What Causes Pigmentation – and How Can You Fade It?

By ICONIC Beautique | Evesham’s Skin Experts

Uneven skin tone, dark patches, or persistent marks that won’t fade – pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns we see at ICONIC Beautique. Whether it’s sun spots, melasma, or post-acne marks, pigmentation can impact your confidence and make skin appear older than it is.

But here’s the good news: with the right understanding and targeted treatments, pigmentation can be dramatically improved. Let’s explore the different types of pigmentation, what causes them, and the most effective ways to treat and fade discolouration.

What Is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to the colouring of your skin. It’s caused by melanin, a natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. When these cells become damaged or overactive, they can produce too much melanin, resulting in dark patches or spots.

Pigmentation can affect all skin types and tones – though how it appears and responds to treatment can vary. At ICONIC Beautique, we offer personalised advice and treatment plans based on your unique skin.

4 Common Causes of Pigmentation

1. Sun Damage (Solar Lentigines or Sun Spots)

The most common cause of pigmentation is UV exposure. Prolonged time in the sun – especially without SPF – stimulates melanin production as the skin tries to protect itself. Over time, this leads to sun spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, typically appearing on the face, chest, shoulders and hands.

Tip: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can affect your skin. Wearing broad-spectrum SPF daily is essential to prevent further damage.

2. Melasma

Melasma appears as larger patches of brown or greyish pigment, often across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. It’s more common in women and often triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy (sometimes called “the mask of pregnancy”), oral contraceptives, or menopause.

Melasma can be stubborn and sometimes worsens with heat or light – even indoor lighting or computer screens can have an effect.

3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

This occurs after inflammation or trauma to the skin, such as acne breakouts, eczema, burns, cuts, or aggressive treatments. Once the skin heals, it can leave behind brown, red or purple marks that linger for weeks or months.

PIH is more common in darker skin tones and can be frustrating, especially when the original problem (like a spot) has already gone.

4. Age and Genetics

Over time, your skin’s ability to repair itself slows down, and pigment cells may become uneven in their activity. Genetics also play a role in how your skin produces and distributes melanin.

That’s why two people with the same amount of sun exposure may show different levels of pigmentation.

How to Fade Pigmentation – The Best Treatments at ICONIC Beautique

⭐ 1. AlumierMD Professional Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels help resurface and brighten the skin, targeting pigment from deep within. We offer a range of AlumierMD peels customised to your skin type and concern – from gentle lactic acid peels to more intensive brightening blends.

These peels:

• Improve cell turnover

• Help fade pigmentation

• Even out skin tone

• Reveal smoother, glowing skin

We recommend a course of treatments, supported by AlumierMD homecare, for best results.

⭐ 2. AlumierMD Brightening Skincare

We stock powerful serums and pigment-correcting treatments with ingredients like:

• Hydroquinone (in select formulations)

• Arbutin

• Vitamin C

• Retinol

• Niacinamide

These clinically backed products work at a cellular level to reduce melanin production and visibly lighten dark patches over time. All products are free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances – perfect for sensitive skin.

⭐ 3. CACI Skin Rejuvenation

This non-invasive facial uses microcurrent technology to tone and lift the skin, while simultaneously boosting circulation and cell repair. For pigmentation, we pair this with light therapy and targeted serums to help the skin regenerate and fade marks naturally.

⭐ 4. ELEMIS Expert Touch Facials

Our Expert Touch Reveal and Define Facials use advanced skincare formulas with fruit acids and enzymes to gently exfoliate, reduce pigmentation, and restore luminosity.

These treatments are ideal for more sensitive or reactive skin types looking for a gentler route to brighter skin.

⭐5 Tips for Managing Pigmentation at Home

1. Always wear SPF 30 or above – every single day.

2. Avoid picking spots or scratching your skin.

3. Use antioxidant-rich skincare (think Vitamin C, green tea).

4. Gently exfoliate 1–2x a week to encourage cell turnover.

5. Stick to a consistent skincare routine – pigment fades with patience and persistence.

Let Us Help You Get Your Glow Back

At ICONIC Beautique in Evesham, we understand that pigmentation isn’t just a cosmetic concern – it affects how you feel about your skin. That’s why we offer expert-led consultations, personalised skincare plans, and advanced in-clinic treatments to give you real results.

Book your Skin Consultation or Pigment-Fading Facial today and let’s start your journey to clearer, more radiant skin.

📍 ICONIC Beautique, Evesham
📞 01386 246704
🌐 www.iconicbeautique.com