking in the mirror have completely different roots and characteristics when you look beneath the skin.
Today, I will explain in great detail why it is important to distinguish between these pigments and the sincerity with which Sio Clinic approaches them.
Don't be deceived by appearances: The clear difference between melasma and freckles
The pigments that appear on our skin each have their own names and unique origins.
Among them, the ones most commonly confused are melasma and freckles.
Freckles often appear in the epidermal layer, the outermost surface of our skin, as small, angular spots like grains of rice.
They are usually strongly influenced by genetics and often appear gradually from childhood, becoming more distinct after puberty. They have the characteristic of darkening like sprinkled sesame seeds when exposed to sunlight.
On the other hand, melasma is much more delicate and complex. It often spreads widely and deeply into the dermis, and rather than being distinct, spot-like shapes like freckles, it tends to appear as hazy, broad patches like mist.
Because it arises from a complex combination of factors such as hormonal changes, chronic stress, and external stimuli like UV rays, the cause itself is very complicated.
When planning pigmentation treatment in Seongsu-dong,
the step we put the most effort into
is this precise diagnosis.
This is because treating shallow freckles and deep-rooted melasma in the same way can actually irritate the skin.
In particular, applying strong stimulation to areas with melasma can cause the skin to produce even more pigment as a protective response.
The sophisticated, customized design for each pigment that Sio Clinic pursues
There is one principle I always emphasize to those who visit Sio Clinic: "The skin is not an object to be conquered, but a garden to be carefully tended and nurtured."
For pigments located shallowly in the epidermis like freckles, a method that precisely targets the area to induce a reaction is effective.
The key is the precision to remove only the problematic pigment while protecting the surrounding normal skin as much as possible. Shallow pigments respond quite predictably when the appropriate energy is delivered.
However, if melasma is mixed in, the story changes completely.
Melasma is a cautious signal that the environment of the dermal layer itself is already sensitive. If you blindly pour strong energy into it all at once, the skin may perceive it as an attack, leading to the side effect of making the melanin even darker.
Therefore, at Sio Clinic, we finely adjust the wavelength and intensity of the laser for melasma. We soothe the skin, break down the pigment, and simultaneously use non-surgical methods to strengthen the skin barrier, inducing a gradual clearing.
Among those who come to us for pigmentation treatment in Seongsu-dong, there are often cases where they have experienced multiple procedures in the past without satisfaction.
When I carefully diagnose the skin of such patients, I often encounter unfortunate situations where the barrier has become thin or the pigmentation has become patchy. This happens because only the surface appearance of the pigment was looked at, while the sensitivity or environment of the skin hidden beneath was overlooked.
If the foundation of a house is shaky and sensitive, just fixing the roof won't solve the fundamental problem. At Sio Clinic, we always combine the process of improving the environment of the dermal layer so that melanocytes do not become overly excited.
I fully understand the desperate desire to "get clear skin quickly," but it is important to let go of the impatience and take it step by step at a pace the skin can handle.
Sio Clinic in Seongsu-dong
We strive to carefully consider
even your lifestyle.
One of the biggest worries for those hesitating about pigmentation treatment is, "What if it leaves scars?" or "What if it comes back right away?"
When skin is damaged, it can leave traces of hyperpigmentation during the healing process. That is why at Sio Clinic, we put great effort into regenerative care that minimizes thermal damage to the skin during treatment and enhances the self-regenerative power of the dermal layer.
Erasing the traces is important, but
creating an environment where traces do not form
is a higher level of treatment.
This is also why I carefully observe the patient's skin reaction with every shot during pigmentation treatment in Seongsu-dong. The skin is honest; it shows beautiful results only to the extent that we treat it with care.
As the seasons change, humidity fluctuates, and external factors like fine dust or yellow dust constantly irritate the skin. In particular, many people who come for pigmentation treatment in Seongsu-dong tend to be very active.
Increased outdoor activity leads to more UV exposure, which is a direct cause of stimulating melanocytes.
At Sio Clinic, we do not simply follow a fixed routine. We check everything, including the patient's skin condition on the day of the visit, whether they slept well, and whether their skin is particularly dry lately.
On days when the skin is tired, we lower the energy and approach it gently; on days when the skin base is strong, we try more efficient methods. This flexibility eventually makes a big difference.
Many people worry that their skin will become sensitive after laser treatment, but after going through the systematic process at Sio Clinic, many say, "My skin feels stronger than before."
This is because we are not just chasing the phenomenon of pigmentation, but are sincere about improving the fundamental environment of the skin.
Because everyone has different skin texture, a different environment they live in, and a different current condition, a precise prescription just for you is necessary.
Do not worry alone. If you visit us with a comfortable mind, I will personally examine your skin and sincerely suggest a direction that is both gentle and effective for your transformation.
This article is adapted from SHIO Clinic's official Naver blog.
Have questions about your skin?
Book a consultation and let SHIO Clinic's diagnosis guide you to the right treatment.