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Pigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone & Melasma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

at The Axis Clinic in London

Woman with facial pigmentation treated at Axis Clinic London

What is Pigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone & Melasma?

Pigmentation, often called hyperpigmentation, describes areas of skin that look darker than the surrounding skin because more melanin has been produced. This can show up as freckles, sun spots, age spots, or larger patches of discolouration on the face, neck, chest, or body.

Uneven skin tone is when these darker areas, redness, or dull patches sit next to lighter areas, so the complexion no longer looks uniform.

Melasma is a specific type of pigmentation that appears as brown or grey brown patches, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It is often linked to hormones, pregnancy, and sun exposure, and can be more common in clients with medium to deeper skin tones.

What treatments are available for Pigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone & Melasma at The Axis Clinic?

We offer a range of advanced treatments designed to target pigmentation safely and effectively. Our approach focuses on reducing excess melanin, improving overall skin clarity, and restoring an even tone.

We combine medical-grade technology with clinical expertise to treat various pigmentation concerns, from sun damage and age spots to melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Treatments such as Lumecca IPL, LaseMD Ultra, and BBL Hero help resurface the skin, encourage healthy cell renewal, and promote a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Lumecca IPL

Targets and breaks down excess pigmentation and sunspots for visibly clearer, more even-toned skin.

BBL Hero

Treats widespread pigmentation and sun damage by delivering light energy deep into the skin to restore brightness and clarity.

LaseMD

Resurfaces and renews the skin to fade pigmentation and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.

The Perfect Peel

Exfoliates and brightens to reduce dark spots, melasma, and uneven tone.

Chemical Peels

Lift surface discolouration and promote a clearer, rejuvenated complexion.

ClearSilk

Gently evens out pigmentation and redness to enhance skin brightness and texture.
Woman showing pigmentation before and after treatment at Axis Clinic London

What Causes Pigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone & Melasma?

Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour. While this process is natural, several factors can overstimulate melanin production, leading to darker patches or uneven tone.

The most common cause of pigmentation is sun exposure, which triggers the skin’s natural defence mechanism against UV rays. Over time, this can result in sun spots, age spots, and overall discolouration. Hormonal changes are another major contributor, particularly in cases of melasma, which often appears during pregnancy or with the use of hormonal medication.

Other causes include ageing, where melanin production becomes irregular, and post-inflammatory pigmentation, which can develop after acne, eczema, or skin injury. Certain medications and medical conditions may also influence melanin activity and cause pigmentation irregularities.

Pigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone & Melasma

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Results from Lumecca IPL can be long-lasting, especially with the right aftercare. Once pigmentation and sun spots are cleared, they will not return unless new damage occurs. However, ongoing sun exposure, hormonal changes, or ageing can cause new pigmentation to form over time. To maintain your results, we recommend regular sunscreen use, a tailored skincare routine, and occasional maintenance sessions at The Axis Clinic to keep your complexion bright and even.

The number of sessions varies depending on the depth and type of pigmentation. Most clients see visible improvement after one to two treatments, with optimal results achieved after a full course of three to four sessions. Your practitioner will assess your skin and create a personalised plan during your consultation.

 

Each of these technologies treats pigmentation effectively, but they work in different ways and are suited to different skin types and concerns.

  • Lumecca IPL delivers intense pulsed light to target sun spots, freckles, and age-related pigmentation. It’s ideal for lighter to medium skin tones and produces fast, visible brightening.

  • BBL Hero is a more advanced form of IPL that treats larger areas quickly, with improved precision and comfort. It is excellent for ongoing pigmentation maintenance and full-face rejuvenation.

  • LaseMD Ultra uses non-ablative fractional laser energy to resurface the skin gently, helping to lighten melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation. It’s a great choice for deeper or more stubborn discolouration.

  • ClearSilk offers a no-downtime laser option that diffuses redness, refines tone, and promotes overall radiance, making it ideal for patients seeking gradual, gentle improvement.

At The Axis Clinic, there isn’t a single “best” treatment. The right choice depends on your pigmentation type, skin tone, and desired results. During your consultation, our practitioners will assess your skin and recommend the most suitable or combined approach to safely achieve a clearer, more even complexion.

At The Axis Clinic, we tailor every pigmentation treatment to your individual skin type and tone. Our advanced systems, including Lumecca IPL, BBL Hero, and LaseMD Ultra, allow us to safely treat a wide range of skin tones. For darker complexions or melasma-prone skin, we use gentler, staged protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Chemical peels can significantly improve pigmentation and uneven tone by gently exfoliating the upper layers of skin, encouraging new, healthy cells to form. The process helps to fade dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation while refining texture and enhancing overall brightness.

At The Axis Clinic, we use medical-grade chemical peels that are carefully selected for your skin type and concern. For mild pigmentation, a light peel can refresh and brighten the complexion, while deeper or combined peels can target more stubborn discolouration. Each treatment is performed under expert supervision to ensure safety, comfort, and gradual, visible improvement.

Once treated areas have cleared, they typically remain lighter. However, ongoing sun exposure, hormonal changes, or inflammation can trigger new pigmentation. Following your aftercare plan and protecting your skin daily with broad-spectrum SPF significantly reduces recurrence.

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Dr. Carlos Escobar performing Radiesse dermal filler treatment at The Axis Clinic

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