According to Woolery-Lloyd, combination therapies are the best umbrella treatment for every type of hyperpigmentation, but there's another treatment option available for dark spots.

"[Dark] spots ... are more superficial forms of hyperpigmentation -- the pigment is relatively shallow on the skin. They can be lasered off," Woolery-Lloyd says. Other types of hyperpigmentation, such as melasma, occur deeper in the skin. Although there are some melasma lasers on the market, Woolery-Lloyd notes that they're highly controversial. Most derms, Woolery-Lloyd included, recommend sticking to topical treatments and implementing lifestyle changes.