Pigmentation & Sun Damage
Reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Pigmentation and sun damage are common skin concerns that develop when excess melanin is produced within the skin or as a result of cumulative UV exposure over time. They may appear as freckles, sun spots, age spots, melasma or areas of uneven skin tone, and can affect the face, neck, chest and hands. While some pigmentation may fade gradually, many forms require professional treatment to achieve noticeable improvement.
Book a pigmentation consultation with our team to discuss personalised treatment options for pigmentation, sun damage and uneven skin tone.
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation is a common skin condition that causes areas of the skin to appear darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, the natural pigment that gives your skin its colour.
Pigmentation can appear as small brown spots, larger patches of discolouration or uneven skin tone. It most commonly affects areas exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, chest and hands.
There are many different types of pigmentation, and each develops for different reasons. Some pigmentation is caused by years of sun exposure, while other forms are linked to hormones, inflammation or genetics.
Pigmentation is not the same for everyone. Different types of pigmentation can sit at varying depths within the skin and respond differently to treatment. This is why an accurate assessment of your pigmentation type, skin condition and individual concerns is essential when determining the most suitable treatment approach.
What causes pigmentation and sun damage?
Pigmentation develops when melanin production becomes uneven or excessive. A range of factors can contribute to pigmentation and sun damage, including:
• Sun exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of pigmentation and sun damage. Over time, repeated sun exposure stimulates excess melanin production, resulting in freckles, sun spots and age spots.
• Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy can trigger melasma, a common form of pigmentation that often appears on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
• Skin inflammation or injury
Pigmentation may develop after acne, eczema, skin injuries or certain cosmetic procedures as part of the skin’s healing response. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
• Ageing
As skin ages and accumulates years of sun exposure, pigmentation becomes more common. This may present as age spots or uneven skin tone.
• Genetics
Some individuals are naturally more predisposed to developing freckles, melasma or other pigmentary conditions.
Types of Pigmentation
Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines)
Also known as age spots or liver spots, these flat brown spots develop after years of cumulative sun exposure. They commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders and backs of the hands.
Unlike freckles, sun spots do not fade during winter and often become more noticeable with age.
Freckles
Freckles are small, flat brown spots that commonly develop in childhood and become darker with sun exposure. They are strongly influenced by genetics and often fade during winter when UV exposure decreases.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH develops after inflammation or injury to the skin, such as acne breakouts, eczema or cosmetic procedures.
These marks are not true scars but areas of increased pigmentation left behind after the skin has healed. While they often improve gradually, professional treatments may help accelerate fading.
Melasma
Melasma is one of the most common forms of facial pigmentation. It usually appears as larger, symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches across the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip.
Melasma is often influenced by hormones and sun exposure and can be more challenging to treat than other forms of pigmentation. A personalised treatment plan is usually recommended.
When should you seek pigmentation treatment?
You may benefit from a professional pigmentation assessment if:
- Brown spots continue to become darker or more noticeable.
- You have melasma that keeps returning.
- Your skin tone appears uneven.
- Pigmentation remains despite using skincare products.
- Sun damage has become more visible over time.
- You’re looking for laser pigmentation treatment.
- You would like clearer, brighter and more even-looking skin.
Early treatment often provides more opportunities to improve pigmentation before it becomes more established.
At Perth Cosmetic Dermatology, our team will assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, concerns and treatment goals.
What pigmentation treatment options are available?
There is no single treatment approach that is suitable for every type of pigmentation. The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the type of pigmentation, how deeply it sits within the skin, your skin type and your individual concerns.
Depending on your skin assessment, treatment options may include:
Laser & Light-Based Treatments: Advanced laser and light-based treatments such as Fraxel® Laser, Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser, BBL Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Genesis™ may be considered to help improve the appearance of pigmentation, uneven skin tone and sun damage.
Chemical Skin Peels: Chemical peels use carefully selected medical-grade ingredients to help improve skin tone, texture and overall skin quality.
Medical-Grade Skincare: A personalised skincare plan may be recommended to support pigmentation management, protect against further UV-related changes and maintain treatment results.
Combination Treatments: In many cases, a combination approach may be recommended to address different aspects of pigmentation, including visible pigment, uneven tone and overall skin quality.
A tailored combination approach may be recommended to address different aspects of acne scarring, including texture, pigmentation and overall skin quality. Come in for a consultation to learn more today.
Explore Your Pigmentation Treatment Options
Book a consultation with our team at Perth Cosmetic Dermatology to have your skin assessed and receive a personalised treatment plan based on your pigmentation type, skin characteristics and individual concerns.
WHERE TO FIND US
Hollywood Medical Centre, Suite 60/85 Monash Avenue Nedlands, Western Australia 6009
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday | 9am – 4pm
P: 08 6166 3704
E: admin@cosmeticderm.com.au
Enter through the front door and walk straight ahead to the elevators. Take the elevators up to Level 2. When you exit the elevators, turn left and follow the corridor around the corner (we are located along the corridor).