Darker patches on your skin can knock your confidence, especially as summer approaches and we start shedding layers of clothing. But the many treatments available today can even out your skin tone, to help you feel more confident – no matter how little you are wearing!

By Dr Nina Sheffield, MD, BSc

Pigmentation issues include birthmarks, rosacea, sun damage, melasma, chloasma, freckles, age spots, acne scars and vitiligo.  The different layers of the skin have different structures; we, therefore, have a range of treatments, depending upon how deep your pigmentation is.

The epidermis

This is the top layer of the skin, made up of fat, scale-like cells.  The following treatments are useful for superficial pigmentation issues within the epidermis:

• IPL – Intense PulseD Light
• Chemical peels 
• Topical products

The dermis

This is the thicker, more complex layer underneath the epidermis, which contains blood vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands and other structures.  Our state-of-the-art Q Switch laser is the most effective treatment for deeper pigmentation conditions; the extremely high peak power of the laser enables it to penetrate deeply.

Combined treatments

The complex nature of many pigmentation conditions means we often combine treatments to achieve the best results.  For example, for a condition such as melasma (dark patches), we may well recommend preparing the skin with prescribed topical products followed by laser treatments; this is often more effective than laser treatment on its own.

What you need to know

The healing time for pigmentation treatments varies, depending upon how thick and robust the skin is; treatments on the face normally heal after five days, while the skin on the hands can take up to a fortnight to repair fully.

Traditional pigmentation treatments can only be used on light skin tones; if you have darker skin we will be happy to offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess the best treatments and potential results

Book a no-obligation consultation to discuss pigmentation removal treatment and other aesthetic procedures

Call 01892 22 22 22

Meet the expert

Dr Nina Sheffield qualified as a GP before specialising in Otolaryngology (ENT).  For the last 12 years, she has specialised in medical lasers and cosmetic injections

READ MORE