PIGMENTATION AND MELASMA: WHAT CAUSES IT, AND HOW IT'S TREATED

Pigmentation is any patch of skin that has become darker than the surrounding area, caused by an excess of melanin. Melasma is a specific, more complex type of pigmentation, usually appearing as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jawline, and it behaves differently to ordinary sun-related pigmentation.

Both are common, both are treatable to varying degrees, and both deserve a proper explanation before you book anything.

What causes pigmentation

Most general pigmentation comes down to sun exposure over time. UV light triggers melanin-producing cells to work harder, and repeated exposure without adequate protection leads to patchy, uneven overproduction. Inflammation from acne, injury or certain skin treatments can also leave pigmentation behind, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Genetics play a role too, with some skin types more prone to pigmentation than others.

What causes melasma specifically

Melasma is driven largely by hormonal changes, which is why it's often linked to pregnancy, contraceptive use, or hormone therapy, alongside sun exposure and, for some people, heat. It tends to be more stubborn and more likely to return than general sun-related pigmentation, which is why treating it well usually means a longer-term, patient approach rather than a single fix. It's also why melasma responds best to a tailored plan, rather than being treated the same way as other pigmentation.

Living in Newcastle

Newcastle's climate makes pigmentation a particularly common concern locally. High UV exposure for a large part of the year means even well-protected skin can develop patchy pigmentation over the decades, and it's one of the most frequent concerns that brings people through our door.

How we assess it

Because pigmentation and melasma can look similar but respond very differently to treatment, a proper skin assessment matters more here than in almost any other concern we treat. We look at the pattern, depth and likely cause of the pigmentation before recommending anything, since treating melasma too aggressively can sometimes make it worse rather than better.

Treatment options we offer

Once we understand what we're dealing with, treatment usually draws from a combination of the following, depending on your skin and the type of pigmentation involved.

• SkinPen microneedling, which creates a controlled response in the skin to support smoother tone and texture over a course of treatments.

• BioRePeel, a peel treatment that supports skin renewal and can be used as a single session or a course.

• Healite II LED, which supports skin healing and can be used alongside other treatments or as its own regular session.

• Personalised, at-home medical-grade skincare, prescribed for your specific pigmentation pattern rather than a generic routine, using active ingredients shown to support a more even tone over time.

Most pigmentation and melasma concerns respond best to a combination of these rather than any single option in isolation.

The role of daily habits

No professional treatment can outwork inconsistent sun protection. Daily SPF is essential for anyone treating pigmentation or melasma, not just during a course of treatment but ongoing, since both conditions can return with unprotected sun exposure. Whatever combination of treatments and skincare your plan includes, consistency matters more than intensity, since pigmentation responds to sustained use over months rather than occasional effort.

What to expect

Improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate, and melasma in particular tends to need ongoing management rather than a single course that finishes the job entirely. Results vary between individuals, and what works well for one person's pigmentation may need adjusting for someone else's. This is exactly why we start with a consultation rather than a set treatment plan.

If you're dealing with pigmentation or melasma and want to understand what's actually causing it, book a skin consultation. We'll assess your skin properly and build a plan around your specific pattern, not a generic pigmentation protocol.