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Pigmentation

Advanced technology used to treat multiple skin concerns, the best treatment for brown spots, hyperpigmentation, sun and age spots.

Best treatments for brown spots, hyperpigmentation, sun and age spots

Best Clinic Group UK and Trust Pilot 5 star

Advanced technology used to treat multiple skin concerns

Consultation with an expert skin therapist

Home » Treatments » Dermatology & Conditions » Pigmentation

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Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed July 17th 2023

Pigmentation can become visible on the skin for a number of reasons including increased sun exposure, genetics, medical conditions, pregnancy, trauma to the skin and hormonal changes. As we start to age the appearance of pigmentation can become more prominent causing many to look for a way to improve it.

The root cause of pigmentation is essentially a substance called Melanin which is naturally found in our body and is responsible for the colour of our skin, hair and eyes. Those with darker skin would naturally have more melanin compared to those with lighter skin. It is the disruption of the production of melanin that causes pigmentation of the skin.

Hyperpigmentation

This is when there is an increase in the production of melanin and the most common cause is an increased exposure to sunlight as this would also darken any previous areas of hyperpigmentation.

Melasma

This is a type of hyperpigmentation and it most common in women, especially during pregnancy although it can affect anyone. You may notice melisma more in the summer months with it improving during the winter months and appears as a light to dark brown patches mainly on the face.

Hypopigmentation

This is when there is a decrease of melanin in the skin and results in pale almost white patches on the skin. Conditions that cause hypopigmentation include Vitiligo and Albinism which unfortunately there are no cures for. If hypopigmentation is caused by a trauma to your skin such as a burn then there is a chance that your body will be able to regenerate pigment in the area again over time.

The best way to stop pigmentation from occurring is to wear sun protection every day, especially on your face.  Pigmentation can affect people of all ages and skin types.

We are the UK’s leading non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic group of clinics and have some of the most experienced specialists in the industry that can advise on the best treatment for pigmentation. We treat thousands of patients every year and pride ourselves on our knowledge and expertise. All of our Clinics are registered with the Care Quality Commission and The Independent Healthcare Advisory Services.

Treatments Available

Obagi Nu-Derm System

The Obagi Nu-Derm system is specially formulated to help treat hyperpigmentation. The system works by increasing your cell turnover causing your skin to peel. The motion of peeling will then also encourage your production of collagen and elastin which results in an overall younger and fresh look with a significant reduction in the appearance of pigmentation.

This is a prescribed skin care treatment and will require you to attend a consultation to initially assess your suitability before going through how to use the system to get the best results.

The Obagi Nu-Derm system for pigmentation is available at our skin clinics in London Harley StreetBirminghamLeedsManchester and Northampton

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Chemical Peel

There is a range of chemical skin peels available that are designed to treat pigmentation in particular.

A chemical skin peel involves applying the peel solution to your skin which encourages a natural exfoliation.

The treatment works by putting your skin through a peeling process where your dead skin cells are removed resulting in a reduced appearance for pigmentation.

Chemical Peel Treatments for pigmentation are available at our skin clinics in London Harley StreetBirminghamLeedsManchester and Northampton

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IPL Skin Rejuvenation

IPL is an intense pulsed light treatment and is most commonly used to reduce hair growth and target skin pigmentation. Areas of skin pigmentation will have a short burst of light fired at them, there is a slight bit of discomfort but it is a relatively quick treatment and most patients find it bearable.

The short burst of light breaks down the pigmentation and with a course of treatment alongside regular yearly treatments it is a great way to reduce the signs of pigmentation.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation for pigmentation is available at our skin clinic in London Harley Street.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing

Pearl Laser resurfacing is one of the most innovative ways to even out areas of discolouration in as little as 20 minutes per session.

Our Pearl treatment is available in three different forms our expert practitioners will create a tailored experience for your skin’s needs and achieve the best possible outcome. Pearl Laser Resurfacing is normally most suitable for finer wrinkles and damage, while Pearl Fusion is a much deeper treatment for more active rejuvenation on damaged skin.

  • Pearl Laser Resurfacing – Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment treats the top layers of skin and deeper layers too. The treatment works to improve the overall quality of the skin by targeting pigmentation on the surface of the skin.
  • Pearl Fractional Laser Resurfacing – Pearl Fractional treatment exposes only a small area of the skin to the laser beam in a pattern of tiny dots. When the Pearl Fractional laser pulse hits the skin it can destroy hyperpigmentation clusters whilst also creating tiny holes in the skin. The skin is then encouraged to form a protective layer and it’s the body’s healing process that is responsible for the treatment’s incredible results.
  • Pearl Fusion – Pearl Fusion is a combination of the Pearl Resurfacing and Pearl Fractional treatments mentioned above. The face will first be treated with the Pearl laser and the Pearl Fractional laser will target areas requiring more aggressive treatment such areas of intense sun damage and pigmentation.

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments for pigmentation are available at our skin laser clinic in London Harley Street

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Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a great treatment for reducing the appearance of pigmentation on the skin. 

The treatment involves placing the treatment device over the skin where microneedles will puncture the skin causing micro damage to the skins surface and therefore triggering our skins natural response to repair the damage through the increase of collagen and elastin production. As the microneedles make contact with the skin, radiofrequency waves are emitted which then delivers  energy to the damaged superficial layers of the skin. This helps to reduce hyperpigmented areas of the skin, including areas showing signs of ageing or sun damage.

The treatment takes around 30-60 minutes to perform. The skin will be red following treatment and small pinprick sized marks or bruises may be visible. These will gradually fade over time but can last up to 1 week.

Visible results can begin to be seen 1-2 weeks after your first treatment and can last for up to 3-6 months following your last treatment.

Morpheus8 treatments for pigmentation are available at our skin laser clinic in London Devonshire Place and Buckinghamshire.

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Why Choose The Private Clinic

  • Expert medical practitioners with years of experience.
  • State of the art medical facilities, all registered by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
  • Our innovative treatment choice means you will be offered the most advanced minimally invasive treatment options.
  • When it comes to non-surgical treatments we always strive to give you little to no downtime, so you can get back to enjoying life.
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