Laser skin treatments

Sun spots or melasma? How to tell, and why the treatment is different

Sun Spots vs Melasma at Skin & Laser Dubai
Quick answerSun spots (lentigines) are well-defined brown spots caused by UV exposure, and they usually clear well with laser pigment removal (AED 600 at Skin & Laser). Melasma is patchy, symmetrical brown pigment on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, driven by hormones, heat and sun; it needs a gentler combined plan because aggressive laser can make it worse.

Key facts

Sun spots lookDistinct, round, on sun-exposed areas
Melasma looksBlotchy patches, often symmetrical
Sun spots causeUV exposure
Melasma causeHormones, heat, UV, genetics
Sun spots respondWell to laser
Melasma respondsTo a gentle combined plan

Why it matters in Dubai

Year-round sun and heat make both common here. Heat alone can darken melasma, so even indoor heat and hot yoga can play a part.

Treating sun spots

Q-switched Nd:YAG or pico laser breaks up the pigment, which darkens and flakes off within 7 to 10 days. One to three sessions usually clear a spot.

Treating melasma

  • Strict daily SPF 50 and a hat
  • Prescription or professional brightening skincare
  • Chemical peels such as the Miami peel
  • Salmon DNA and gentle low-energy laser in some cases
  • Dr Khan's Pigmentation package combines these

Prices at Skin & Laser, Dubai Marina

BBL Forever Young, faceAED 1,190
BBL SkinTyte, lower faceAED 990
BBL Forever Clear, faceAED 990
Laser pigment removalAED 600
Pigmentation packageAED 4,500

Prices in UAE dirhams, confirmed at your consultation.

Questions people ask

Can I have both?

Yes, it's common. Your doctor will plan each separately.

Will melasma go away completely?

It can be controlled well, but it tends to recur, so maintenance and sun protection matter.

Is laser safe for melasma?

Only gentle settings as part of a plan. Aggressive laser can darken it.

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, results and the number of sessions vary from person to person and are confirmed by our physician before treatment.

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