
Some mornings, our routine gets an unexpected pause when we catch our reflection and wonder, “When did these dark spots show up?” They might seem more noticeable after a summer spent in the sun, or they could simply be part of the natural changes that come with time.
Hyperpigmentation happens to so many of us, and—while it’s common—it can still be frustrating when our skin tone doesn’t look as even and radiant as we’d like. The good news? Modern treatments make it possible to reduce discoloration and restore an even, radiant look.
At The Skin Clinic, we specialize in helping clients feel confident in their skin with an advanced hyperpigmentation treatment in Mankato, MN: IPL Photofacials. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 3 causes of hyperpigmentation and how an intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial can help reveal your best skin yet.
#1: Sun Damage
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying some sun during the summer and soaking in those rays. However, the remnants of our summer fun can stick around, showing up as pesky hyperpigmentation and sunspots that don’t seem to fade.
Sun damage happens when the skin is exposed to UV rays for extended periods of time, especially without proper protection. To protect itself, the body produces additional melanin, which causes dark spots, or uneven patches on the skin.
#2 Hormonal Changes
As we progress through the various stages of our lives, our hormones fluctuate and change. This can be due to pregnancy, oral contraceptives, menopause, or other factors. These hormonal shifts can affect your skin, causing hyperpigmentation.
Typically, this type of hyperpigmentation is known as “melasma,” and even when our hormones are back in balance, the melasma rarely fades on its own.
#3 Natural Aging
As we age, our skin becomes more prone to hyperpigmentation. Our bodies produce less collagen and elastin as we enter later stages of life, which directly affects the skin’s ability to repair itself.
A culmination of sun exposure over the years, coupled with the skin’s slower regeneration process, makes dark pigmentation spots and patches more noticeable as time goes on. Luckily, we have a treatment that can clear these dark spots and clear your skin.
IPL: Light Therapy, Big Results
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment that addresses various skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, redness, and hyperpigmentation. This is all thanks to the power of light or—more specifically—broad-spectrum light energy.
This light energy can penetrate the skin’s outer layer, targeting underlying pigmentation issues without damaging any of the surrounding healthy tissue. The skin absorbs this light, which reduces discoloration and stimulates collagen production.
As a result, you’ll notice pigmentation spots fade, while the skin’s overall texture and appearance improve. Over a series of treatments, IPL works effectively to rejuvenate the skin, leaving behind a more even and youthful complexion.
Before & After of Skin Rejuvenation

Your Glow-Up Starts at The Skin Clinic
Dark spots and pigmentation don’t have to be permanent, and you don’t have to live with skin that makes you feel less than your best. By understanding the common causes and taking a proactive approach, you can restore balance to your skin and feel confident in your complexion again.
At The Skin Clinic, we’re proud to offer an advanced hyperpigmentation treatment in Mankato, MN, to help you achieve real, lasting results. If you’re ready to take control of your skin and feel confident every time you look in the mirror, contact our team to book your appointment.
From IPL to laser skin resurfacing to laser treatment for hair removal, The Skin Clinic has you (and your skin) covered. Your journey to a brighter, more even complexion starts here.