From sunspots to stubborn melasma, pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns we see at Facial Sculpting. While dark patches and uneven tone can feel impossible to tackle, the good news is that there are treatments and skincare solutions that really do make a difference.
We sat down with Grace Buckhurst, our resident facial rejuvenation expert, to chat about everything you need to know when it comes to pigmentation - what causes it, why it flares up, and how we can treat it for smoother, brighter skin.
So, Grace, what actually causes pigmentation and dark spots?
“Pigmentation happens when the skin produces too much melanin, the natural pigment that gives our skin its colour,” Grace explains. “There are lots of different triggers - from sun exposure and hormonal changes to inflammation after acne or simply the ageing process. The cause really matters because it tells us the type, depth and severity of the pigmentation, and that guides the best treatment plan.”
Why does pigmentation always seem worse after summer?“You can thank UV rays for that one,” Grace says with a smile. “Even with SPF, being in the sun stimulates melanin production, which makes dark spots and patches appear more obvious. It’s why clients often come in after the summer holidays feeling like their pigmentation has suddenly multiplied.”
Can you break down the different types - sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma?“Of course! Sun damage is caused directly by UV exposure and usually looks like freckles or sunspots. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - or PIH - are the darker marks that linger after acne, eczema or skin injuries. And melasma is a hormonal type of pigmentation, which typically shows up as symmetrical patches on the upper lip, forehead or cheeks. Each type needs a slightly different approach.”
Can pigmentation ever fully go away?“That depends,” Grace says. “Superficial pigmentation, like PIH, can fade completely with the right skincare and treatments. But deeper pigmentation, like melasma, is usually something we manage long-term rather than cure completely. You can get incredible improvement, but melasma is chronic - once it’s triggered, you’re always prone to flare-ups.”
What are your go-to treatments for pigmentation?“At Facial Sculpting, we use a mix of treatments depending on the type of pigmentation. For sun damage and melasma, I love laser - the Lynton Lumina IPL and the Lutronic Lase MD Ultra are fantastic at breaking down excess pigment. For PIH, radio frequency microneedling in the Lynton Focus Dual treatment helps stimulate new, even-toned skin.
Chemical peels are also an excellent option. We offer the PRX-T33 peel (which delivers a brightening, revitalising effect without downtime) and AlumierMD’s customisable peels, which we tailor to your skin’s specific needs.
And of course, we pair in-clinic treatments with medical-grade skincare. At Facial Sculpting, we utilise a wide range of professional brands, with favourites including AlumierMD, SkinBetter Science, Obagi, Revision, Alastin, Intradermology and iS Clinical. These allow us to build a fully personalised routine with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and tranexamic acid - and naturally, SPF.”
And when it comes to melasma specifically?“Melasma is stubborn - and it needs a gentle, consistent approach. I usually recommend a personalised plan with lots of tyrosinase inhibitors in skincare, Lutronic Lase MD Ultra, and absolutely religious SPF use. It’s about control and management rather than expecting a quick fix. Patience really pays off with melasma.”
Let’s talk SPF - how big a deal is it for pigmentation?Grace doesn’t hesitate: “It’s everything. You can have the best lasers, peels and skincare in the world, but if you’re not protecting your skin daily, pigmentation will keep coming back. I tell my clients to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every single day, reapply throughout the day, and yes - even if you’re just indoors. UV damage doesn’t take a day off.”
How many treatments does it take to see results?“Most clients start noticing changes after about three sessions,” Grace says. “But for significant results, we usually recommend a course of treatments combined with a tailored at-home routine. Around the three-month mark is when you’ll really see the difference, although deeper melasma may take longer. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.”
How many treatments does it take to see results?“Most clients start noticing changes after about three sessions,” Grace says. “But for significant results, we usually recommend a course of treatments combined with a tailored at-home routine. Around the three-month mark is when you’ll really see the difference, although deeper melasma may take longer. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Pigmentation might be stubborn, but it’s absolutely treatable with the right combination of professional treatments and daily care. Grace’s advice? Be patient, protect your skin, and don’t underestimate the power of a personalised plan.
“Every skin is unique,” she says, “and when we treat pigmentation in the right way, the results can be truly transformative.
Ready to start your journey to brighter, more even-toned skin? Book a consultation to discover your personalised treatment plan.
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