As skin discoloration becomes more common, in-clinic treatments are raising the bar for safety and results. In 2025, ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC leads the field in Vietnam with FDA-approved, doctor-led solutions—from advanced lasers and light therapies to microneedling and peels. Here’s your guide to the most effective options and why ROHTO AOHAL is a trusted name in pigmentation care.
Skin discoloration refers to any abnormal change in melanocyte activity that results in dark (hyperpigmented) or light (hypopigmented) patches contrasting with surrounding skin.
Sun Exposure – UV radiation stimulates melanocytes, causing sunspots, freckles, and uneven tone.
Hormonal Changes (Melasma) – Triggered by pregnancy, birth control, or hormone therapy, melasma produces blotchy facial pigmentation.
Post‑Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark marks follow acne, eczema, or skin trauma.
Aging (Age Spots) – Lifelong UV exposure accrues pigmented patches with age.
Medical Conditions – Disorders like vitiligo (depigmentation), Addison’s disease, and fungal infections can also alter skin tone.
|
Type |
Description |
|
Hyperpigmentation |
Excess melanin accumulation—e.g., melasma, age spots, PIH |
|
Hypopigmentation |
Loss of pigment, such as vitiligo or post‑traumatic loss |
|
Freckles |
Small epidermal melanin clusters, often UV‑induced |
|
Liver/Age Spots |
Flat brown patches common in people over 40 |
|
Vitiligo |
Autoimmune condition causing sharply demarcated depigmented patches |
While over-the-counter creams, serums, and home devices may offer convenience, they often fall short in treating moderate to severe pigmentation issues. Most at-home solutions rely on low concentrations of active ingredients and deliver gradual results—if any—over several months. Worse, incorrect use can trigger skin irritation, allergic reactions, or worsen discoloration, especially for individuals with sensitive or darker skin tones.
In contrast, in-clinic treatments are performed by licensed dermatologists or trained medical professionals who thoroughly assess each patient’s skin condition and history. Using medical-grade equipment such as Q-switched lasers, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), microneedling with PRP, and prescription-strength peels, they can safely target pigmentation at deeper levels that at-home products simply can’t reach. Clinics like ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC also follow strict hygiene protocols and use FDA-approved technologies backed by clinical research. Additionally, in-clinic services include regular follow-ups and aftercare planning, ensuring a safer and more comprehensive treatment journey.
1. Safety
Every in-clinic session is conducted under the supervision of trained dermatologists, minimizing the risk of burns, scarring, or complications. At ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC, all technologies used—whether laser-based, light-based, or microneedling—are FDA-cleared and operated by licensed professionals following Japanese medical standards. The risk of side effects is further reduced thanks to thorough skin analysis and pre-treatment consultations.
2. Stronger & Faster Results
Professional equipment delivers higher-intensity energy or actives directly to the targeted pigment without damaging surrounding tissue. For example, Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers break down melanin particles more efficiently than any topical product, while BBL can address both redness and brown spots in a single session. Many clients notice visible improvement in as little as 1–2 sessions, with optimal results achieved in 4–6—significantly faster than months of topical treatments.
3. Customization
One of the greatest advantages of in-clinic care is personalized treatment plans based on your Fitzpatrick skin type, pigmentation depth, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle. Dermatologists adjust laser wavelengths, energy settings, and treatment combinations to suit individual needs. For example, deeper melasma in skin type IV may require a combination of fractional laser and tranexamic acid infusion, while lighter freckles in skin type II might be best managed with IPL.
In 2025, as pigmentation treatment continues to evolve, in-clinic procedures remain the most effective and reliable path to clear, even-toned skin—especially when supervised by a trusted medical aesthetic clinic like ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC.
How it works:
Chemical peels involve the controlled application of exfoliating solutions—typically glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, or salicylic acid—to remove damaged outer skin layers. This process triggers epidermal cell turnover, helping fade surface pigmentation by encouraging the growth of fresh, evenly pigmented skin. Depending on the depth of pigmentation, dermatologists may choose between light, medium, or deep peels. ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC uses medical-grade chemical peels designed for Asian skin, minimizing the risk of post-treatment irritation.
Best candidates:
Chemical peels are most effective for individuals dealing with mild to moderate hyperpigmentation, such as post-acne dark marks, sun-induced pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. They're especially recommended for people with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III, though milder formulations are also available for darker skin tones with careful dermatologist supervision.
Expected results & recovery:
Within 5–7 days, treated skin appears brighter, smoother, and more radiant. Light peeling may occur, often described as a "jacket peeling" effect. Patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and use barrier-repair skincare. Maintenance peels every 4–6 weeks help sustain and deepen results. Downtime is minimal, and most clients return to daily activities within 1–2 days.
Q‑Switched Nd:YAG Lasers:
This laser uses dual wavelengths—532 nm (for superficial pigment) and 1,064 nm (for deeper melanin in the dermis)—to break down pigment clusters into smaller particles, which are then absorbed and eliminated by the body’s immune system. It’s particularly effective for melasma, freckles, lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Fractional Lasers (e.g., Laser Helios Pro):
ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC offers Helios III, a next-generation fractional Nd:YAG laser with dual-pulse technology. It precisely delivers energy into pigmented cells while sparing surrounding tissue. The fractional mode creates microthermal zones, accelerating pigment removal and collagen remodeling with minimal surface disruption. It’s safe for melasma, deep dermal pigment, and resistant spots in various skin types.
Pico Lasers:
Pico lasers emit ultra-short pulses (in picoseconds) that shatter melanin into fine dust-like particles, which are then naturally cleared by the skin. This technology offers faster clearance, fewer sessions, and less risk of thermal damage compared to traditional nanosecond lasers. Suitable for treating stubborn pigmentation, tattoos, and sun damage.
Safety & downtime:
Laser treatments generally involve 1–3 days of mild redness or swelling, with some dryness or flaking. Patients with darker skin tones may require more conservative settings to avoid rebound hyperpigmentation. Sessions are typically spaced every 4–6 weeks, and sun protection is crucial between visits to maintain results and prevent complications.
Devices like Sylfirm:
Sylfirm X is a cutting-edge system combining microneedling with pulsed radiofrequency (RF) energy. Tiny needles penetrate the skin to create controlled micro-wounds, stimulating collagen production and improving skin tone and texture. The addition of RF enhances the treatment’s ability to target melanin pathways, helping reduce discoloration in deeper layers.
Ideal for:
This modality is highly effective for melasma, acne scars, PIH, and textural pigmentation. When paired with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or active brightening serums like vitamin C, niacinamide, or tranexamic acid, the results are even more pronounced due to enhanced skin absorption.
Treatment schedule & downtime:
Patients typically undergo 3–5 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Downtime is low—most experience redness for 24–48 hours and mild peeling. Improvements in skin clarity, smoothness, and pigment balance become noticeable after the second session, with cumulative benefits after a full course.
BBL Hero (BroadBand Light):
This next-gen IPL technology delivers high-intensity light pulses that penetrate the skin to heat and break down pigmented cells. Unlike lasers, which focus on one wavelength, BBL uses a broad spectrum to treat multiple pigment-related concerns, such as sunspots, age spots, vascular redness, and uneven tone. BBL Hero is faster and more comfortable than traditional IPL, making it ideal for full-face and large-area treatments.
Benefits:
BBL is especially effective for fair to medium skin tones. It offers dual correction: targeting brown spots while also improving rosacea or broken capillaries. It also stimulates collagen production, contributing to overall skin rejuvenation. Because it's non-ablative, there’s minimal surface injury.
Number of sessions & recovery:
Most patients need 3–6 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on pigmentation depth. The treatment has little to no downtime—patients may experience slight redness or darkening of pigment that flakes off in a few days. Makeup can typically be worn within 24 hours.
Cryotherapy:
This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy superficial pigmented lesions, such as sunspots, seborrheic keratoses, or solar lentigines. It causes pigment cells to rupture, after which the skin heals and regenerates more evenly pigmented tissue. It’s a precise and rapid procedure, usually lasting only a few seconds per spot.
Other Spot Treatments Offered at ROHTO AOHAL:
Topical depigmenting agents (e.g., hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid) prescribed in-clinic
Vitamin C iontophoresis—delivers antioxidants into skin via gentle electric currents
Tranexamic acid injections or serums for melasma
PRP therapy to heal and brighten post-inflammatory discoloration
Recovery:
Cryotherapy-treated areas may scab or blister slightly, healing within 7–10 days. It’s important to avoid picking or scratching to prevent hypopigmentation. Patients are typically advised to avoid sun exposure during recovery and apply a healing ointment daily.
Successfully treating skin discoloration isn’t just about selecting the latest technology—it’s about understanding your unique skin type and how it responds to different treatment modalities. What works for one person may not work for another, and choosing the wrong approach can lead to complications such as rebound hyperpigmentation or skin sensitivity. That's why professional evaluation is critical before starting any pigmentation treatment plan.
The Fitzpatrick scale is a skin classification system that dermatologists use to determine how your skin reacts to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. It ranges from Type I (very fair, always burns) to Type VI (very dark, never burns). This classification plays a vital role in planning pigmentation treatments because it predicts your skin’s risk of side effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), hypopigmentation, or scarring.
Type I–III (fair to light-medium skin): Generally tolerates a wider range of treatments, including chemical peels, IPL, and laser therapy. However, lighter skin may be more prone to redness or sensitivity.
Type IV–VI (medium to dark skin): More melanin means a higher risk of PIH or overreaction to heat-based devices. Therefore, energy-based treatments (like lasers and IPL) must be adjusted carefully, often using lower fluence and longer intervals between sessions. Devices like Q-switched Nd:YAG and fractional lasers are typically preferred for these skin types because of their precision and lower thermal impact.
Understanding your Fitzpatrick skin type helps the dermatologist decide:
Which treatment modality is safest
What settings should be used (laser wavelength, energy level)
What kind of aftercare and maintenance regimen will minimize side effects.
At ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC, determining your type skin is one of the first steps during consultation, ensuring your treatment plan aligns with your skin’s sensitivity, resilience, and pigment response.
Treating pigmentation effectively requires more than just advanced technology—it demands a tailored, medically supervised approach based on your skin’s biology and history.
A professional consultation at ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC includes:
High-resolution skin imaging to assess pigment depth and location
Medical history review, including past skin issues, allergies, sun exposure habits, and prior treatments
Diagnosis of discoloration type, whether it’s melasma, freckles, lentigines, PIH, or a combination
Treatment roadmap, combining one or more modalities—like laser therapy, microneedling, PRP, or topical actives—for a synergistic effect
In addition, the dermatologist will factor in:
Lifestyle elements, such as sun exposure, stress levels, and hormonal fluctuations
Occupation and downtime availability, helping decide whether low-downtime procedures like IPL are preferable to more intensive treatments like fractional lasers
Maintenance ability, to ensure you can sustain results with at-home skincare and periodic in-clinic sessions
By seeking a qualified medical clinic like ROHTO AOHAL, patients benefit from not just cutting-edge treatments but also the clinical insight needed to select the right treatment, in the right way, for the right skin. This is the cornerstone of safe, effective, and long-lasting pigmentation correction.
Chemical peels & IPL/BBL: 3–7 days mild peeling/redness.
Laser & microneedling: 1–3 days of redness/swelling potentially followed by flaking.
Aftercare essentials: Use gentle cleansers, avoid heat, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+).
Daily sunscreen aquatic in broad-spectrum SPF ≥ 30.
Brightening serums (Vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid).
Maintenance sessions (quarterly or biannual) based on pigmentation recurrence.
Established in 2015 by Rohto‑Mentholatum (Japan), the clinic holds to stringent Japanese dental standards. With clinics in HCMC (Districts 1 & 3) and Hanoi, the brand has helped over 10,000 clients tackle pigmentation issues .
BBL Hero®, Laser Q‑Switched Nd, Laser Helios Pro, Sylfirm RF microneedling, PRF therapy—all FDAapproved.
Procedures led by dermatologists trained under Japanese medical standards.
The clinic pioneered BBL in Vietnam and holds global certifications for lasers and pulsed RF equipment. Professional supervision ensures tailored treatment intensities.
Three clinics operate daily from 8:30 AM–7:30 PM, offering free skin assessments. The service menu includes pigmentation, acne, anti-aging, HIFU, fillers, and more .
Early intervention upon spotting discoloration prevents deep pigment deposition. Professional, clinic‑based therapies—administered by experts—ensure controlled, trustworthy results.
To safeguard your skin’s future, choose a qualified clinic, ideally backed by reputable institutions like ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC. Embrace proven technology, individualized care, and rigorous aftercare—your pathway to radiant skin in 2025.
ROHTO AOHAL CLINIC - CONTACT INFORMATION
Branch: 02 Pham Dinh Toai, Vo Thi Sau ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
☎ Phone: (028) 3930 9555
Branch: 207/4 Nguyen Van Thu, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
☎ Phone: (028) 3827 9737
Branch: 50 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
☎ Phone: (028) 6686 8048
Branch: 136 Trieu Viet Vuong, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi City
☎ Phone: (024) 3375 5588
Email: info@rohtoaohalclinic.com.vn
Business License No. 3700239769-001 issued on 04/07/2014 by Ho Chi Minh City Derpartment of Planning & Investment
Managed by: BRANCH NO. 2 OF ROHTO-MENTHOLATUM (VIETNAM)
