Pigmentation and Melasma Care in Fleet
Pigmentation and Melasma
Hyperpigmentation (excessive pigmentation) is the general term used to describe darker areas, patches or patterns on the skin. These most commonly appear with age and can seem to develop quite suddenly. While hyperpigmentation is commonly believed to be merely a surface issue, it is far more complex, reflecting underlying processes influenced by inflammation, hormones, UV exposure, skin barrier health, medications, and internal physiology. Hyperpigmentation is one of the most challenging skin concerns to treat, and understanding its causes is key to any treatment protocol. This is why, at my skin studio in Fleet, Hampshire, I offer a consultation, skin assessment, and first treatment to provide my clients with a safe approach that doesn’t harm the skin’s barrier and helps reduce the risk of future recurrence.
If you have pigmentation concerns, I hope that you will find the following information provides you with a greater understanding of the complex nature of hyperpigmentation.
What is Melanin?
Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to our skin, and it is produced as a protective response to UV radiation. There are two types of melanin: Eumelanin (brown), which is found in darker skin, and Pheomelanin (red/yellow). Redheads have more pheomelanin. Your genetics determine your unique skin colour. Produced by melanocytes, specialised dendritic cells (with arm-like structures) that live deep in the epidermis, melanin is then transferred into the surrounding keratinocyte cells, which dominate the epidermis.
Underlying pigmentation, viewed through a Woods Lamp
Why is my skin becoming pigmented?
There are many interlinked factors which influence melanogenesis, the process of pigmentation. Let’s look at where normal function can go wrong.
In-Clinic Treatments
Dermalux LED Phototherapy
Dermalux professional Near Infrared (830 nm) phototherapy targets deeper layers of the skin, helping reduce inflammation, aid skin healing, and improve pigmentation. Available as standalone treatments and courses, and usually included within my bespoke skin treatments.
Benefits of Near-Infrared LED (830nm)
- Calming inflammation
- Supporting healing
- Reducing redness
- Helping regulate pigmentation pathways
- Supporting post-treatment recovery
- Barrier support
Microneedling
Microneedling can help with hyperpigmentation and melasma. Skin benefits include collagen induction, improved cellular renewal, smoother texture and overall skin glow. One specific benefit is that microneedling improves skin density, which can help with hyperpigmentation (including Melasma). However, Microneedling is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and client suitability and skin preparation are essential, especially when treating hyperpigmentation. This is because Microneedling creates tiny microchannels that trigger inflammation; excessive inflammation can contribute to further hyperpigmentation. Microneedling treatments require careful management, meaning inflammation should be controlled to ensure safe skin treatment. In skin with a compromised barrier, Microneedling treatments can cause excessive inflammation. Chemical peels, some topical skincare, certain medications, and other ablative skin treatments can create an internal environment where inflammatory signals are already turned on; add in Microneedling, and the effects can work against you. To ensure treatments do not trigger excessive inflammation, a period of skin preparation is essential (no standard duration exists; as a general rule, 4-12 weeks, depending on skin health). When skin is ready to be needled, natural healing is optimised and, over time, results in healthier, denser, smoother, firmer and more even-toned skin.
Neurotris SX3800 Advanced Dynamic Microcurrent
Neurotris advanced microcurrent treatments (non-surgical facelift) offer muscle toning and skin sculpting while stimulating collagen and elastin production. This advanced technology offers numerous skin benefits, making it a sought-after treatment. While microcurrent is not a direct treatment for hyperpigmentation, it may support pigmentation regulation indirectly by increasing cellular energy (ATP), reducing inflammation, improving circulation without trauma, stimulating lymphatic activity, promoting tissue repair, and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
Neurotris treatments are suitable for most clients (including those with sensitive skin), with only a few contraindications, and offer an excellent option for improving skin health, providing a visible glow, and toning and tightening the skin. Each relaxing treatment is bespoke, lasting 60 or 90 minutes, and can be combined with Dermalux Near Infrared phototherapy to treat pigmentation actively.
I recommend a course of 6-10 treatments combined with barrier supportive and potentially active homecare.
CryoPen for Sun Spots / Age Spots
CryoPen is a precise, safe and fast treatment for the removal of flat hyperpigmentation marks, or Age spots, on the face, hands and body. Age spots result from chronic sun exposure – many years of cumulative UV radiation on the skin. Thickened, hyperpigmented lesions and actinic keratoses can also develop on the skin due to frequent, chronic sun exposure.
Your doctor should check these, and they can usually be treated privately by a dermatologist.
- Assessment is essential for suitability
- I can treat flat, smooth patches of pigmentation with CryoPen
- Melasma cannot be treated with CryoPen
The Role of the Skin Barrier in Pigmentation
The outermost layer of your skin, known as the skin barrier, provides protection and defence against external pollution, irritants, and pathogens, and offers some UV protection. When the skin barrier is strong, healthy, calm and balanced, skin is achieved, and healthy melanin production can occur. However, with age, UV exposure, hormonal changes, stress, medication, and the use of harsh, active skincare, the skin barrier can weaken, making the skin more easily irritated and reactive. Below the surface, inflammation is triggered, signalling excessive melanin production and uneven distribution at the skin surface.
If your skin shows any of the following signs: redness, sensitivity, inflammation (not always apparent), excess pigmentation, dryness, or dehydration, your skin barrier is likely compromised, creating an ideal environment for hyperpigmentation to worsen or develop. This is the first area I focus on when clients come to me with hyperpigmentation, because we want to repair and restore the skin barrier, which supports normal melanin production.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Solar lentigines / Age Spots /Liver spots / Sun spots
These localised patches of hyperpigmentation result from cumulative UV exposure or sunbed use. Patches are smooth and flat to the surface with a defined border.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This kind of hyperpigmentation results from skin trauma and can result from picking, procedures, burns, bites, eczema, photo allergy (sunscreen, fragrance, essential oils)
Poikiloderma
A mottled appearance of reddish-brown pigmentation, often seen on both sides of the neck (and sometimes on the chest and in the armpits), best describes this type of hyperpigmentation, which results from a fragrance or deodorant reacting with UV exposure.
Melasma
Melasma, also known as Chloasma or the pregnancy mask, is dark or grey/brown pigmentation that usually occurs in symmetrical, blotchy patches, commonly seen on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. Most common in women and in darker skin tones, this chronic and recurring hyperpigmentation is linked to excessive UV exposure, sunbed use, hormonal changes, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, HRT, thyroid dysfunction, PSOS and taking photosensitising medications. Melasma cannot be cured, but careful management can help to fade its appearance. Skin peels and harsh exfoliation are not a cure for Melasma and can worsen symptoms by triggering inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Prevention: Protecting the Skin Daily
Whatever your hyperpigmentation concerns are, protecting your skin from UV exposure is vital, as is reducing the risk of developing skin cancer. Wear a high-quality, dedicated sunscreen rather than one blended with your moisturiser. I advise using factor 50 in the summer months as a daily habit, and topping up when spending time outside. When the sun index is high, and you are holidaying in a hot climate, top up every 2 hours, wear a hat, sunglasses, and seek shade. These are healthy lifestyle choices that will help minimise further hyperpigmentation.
Active Skincare
A skin professional is best suited to prescribe active skincare for treating hyperpigmentation. Self-prescribing the most powerful topical ingredients or products heard about online or on social media can lead to sensitivity and even worsen your symptoms. Initially, supporting the skin barrier with biomimetic lipids helps maintain its structural integrity. Topical antioxidants and pigmentation-regulating ingredients can then be advised in a controlled way, alongside lifestyle habits and potential treatments, to reduce visible hyperpigmentation and minimise recurrence.
A Considered Approach to Pigmentation
If hyperpigmentation marks are visible on your skin, it is reasonable to expect that more may develop. I have observed this studioally many times. I have also experienced my own hyperpigmentation issues and know first-hand that a holistic, preventative approach is the optimal pathway, alongside any treatment protocol you may choose.
This is why I offer my Consultation service, an opportunity for you to explore and understand the reasons behind your hyperpigmentation and to discuss ways in which I can help you improve your overall skin health, reduce the appearance of your hyperpigmentation, and minimise future occurrences. Pigmentation treatment and management are rarely instant. Long-term results are often gradual, and supporting skin function consistently is the most effective approach.
Your personalised skin journey starts here
Consultation, skin assessment and first treatment
If addressing hyperpigmentation concerns and caring for your future skin are priorities, my skin consultation is the place to begin. Your 90-minute appointment is dedicated to understanding your skin as it is now and what it needs to look its best every day. Before your appointment, you’ll complete a comprehensive consultation form, which I’ll review beforehand. On the day, we discuss your concerns and current skin health in more detail. I will assess your skin using a Wood’s lamp, which allows me to see and share with you any underlying pigmentation, dehydration or inflammation that may not be immediately apparent. You’ll also receive an initial treatment, tailored to your skin’s needs, on the day.
Following your appointment, I will email you your personalised skin report, including my assessment of your skin from the consultation, your skincare and treatment plan, and my additional holistic skincare guidance on how you can best support your skin for optimal results and long-term skin health.
Book your Consultation here:
Consultations & Skin Assessments
Take the first step towards healthier, stronger, more balanced skin.
Please note
My consultation service is designed for clients who are ready to understand their skin properly and follow a personalised plan. If you are looking for a quick fix, a one-off opinion, or a treatment without commitment to homecare, this may not be the right starting point.
My in-person consultation includes a full skin assessment, Woods Lamp analysis, a bespoke skin treatment and a skin report.
Consultation & Skin Assessment
Suitable for clients with ongoing skin concerns and those wanting a more structured rejuvenation plan.
90 Minutes £160
Online Skin Consultation
For clients who are not local to my Fleet skin studio, I offer a skin-focused consultation via Zoom.
This appointment includes personalised skin advice, education, and professional skincare recommendations where appropriate. Following your online consultation, I will summarise the skin care advice I have given in writing and provide a skin care prescription.
60 Minutes £50
Teen Skin Consultation
I also offer a dedicated consultation for teenagers who are struggling with their skin.
This includes the same thorough consultation process, with guidance and skincare education tailored to the changes that happen during puberty.
For under 18s. A parent or legal guardian must attend.
50 Minutes £50
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