Your skin gets its colour from melanin, a pigment made by cells called melanocytes. When these cells make too much melanin in certain areas, darker patches or spots appear. This is known as hyperpigmentation. It is one of the most common skin concerns we see, and it can affect every skin type and tone.
Pigmentation is harmless in most cases. It can still leave the skin looking tired, uneven or older than you feel. Many people find it knocks their confidence, especially when makeup no longer covers it.
Sun damage (sun spots or age spots). These are flat brown spots, usually on the face, hands and chest. They come from years of UV exposure, often built up long before they become visible.
Melasma. These are larger, patchy areas of brown or grey-brown colour, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Melasma is linked to hormones and is common during pregnancy or while taking the contraceptive pill. Sunlight and heat can make it worse. It can be managed very well, but it tends to come back, so ongoing care is important.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These are dark marks left after the skin has been inflamed or injured, for example after acne, eczema, a burn or picking at a blemish.
Freckles. Small spots that darken in summer. Many people love their freckles. Others prefer a more even tone.
Our Aesthetician Gillian begins every pigmentation journey with a one-to-one skin consultation. She looks closely at your skin, asks about your history, lifestyle, medications and sun habits, and works out what type of pigmentation you have. This matters because different types of pigmentation respond to different treatments. A treatment that clears sun spots can sometimes make melasma worse if it is used in the wrong way.
From there, Gillian builds a personalised plan, which usually combines in-clinic treatments with medical-grade skincare at home.
Gillian offers a range of evidence-based professional in-clinic treatments, each carefully selected and adapted for ageing skin:
Professional treatments deliver powerful results, but the single most important factor in managing pigmentation day to day is what you do at home. Gillian prescribes fully personalised homecare routines using medical-grade skincare brands available exclusively through certified professionals — with formulations specifically designed for pigmentation, including targeted cleansers, antioxidant serums, retinoids and peptides, hydrating moisturisers, and broad-spectrum sun protection.
Because every skin is different, Gillian will always tailor the homecare routine precisely to your skin — not a generic profile.
What you do at home every day is just as important as what happens in the clinic.
Pigmentation fades gradually. Most patients see a clear improvement over a course of treatments, with the skin looking brighter, clearer and more even. Some types, especially melasma, are managed rather than cured. Gillian will be honest with you about what is realistic for your skin, and she will support you with a maintenance plan to protect your results.
Book a consultation with Gillian Power today and start your journey to firmer, healthier, more confident skin.
