Pigment & Tone
Pigmentation
Patches or spots of excess melanin — the umbrella term for uneven skin colour.
01
What it is
Pigmentation describes any area where melanin is produced in excess or deposited unevenly — freckles, sunspots, post-inflammatory marks and melasma all sit under this term.
Identifying which type you have, and at what depth it sits, is the single most important step. The wrong device can darken pigment permanently.
02
Why it happens
- UV exposure is the dominant driver in Australia, stimulating melanocytes to produce protective pigment.
- Inflammation, heat, hormones and skin injury can all trigger melanin production.
- Genetics determine how reactive your melanocytes are.
03
The layer involved
Structure
Epidermis (superficial) and dermis (deep)
Epidermal pigment sits in the top layer and responds well to resurfacing and light-based treatment. Dermal pigment sits deeper, responds more slowly, and needs conservative, targeted energy.
04 · What may help
Treatments we may consider
Indicative only. Which of these belong in your plan — and in what order — is decided at your skin analysis, never from a page.
Where Every Journey Begins
World Class Skin Analysis
Advanced imaging that reveals what your skin can't show you — and the plan that follows.
Deep Pigment & Tone Correction
Q-Switched Laser
Nano-second light pulses shatter stubborn pigment — even deep dermal pigment IPL can't reach.
Intense Pulsed Light
IPL
The gold standard for correcting pigmentation, redness and uneven skin tone.
Professional Dermal Peels
Facial Peels
Medical-grade acids and enzymes that reveal a fresh layer of luminous skin beneath.
05 · When we may need a medical assessment
Some things belong with a doctor first.
- Any pigmented lesion that is changing in size, shape, colour or border, or that bleeds — this requires GP or dermatologist review before any cosmetic treatment.
- Pigmentation that worsens after every treatment attempt.
- Pigmentation with an unclear cause, particularly in deeper skin tones.
This page is general education, not medical advice. If anything here sounds like your skin, we will tell you honestly at consultation whether we can help or whether you should see your GP or dermatologist first.
Related
Colour, spots and unevenness.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Brown marks left behind after acne, injury, waxing, burns or aggressive treatment.
Melasma
Symmetrical, hormonally driven pigment patches — a chronic condition that is managed, not cured.
Sun Damage
Cumulative UV injury — sunspots, leathery texture, broken capillaries and premature ageing.