Concerns

Pigmentation & Melasma

What it is

Areas of increased pigment that may appear as diffuse patches, marks left after inflammation, or defined sun spots. Melasma, PIH and solar lentigo have different causes and need different treatment plans.

Common influences

UV and visible light exposure, hormones and pregnancy, heat, inflammation or injury, acne or eczema, some medicines, and cumulative sun exposure.

Who it affects

Pigmentation can affect every skin tone. Melasma is more common in women and skin that tans easily; PIH is often more persistent in darker skin tones; solar lentigines become more common with age and sun exposure.

How we manage it

Daily photoprotection, targeted medical skincare, selected chemical peels, control of the underlying inflammation, and carefully chosen laser or IPL treatment for suitable, confidently diagnosed lesions.

Understanding Melasma, PIH & Solar Lentigo

Melasma usually appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the face. It is influenced by light exposure and may be associated with pregnancy, hormonal medication, genetics and other factors. It is a long-term, relapsing condition: treatment can improve it, but pigmentation often returns, especially without consistent sun and visible-light protection.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) develops after inflammation or injury, including acne, eczema, burns or procedures. It appears as flat areas darker than the surrounding skin and can occur in all skin tones, although it may be more noticeable and longer-lasting in darker skin. Solar lentigo is a flat, well-defined brown sun spot caused by cumulative UV exposure, usually on the face, hands or other exposed areas. Any lesion that is new, changing, irregular or uncertain must be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment.

How We Treat Pigmentation

Your plan begins with identifying the likely type of pigmentation. We consider its pattern, duration and depth, your skin tone, light exposure, hormonal or inflammatory triggers, medicines, previous treatment and risk of further pigment change. The safest option is not always the fastest, and treatment is often staged.

Obagi Nu-Derm System & Medical Skincare

A structured home-care plan may help improve uneven pigmentation and support maintenance. Depending on your assessment, this may include the Obagi Nu-Derm System or selected pigment-regulating ingredients alongside barrier support. Some products require clinical supervision and are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Irritation can worsen pigmentation, so use is introduced and reviewed carefully.

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Chemical Peels

Selected superficial chemical peels may improve some epidermal pigmentation and support a brighter, more even appearance. Peel choice and strength must be matched to the condition, skin tone and current skincare. Stronger treatment is not necessarily better: excessive inflammation can cause PIH or make melasma more visible.

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Laser & IPL

Laser or IPL may be suitable for selected, clinically assessed solar lentigines and some other superficial pigmentation. It is not automatically appropriate for melasma or PIH and can sometimes worsen either condition. Device, wavelength and settings must be selected for the pigment target and skin tone; a patch test and strict light protection may be required.

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Treating the Underlying Cause & Referral

PIH is less likely to recur when the acne, eczema or other inflammation causing it is controlled. Melasma may need ongoing maintenance rather than a one-off procedure. A new, changing, asymmetrical, irregular or multi-coloured lesion, or any diagnosis that is uncertain, will not be treated cosmetically and should be assessed by a GP or dermatologist.

Why Asthetik for Pigmentation

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Doctor-Led

A careful consultation distinguishes patterned melasma, PIH and likely benign sun spots, while considering alternative causes and the need for medical assessment before treatment.

Safety & Ethics

We do not laser an uncertain pigmented lesion or promise permanent clearance. Treatment is postponed, declined or referred when diagnosis is unclear or the risk of irritation, PIH or rebound pigmentation outweighs likely benefit.

Personalised Care

Pigmentation is not one condition. Recommendations are matched to the likely diagnosis, pigment depth, skin tone, sensitivity, triggers, previous response and maintenance needs.

Experience

Established clinical experience, careful treatment selection and transparent advice from consultation through aftercare.

Results

Results depend on the type, depth and cause of pigmentation. PIH can fade gradually when the underlying inflammation is controlled; selected solar lentigines may respond well to targeted treatment; melasma usually requires ongoing management and may recur. Improvement is progressive, and maintenance plus daily light protection are often essential.

Pricing

Pigmentation treatment is personalised, so cost depends on the diagnosis, products or procedure selected and the number of reviews or sessions advised.

Indicative price From £175
Your consultation includes Assessment of your concerns and skin history, discussion of suitable options, expected outcomes, risks, aftercare and a personalised plan.

Frequently asked questions

Melasma usually forms symmetrical facial patches and is strongly influenced by light exposure and hormonal factors. PIH is a flat dark mark left after inflammation or injury. A solar lentigo is a defined sun spot caused by cumulative UV exposure. Because they can look similar, assessment should come before treatment.

Not always. PIH may fade once its cause is controlled, and a treated solar lentigo may clear or lighten, although new sun spots can develop. Melasma is a relapsing condition and commonly returns with light exposure or hormonal change. Maintenance and consistent photoprotection are central to lasting improvement.

No; heat and inflammation from energy-based treatment can trigger rebound pigmentation or PIH, particularly in susceptible skin. Laser or IPL is more predictable for selected solar lentigines. Melasma uses a specific wavelength called a PICO laser which helps to breakup the pigment helping it to rise to the surface and shed off. We currently do not offer PICO laser in clinic.

It is essential. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps reduce UV-driven darkening and supports treatment results. For melasma, visible light can also contribute, so a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may be advised. Sunscreen should be combined with shade, hats and sensible avoidance of intense exposure.

Seek medical assessment for a new or changing mark, asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, bleeding, crusting, itching, pain, rapid growth, or a lesion that looks different from your others. We do not cosmetically treat a lesion unless its benign nature is sufficiently clear; uncertainty requires GP or dermatology review.

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