Even Tone. Healthy Skin. Thoughtful Care.

At The Skin Doctor, we understand how powerful an even, balanced complexion can be for confidence.
Whether it’s sun spots, melasma, freckles or post-inflammatory marks after acne, pigmentation is incredibly common – but it is not all the same.

That’s why we start with a medical pigmentation consultation, not a generic “brightening” treatment.
Our focus is on accurate diagnosis, skin safety and long-term management, rather than chasing aggressive, one-off results.

What Is a Pigmentation Consultation?

A pigmentation consultation is a doctor or dermal therapist led assessment of:

• what type (or types) of pigmentation you have

   

• why it has developed

   

• how your skin type, lifestyle and history affect treatment choices

   

In your consultation (usually 40–60 minutes), your doctor may:

• Take a detailed medical and skin history (including hormones, medications, pregnancy, previous treatments)

   

• Examine your face, neck and décolletage in clinical lighting

   

• Use advanced imaging to reveal pigment beneath the surface

   

• Identify whether pigment is superficial, mixed or deeper in the skin

   

• Discuss realistic goals, timeframes and maintenance

   

• Design a stepwise plan that may include skincare, in-clinic treatments, or both

   

You’ll receive a clear explanation of options, costs, expected downtime and the importance of sun protection before you decide on any treatment.

What Is Skin Pigmentation?

Skin colour is determined by melanin, a pigment made by cells called melanocytes in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
Melanin is protective – it helps shield the skin from UV damage.

Pigmentation problems occur when melanin is produced unevenly, or deposited in excess in certain areas, leading to:

• sun spots / age spots

   

• freckles

   

• melasma

   

• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (marks after acne, bites, rashes or procedures)

   

• mottled, patchy skin tone

   

Some pigmented lesions are completely benign; others may need monitoring or medical treatment. A proper medical assessment is essential to rule out concerning lesions before any cosmetic treatment is considered.

Why Does Pigmentation Occur?

Common contributors include:

• UV exposure: The biggest driver in Australia. Cumulative sun exposure is a major cause of sun spots, freckles and diffuse sun damage.

   

• Hormones: Pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and hormonal fluctuations can trigger melasma.

   

• Inflammation & trauma: Acne, eczema, bites, burns, laser, waxing or peels can all lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

   

• Genetics: Some people simply have a stronger tendency to freckle or develop certain birthmarks or pigment patterns.

   

• Medications & medical conditions: Certain drugs and systemic conditions can alter how pigment appears in the skin.

   

Because the cause, depth and pattern vary, treatment must be tailored – the wrong treatment on the wrong pigment (especially in darker skin types) can make things worse.

Types of Pigmentation We Commonly Assess

During your consultation, your doctor may identify one or more of the following:

• Sun-induced pigmentation – freckles, sun spots and blotchy tone related to UV exposure

   

• Melasma – hormonally influenced, often symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip

   

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – marks left after acne, rashes, bites or procedures

   

• Diffuse sun damage – overall mottling and roughness on the face, neck and décolletage

   

• Birthmarks and other pigmented lesions – some may be purely cosmetic; others may require dermatology or skin cancer review

   

If a lesion appears suspicious, we will recommend appropriate medical follow-up rather than cosmetic treatment.

Our Approach to Pigmentation Treatment

At The Skin Doctor, your pigmentation plan is staged and considered. It may include:

1. Foundations: Sun Protection & Skin Barrier Support

Before anything else, we address:

• daily broad-spectrum SPF

   

• gentle but effective cleansing and moisturising

   

• avoidance of known triggers where possible

   

Without this base, any pigmentation result is likely to be short-lived.

2. Medical-Grade Skincare for Pigmentation

Your doctor may prescribe or recommend targeted skincare, such as:

• pigment-modulating serums (e.g. vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, carefully selected brightening agents)

   

• retinoids (vitamin A) to support cell turnover

   

• barrier-support products to reduce inflammation

   

These can be used alone in milder cases, or alongside in-clinic treatments to enhance and maintain results.

3. In-Clinic Pigmentation Treatments

Depending on your skin type, pigment depth and medical history, options may include:

• Chemical peels – from gentle, low-downtime peels to more corrective programs designed for melasma, sun damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

   

• Light and laser-based therapies – carefully selected wavelengths and settings to target excess pigment while respecting your skin type

   

• Fractional resurfacing or needling-based treatments – for certain patterns of pigment combined with texture, scarring or fine lines

   

Not every modality is suitable for every skin type.
For darker, olive or Asian skin, we are especially careful with device choice and settings, and often lean more heavily on topical programs and staged, conservative treatments to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Pigmentation in Darker & Olive Skin Types

Patients with medium to dark skin tones often:

• are more prone to pigmentation

   

• have higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after aggressive treatments

   

For these skin types we:

• emphasise pre-treatment pigment stabilisation and sun protection

   

• use conservative settings and carefully chosen technologies

   

• may prioritise non-laser options (e.g. specific peel programs and skincare)

   

A tailored approach is essential for both safety and results.

What to Expect From Pigmentation Treatment

During Your Journey

• We may take clinical photographs to track progress.

   

• Lighter treatments often have minimal downtime; stronger peels or laser-based therapies may involve redness, darkening, flaking or peeling for several days.

   

• You’ll receive clear instructions on aftercare, including strict sun protection and product use.

   

Results & Maintenance

• Pigmentation usually improves gradually, over a series of treatments.

   

• Hormonal conditions like melasma can be managed, but are often chronic and recurring, especially with UV exposure.

   

• Ongoing skincare and sun protection are essential to maintain results.

   

We do not promise complete or permanent removal of pigmentation, but we aim for meaningful, realistic improvement and better long-term skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for pigmentation treatment?

Most people with cosmetic pigmentation concerns can benefit from assessment. A consultation is essential to exclude suspicious lesions and choose safe, appropriate options for your skin type.

Can pigmentation be removed permanently?

Some individual spots can lighten significantly or be removed; others (especially melasma and sun-related changes) can recur with UV exposure or hormonal shifts. Treatment is best viewed as management and improvement, not a permanent cure.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the type, depth and severity of your pigmentation, as well as the treatment chosen. Your doctor will outline an estimated course and maintenance plan during your consultation.

Is treatment safe for my skin type?

Safety is our priority. Certain devices and settings are not appropriate for all skin tones. We customise your treatment according to your skin type, history and risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Your Pigmentation Journey at The Skin Doctor

If you’re noticing sun spots, melasma, uneven tone or lingering marks after acne, a Pigmentation Consultation at The Skin Doctor can help you understand what’s happening in your skin and what can realistically be improved.

Our approach is medical, conservative and long-term — designed so that your skin looks clearer, calmer and more even, while still looking like your skin.