You know those brown spots that won’t go away no matter what cream you try? The ones on your face, hands, or chest that make you look older than you feel? Maybe you’ve spent hundreds on drugstore products that promised to fade them. Or you’ve been layering on extra makeup to cover them up.
Here’s the frustrating truth: most over-the-counter products can’t fix dark spots. They might lighten them slightly, but they won’t make them disappear.
Living in Dania Beach means year-round sun exposure. Whether you’re at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, running errands around Dania Pointe, or just driving with the windows down, UV rays are constantly hitting your skin. Over time, this sun exposure creates dark spots that keep getting darker and multiplying.
At Manhattan Laser Spa in Dania Beach, we get rid of dark spots for good using medical-grade treatments that actually work. We’re talking about IPL therapy, laser treatments, chemical peels, and prescription-strength topicals that target pigmentation at its source.
If you’re tired of trying products that don’t work, let’s talk about what actually does.
Dark spots happen when your skin produces too much melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) in certain areas. That extra pigment clusters together, creating those brown patches you see.
Here’s what triggers this overproduction:
Sun Exposure: This is the biggest cause. UV rays damage your skin cells and trigger melanin production as a defense mechanism. Years of sun exposure create age spots, sun spots, and freckles.
Hormones: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone changes can trigger melasma. Those dark patches on your cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Women get this way more than men.
Inflammation: When your skin gets injured or inflamed (think acne, cuts, burns, or even aggressive treatments), it can leave behind dark marks. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH.
Aging: As you get older, your skin has accumulated years of sun damage. Those brown spots that show up after 40? That’s decades of UV exposure catching up with you.
Genetics: Some people are just more prone to developing dark spots. If your parents have them, you probably will too.
In South Florida, we deal with intense sun 365 days a year. That’s why dark spots are such a common problem here. The UV exposure is relentless.
Not all dark spots are the same. Different types need different treatments.
Age Spots (Sun Spots, Liver Spots)
Flat, brown spots that show up on your face, hands, shoulders, and arms. They’re caused by years of sun exposure. Usually show up after age 40, though younger people get them too if they’ve spent a lot of time in the sun.
Melasma
Larger, darker patches usually on your face (cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip). More common in women. Often triggered by pregnancy or birth control. Notoriously stubborn and hard to treat. Can come back easily with sun exposure.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks left behind after acne, cuts, burns, or other skin injuries. Common in people with darker skin tones. Can take months or even years to fade on their own.
Freckles
Small brown spots, usually genetic. More common in people with fair skin. Get darker with sun exposure.
Dark Patches from Scarring
Hyperpigmentation that develops in scar tissue. Can be from acne scars, surgical scars, or injury scars.
Each type responds best to specific treatments. That’s why consultation matters. We need to figure out what kind of dark spots you have before choosing the right treatment.
We offer several effective options. The right one depends on your skin type, the type of dark spots, and how aggressive you want to be.
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target melanin in your skin. The light energy heats up the dark pigment, breaking it apart. Your body then naturally clears away the fragmented pigment over the next few weeks.
Best for: Sun spots, age spots, freckles, overall uneven tone
Not recommended for: Very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI)
How it works: The IPL device flashes light across your skin. Feels like rubber band snaps. Takes 20-30 minutes. After treatment, your spots will actually get darker before they flake off like coffee grounds. This is normal. You’ll need 3-5 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
Downtime: Mild redness for a few hours to a day. You can wear makeup the next day.
We use Q-switched lasers or picosecond lasers to target individual dark spots. These lasers are more precise than IPL and work well for stubborn spots.
Best for: Isolated dark spots, resistant pigmentation, safe for darker skin tones when settings are adjusted properly
How it works: The laser delivers ultra-short pulses that shatter the pigment. You’ll see a frost or whitening immediately, then the spot will darken and crust over. It peels off in 1-2 weeks.
Downtime: The treated spots will be darker and possibly crusty for 1-2 weeks. Most people can cover this with makeup after a couple days.
Medical-grade peels use acids (glycolic, salicylic, TCA, or specialty melasma peels) to exfoliate the top layers of skin and reduce pigment.
Best for: Melasma, overall uneven tone, safe for darker skin tones, people who can’t do laser treatments
How it works: We apply the peel solution to your skin. It causes controlled exfoliation over the next several days. As the old skin peels off, it takes pigment with it. You’ll need multiple treatments.
Downtime: Depends on the peel strength. Light peels have minimal peeling (3-5 days). Deeper peels have more significant peeling (5-7 days).
Medical-grade ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid lighten pigmentation over time.
Best for: Maintenance after procedures, melasma, mild dark spots, combination with other treatments
How it works: You apply these creams daily. They work by blocking melanin production and increasing cell turnover. Takes 8-12 weeks to see results.
Downtime: None, though some people experience mild irritation initially.
Honestly, the best results usually come from combining treatments. For example, IPL or laser to break up pigment, followed by chemical peels to continue lightening, plus prescription topicals for maintenance.
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This is critical. IPL and some lasers can make dark spots worse if used incorrectly on darker skin tones.
Here’s why: IPL and certain lasers target melanin. If you have more melanin in your skin overall (darker skin tone), the device can heat up your entire skin, not just the spots. This can cause burns or trigger even more hyperpigmentation.
That’s why we assess your skin type using the Fitzpatrick scale (I-VI) before recommending treatment.
For Fair to Medium Skin (Fitzpatrick I-III): IPL works great. Q-switched lasers work well. Most treatments are safe when done correctly.
For Olive to Medium Brown Skin (Fitzpatrick IV): IPL can work but needs conservative settings. Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are safer. Chemical peels are a good option.
For Brown to Dark Brown Skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI): IPL is generally too risky. We use Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers with very conservative settings. Chemical peels designed for darker skin work well. Topical treatments are essential.
At Manhattan Laser Spa, our specialists know how to adjust settings for different skin types. We don’t take chances with your skin.
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Let’s be real about what happens.
Before Treatment:
We’ll examine your skin, identify what type of dark spots you have, and assess your skin type. We’ll talk about which treatment makes the most sense. We might take photos so you can see your progress.
If you’re prone to cold sores and getting laser around your mouth, we’ll prescribe antiviral medication.
You’ll need to avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Stop using retinol a week before. Wear SPF 30+ daily.
During Treatment:
IPL: Feels like rubber band snaps. Takes 20-30 minutes. Some people use numbing cream, others don’t need it.
Laser: Quick zaps on individual spots. Usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on how many spots we’re treating.
Chemical Peel: We apply the solution, you feel tingling or mild burning, we remove it. Takes 15-20 minutes.
Immediately After:
Your skin will be red. With IPL, your spots might look darker right away (this is good, it means the pigment is responding). With laser, spots might have a white frost that fades to darker color.
Days 1-7:
IPL: Spots get very dark and crusty, then flake off. Looks like coffee grounds. Don’t pick at them.
Laser: Spots darken, possibly crust, then peel off.
Chemical Peel: Your skin will peel and flake.
Weeks 2-12:
Your skin keeps improving as pigment clears and new skin cells develop. You’ll need multiple sessions for full results.
Full Results:
Most people need 3-5 treatments to see significant improvement. Spacing depends on the treatment (usually 2-6 weeks apart). Results keep improving for months after your last treatment.
Here’s the thing: dark spots can come back. Sun exposure will trigger new pigment production. That’s why maintenance and sun protection are non-negotiable.
You can get rid of your current dark spots. But if you don’t protect your skin, they’ll come back. Often within months.
The Sun Problem:
UV rays are still hitting your skin every single day. Even on cloudy days. Even through windows while you’re driving. This UV exposure triggers the same melanin response that created your dark spots in the first place.
What You Need to Do:
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30-50+ every single day. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside. This isn’t optional. It’s the most important thing you can do.
Use physical sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) rather than chemical sunscreen. It works better for preventing pigmentation.
Wear hats and sunglasses. Avoid peak sun hours (10am-4pm) when possible.
Maintenance Treatments:
Most people need touch-up treatments every 6-12 months to keep dark spots at bay. Think of it like going to the dentist. You need regular cleanings to keep your teeth healthy.
Prescription Topicals:
Using lightening serums or prescription creams helps prevent new spots from forming. Your provider can recommend what works best for your skin.
Your aftercare determines your results. Don’t mess this up.
First Week:
Keep your skin clean with gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
Moisturize frequently, especially if you’re peeling
Don’t pick at crusty spots or peeling skin (seriously, don’t)
Avoid makeup for 24-48 hours after treatment
Skip workouts, saunas, hot showers for 2-3 days
Absolutely no sun exposure
Ongoing:
SPF 30-50+ every single day. Non-negotiable in South Florida.
Physical sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) works best
Reapply throughout the day if you’re outside
Wear wide-brimmed hats
Avoid tanning beds forever
Don’t use harsh scrubs or exfoliants for 2 weeks
Wait to restart retinol or strong actives (we’ll tell you when)
Signs You Need to Call Us:
Excessive pain, severe redness that doesn’t improve, blistering, or new dark spots developing. These are rare but need attention.
You’ve got options in Broward County. Here’s why people choose us:
Experience with All Skin Types: We safely treat fair skin through dark skin. We know how to adjust settings to prevent making pigmentation worse.
Multiple Treatment Options: We’re not locked into one device or one approach. We choose what works best for your specific spots and skin type.
Medical-Grade Technology: FDA-cleared devices, not cheap equipment that delivers inconsistent results.
Trained Medical Specialists: Our team understands pigmentation and how to treat it safely.
Free Consultations: We want you to understand what treatment you need and what results to expect before you spend a dime.
Convenient Dania Beach Location: Easy to reach from Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, and surrounding areas.
Transparent Pricing: You’ll know costs upfront. No surprise fees.
Post-Treatment Support: We’re here if you have questions or concerns after treatment.
Manhattan Laser Spa proudly serves clients throughout Broward County and South Florida:
Whether you work near Dania Pointe or live near the beach, we’re convenient and accessible.
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Costs depend on the treatment type and how many sessions you need. IPL photofacials typically run $300-$600 per session. Laser spot removal costs $150-$450 depending on how many spots we’re treating. Chemical peels for pigmentation range from $150-$400. Most people need 3-5 sessions for significant improvement. We’ll give you exact pricing during your free consultation based on your specific spots and skin type. Package pricing is usually available if you’re doing multiple treatments.
This can happen if treatment isn’t done correctly, especially on darker skin tones. If IPL or laser settings are too aggressive for your skin type, it can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more dark spots). This is why choosing an experienced provider matters. At Manhattan Laser Spa, we assess your skin type carefully and adjust settings appropriately. We might even do a test spot first on darker skin to make sure your skin responds well. When done right by trained specialists, complications are rare.
You won’t see instant results. With IPL, spots get darker for about a week before flaking off. You’ll see some improvement after your first treatment, but you’ll need multiple sessions (usually 3-5) spaced a few weeks apart for full results. Laser spot removal works faster, spots usually peel off in 1-2 weeks, but you might need 2-3 treatments for stubborn spots. Chemical peels show gradual improvement over several treatments. Overall, expect 2-4 months from start to finish to see your full results. Honestly, treating dark spots takes patience.
They can if you don’t protect your skin from the sun. The dark spots we treat are gone for good, but UV exposure can trigger new ones. Think of it this way: we’re removing existing damage, but we can’t stop your skin from responding to future sun exposure. Most people need touch-up treatments every 6-12 months to keep new spots from developing. Wearing SPF 30-50+ every single day is absolutely critical. Skip sun protection and you’ll be back in our office within months. Maintenance is part of the deal.
IPL can be risky for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types V-VI) because it targets melanin throughout your skin, not just in the spots. This can cause burns or make pigmentation worse. If you have darker skin, we usually recommend Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers instead. These lasers bypass surface melanin and work deeper, making them safer. Chemical peels designed for darker skin are another great option. During consultation, we’ll assess your skin type and recommend the safest, most effective treatment for you. We never take chances with darker skin.
Over-the-counter brightening creams might slightly lighten dark spots but won’t remove them. They’re just not strong enough. Prescription-strength creams (like 4% hydroquinone or tretinoin) work better but take 8-12 weeks to show results and still might not fully clear spots. In-office treatments (IPL, laser, chemical peels) work way faster and give more dramatic results because they break up pigment rather than just slowly fading it. That said, prescription topicals are great for maintenance after professional treatment to prevent new spots from forming. We recommend combining approaches.
Age spots are small, well-defined brown spots caused by accumulated sun damage. They show up on areas that get the most sun (face, hands, shoulders, chest). They respond really well to IPL and laser treatment. Melasma is larger, darker patches (usually on the face) triggered by hormones and sun exposure. It’s way more stubborn and tricky to treat because it can come back easily. Melasma often needs a combination approach: gentle lasers or peels, prescription topicals, and strict sun protection. Some melasma doesn’t fully go away, it just gets lighter. During consultation, we’ll identify which type you have and set realistic expectations.
If you’re tired of covering up dark spots with makeup, it’s time to get rid of them for good. Medical-grade treatments can give you the clear, even complexion you want.
Next Steps:
Don’t wait for dark spots to multiply. The sooner you treat them, the easier they are to get rid of.
