Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
Dark patches and uneven tone happen when the skin makes extra pigment in some areas. There are several types, they respond differently, and most return without daily sun protection. We identify the type first, then plan treatment.
Common types
- Sun spots, also called age spots: flat brown marks on skin that has had years of sun.
- Melasma: patchy brown areas, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, linked to sun and hormones, including pregnancy and the contraceptive pill.
- Dark marks after spots or inflammation: common in darker skin, and they often fade slowly on their own.
Check first
A new mark, or a mole or patch that is changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding or itching, must be checked by your GP before any cosmetic treatment.
Sun protection comes first
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50 is essential for every type of pigmentation. Without it, treatment results fade and pigment returns.
Options
Options at our clinic
| Option | What it helps | Sessions | Downtime | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare plan (SkinMed® TripleLock® Pigmentation Protocol) | Controlling pigment at home and preparing skin for peels | Daily home routine | None | £50 consultation |
| Chemical peels | Uneven tone, sun damage and melasma | Usually 3 to 6, two to four weeks apart | None to 2 days of flaking, depending on the peel | £125 |
| Microneedling | Sometimes used alongside other treatment; the evidence for pigmentation is weaker than for scarring | Usually 3, four to six weeks apart | Redness for 1 to 3 days; up to 5 days after RF | £150 |
What the evidence shows
A 2024 review found chemical peels helped melasma, with few side effects. For dark marks after spots in darker skin, a 2024 review found peels were among the less effective options and that no treatment worked reliably well, so skincare and sun protection come first.
Darker skin
Darker skin is more likely to develop dark patches after treatment. The choice of peel and two to four weeks of skin preparation at home reduce this risk, which is one reason the assessment comes first.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will my pigmentation go completely?
Often not completely, and melasma tends to return, particularly after sun exposure. Most people need ongoing skincare and sun protection to keep their results.
Can I start treatment in summer?
A light peel can be done in summer if your skin is prepared and protected from the sun afterwards. Deeper peels are better left until autumn or winter.
Is treatment safe for darker skin?
Yes, with the right peel and preparation, though the risk of colour change is higher. We will explain this at your consultation.
Read more
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Read articleBook a consultation
We will assess your skin, explain your options and give you a written plan with prices.