Pigmentation can be frustrating. You might notice a few darker patches after summer, marks that linger long after a breakout has cleared, or areas of discolouration that seem to become more noticeable no matter how many brightening products you try.
The first thing to understand is that facial pigmentation isn’t one single skin concern. There are different types, with different triggers, and that matters when it comes to choosing the right treatment.
At Dermanude Skin Clinic in Altrincham, pigmentation is something we see regularly. Rather than immediately reaching for a peel or product, we start by looking at what type of pigmentation you have, what may be triggering it and what your individual skin needs.
So, why does pigmentation develop on the face and what can actually be done about it?
What is facial pigmentation?
Your skin contains a pigment called melanin, which helps determine its colour. Hyperpigmentation occurs when areas of the skin contain increased pigment, creating patches or spots that appear darker than the surrounding skin.
These can be small, isolated marks or larger areas of uneven colour. Pigmentation can also sit at different depths within the skin, which is one reason why some dark marks seem to disappear fairly quickly while others are much more stubborn.
There are many possible causes, including sun exposure, hormonal influences and inflammation within the skin.
What causes pigmentation on the face?
1. Sun exposure
UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to pigmentation.
Melanin production is part of the skin’s response to light exposure, which is why existing pigmentation can become more noticeable after time in the sun and why new areas of uneven colour can develop over time.
This can appear as individual sun spots or more general areas of uneven pigmentation.
Sun exposure is also a recognised trigger for melasma, making good sun protection an important part of managing the condition.
And it isn’t only something to think about on holiday. Your skin is exposed to daylight throughout the year, which is why consistent SPF should form part of your everyday skincare routine when pigmentation is a concern.
2. Hormones and melasma
If your pigmentation appears as larger, often symmetrical patches across areas such as the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, it could be melasma.
Melasma is a common pigmentation condition that most often affects the face. Hormonal influences are recognised as one of its triggers, including pregnancy and hormonal contraception, while sunlight can make it more noticeable.
This is also why melasma can be particularly frustrating.
It isn’t simply a surface mark that can always be exfoliated away. It usually needs a much more considered approach to treatment and ongoing management.
3. Pigmentation after spots or inflammation
Have you ever had a spot disappear but been left with a brown or darker mark for weeks or months afterwards?
This can be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often shortened to PIH.
It develops following inflammation or damage within the skin and is commonly seen after acne, although other forms of inflammation or trauma can cause it too.
An important distinction here is that a dark mark left after acne isn’t necessarily an acne scar. Sometimes what clients think is scarring is actually residual pigmentation.
Knowing the difference helps us choose a much more appropriate treatment plan.
4. Previous skin irritation or trauma
Pigmentation can sometimes develop after the skin has been irritated or injured.
That could follow inflammatory skin conditions, picking at blemishes or other forms of trauma to the skin. Post-inflammatory pigmentation occurs because increased melanin can be deposited following inflammation or injury.
This is another reason we’re cautious about aggressively treating pigmentation without first understanding what is happening within the skin.
More isn’t always better.
Why does facial pigmentation sometimes get worse?
One of the biggest misconceptions about pigmentation is that once you’ve faded it, the problem is permanently gone.
Unfortunately, pigmentation doesn’t always behave like that.
For conditions such as melasma, factors including UV and visible light exposure and hormonal influences can continue to stimulate pigmentation. The British Association of Dermatologists describes melasma as a condition for which there is currently no cure, although its appearance can be improved and managed.
That’s why we talk to our clients about pigmentation management, rather than promising a permanent quick fix.
Treating what you can see is one part of the process. Protecting the skin and managing the factors that can cause pigmentation to become visible again is equally important.
So, what can you do about pigmentation on your face?
The right answer depends on the type of pigmentation you have.
And that’s exactly why we’d always recommend starting with a professional skin consultation rather than choosing a treatment based on Instagram, TikTok or what worked for somebody else’s skin.
At Dermanude Skin Clinic in Altrincham, our treatment plans are personalised around your individual skin and concerns. Dermanude offers dedicated consultations for hyperpigmentation concerns alongside professional skin analysis.
Depending on what we find, your options may include professional skincare, depigmentation programmes, chemical peels or other targeted treatments.
Not every pigmentation treatment is right for every person – and not every type of pigmentation should be treated in the same way.
Cosmelan for stubborn facial pigmentation
One option we may discuss for clients struggling with persistent pigmentation is Cosmelan®.
Cosmelan is a professional depigmentation method developed by mesoestetic specifically for hyperpigmentation concerns. It combines professional treatment with an ongoing homecare protocol designed to improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and help manage its recurrence.
At Dermanude, Cosmelan is one of the treatments we use within our approach to concerns including melasma, dark spots and uneven pigmentation, following consultation and assessment.
And this distinction is important:
Cosmelan isn’t simply another facial or a quick peel.
It’s a structured pigmentation programme that requires commitment to the treatment protocol, homecare and sun protection.
Discover Cosmelan Pigmentation Treatment.
What about chemical peels?
Professional chemical peels can also form part of a pigmentation treatment plan for some clients.
Different formulations work in different ways, which is why we don’t believe in choosing a peel simply because it happens to be popular.
The appropriate option will depend on factors such as your skin, the pigmentation we’re treating, your previous treatment history and your wider skincare routine.
Explore Chemical Peels at Dermanude.
Can Lumecca IPL treat pigmentation?
For certain forms of visible pigmentation and sun damage, Lumecca IPL may also be something we consider.
Lumecca uses intense pulsed light and Dermanude offers the treatment for concerns including pigmented lesions, sun damage and redness.
Again, though, assessment comes first.
Pigmentation is a broad term and an IPL treatment that may be appropriate for one type of visible sun damage isn’t automatically the right treatment for another condition such as melasma.
Don’t forget what you do at home
Professional treatment can only be part of the picture.
If you’re investing in treating pigmentation, your home routine matters too.
Consistent sun protection is particularly important because UV exposure can aggravate pigmentation and melasma.
Your recommended skincare routine will depend on your skin, but the aim is to support the treatment we’re carrying out in clinic rather than having an overflowing bathroom shelf of products that aren’t working together.
Sometimes simplifying your routine is just as important as adding something new.
When should pigmentation be medically checked?
Most of the pigmentation concerns discussed here relate to common cosmetic conditions such as melasma, sun-induced pigmentation and marks following inflammation.
However, a new, changing, progressive, unusual or asymmetrical pigmented area shouldn’t simply be assumed to be cosmetic pigmentation. It should be appropriately medically assessed rather than covered with skincare or treated in clinic. NHS referral guidance specifically flags progressive or atypical/asymmetrical facial pigmentation for further investigation.
If we’re ever concerned that something isn’t appropriate for treatment at Dermanude, we’ll tell you.
Looking for Pigmentation Treatment in Altrincham?
If dark spots, melasma, post-acne marks or uneven pigmentation are bothering you, you don’t need to work out the treatment yourself.
The best place to start is by understanding why the pigmentation is there in the first place.
At Dermanude Skin Clinic in Altrincham, we’ll assess your skin, talk through what’s been happening and recommend a personalised approach based on your individual concern.
From Cosmelan and professional peels to targeted pigmentation treatments and homecare, our focus is on choosing what makes sense for your skin rather than simply giving everyone the same treatment. Dermanude currently provides dedicated hyperpigmentation treatment and Cosmelan from its Altrincham clinic.
Ready to understand your pigmentation properly?
