What Causes Pigmentation?
Pigmentation happens when your skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. This can be triggered by sun exposure (UV damage is the #1 cause), hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control), post-acne marks or skin injury, certain medications and genetic factors.

Understanding the cause of pigmentation is just as important as treating the appearance. That’s why a consultation is the first step to achieving safe, lasting results.

Treatment Options: What’s Involved?

We will create a tailored pigmentation plan that may include a mix of advanced treatments, at home skincare, and ongoing sun protection. Here are some of the options we may use:
1. Laser Toning (Q-Switched)
A gentle, low downtime laser treatment that breaks up pigment particles and stimulates even skin tone. Great for melasma, sun damage, and dullness.
2. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Targets brown and red pigment (like sunspots or freckles) by using light energy to draw pigment to the surface, where it naturally fades away.
3. Chemical Peels
We use customised peels to exfoliate the upper layers of skin, helping fade surface level pigment and brighten the complexion over time.
4. Dermamelan Depigmentation
A powerful medical-grade treatment for deeper or hormonal pigmentation such as melasma. This peel involves a two phase process, an in-clinic mask followed by a home protocol, to regulate pigment production and reduce relapse risk.
5. Cosmeceutical Skincare Plan
Skincare with ingredients, including vitamin C & niacinamide for brightening, retinol to boost cell turnover, pigment inhibitors, SPF (non-negotiable!) to protect your results.

The right combination of these therapies can deliver noticeable improvements, results take time, consistency, and the right plan for your skin.

Who Is It For?
Pigmentation treatments are suitable for all skin types and tones, although treatments will vary depending on the depth, cause, and location of the pigment.
These treatments may be right for you if you’re dealing with sunspots, freckles, or age spots, melasma (hormonal pigmentation), post-acne pigmentation, uneven skin tone or dullness, pigmentation from skin trauma or inflammation.

Clients with darker skin types need careful assessment, as some treatments (like certain lasers or IPL) may not be suitable. That’s why we always start with a comprehensive consultation to choose the safest and most effective approach for your skin.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on specific medications, we may modify or delay certain treatments, we’ll always give you honest and informed advice.

What to Expect
Your pigmentation journey starts with a thorough skin consultation. We will analyse your skin, identify the type and depth of pigmentation, and learn about your skin history, lifestyle, and goals.
Treatment times vary, a laser or IPL session takes around 30–45 minutes, while peels and Dermamelan require longer appointments. Some treatments may involve redness, flaking, or temporary darkening of pigment before it lifts. We will talk you through what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.
You’ll also be given a personalised homecare routine and sun protection plan to support results and prevent future pigment from forming. With the right combination of in-clinic treatments and homecare, most clients begin to see results within a few weeks, with continued improvements over time.

FAQs
1. Will pigmentation treatments completely remove dark spots?
Results vary depending on the type and cause of pigmentation. In most cases, we can significantly reduce the appearance of pigment and even out your skin tone, deeper or hormonal pigmentation (like melasma) may require ongoing management. Our goal is always to improve your skin safely and gradually.
2. What’s the difference between IPL and laser toning?
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target brown and red pigment, great for surface level sunspots and freckles. Laser toning (Q-Switched) uses focused light to target deeper pigment, especially effective for melasma and Asian or darker skin types. We will guide you toward the safest option for your skin.
3. Can I treat pigmentation if I have darker skin?
Yes, but carefully. Some lasers and peels can be risky on darker skin tones, we customise treatments to avoid irritation or post-inflammatory pigmentation. Laser toning and pigment safe peels, combined with homecare, can be very effective when used correctly.
4. Is Dermamelan effective?
Dermamelan is one of the most advanced depigmentation treatments available, especially for stubborn melasma or widespread pigmentation. It’s suitable for most skin types and offers long-term pigment control, it does require commitment to the aftercare phase for best results. We will talk you through the full process during your consultation.
5. How long will results last?
Pigmentation can be persistent and often triggered again by sun or hormones. With the right aftercare, including SPF, brightening serums and occasional maintenance treatments, you can keep your results long term. Ongoing skin support is key and we will help guide you every step of the way.