Dark Spots and Discolouration: Effective Treatments That Actually Work

From sun damage and hormonal melasma to post-acne marks, pigmentation can be stubborn and frustrating. But with the right strategy—combining consistent homecare and targeted in-clinic treatments—you can achieve a clearer, more even complexion. Here’s what actually works.

A strong homecare routine is essential for treating and preventing pigmentation. It lays the groundwork for professional treatments to work more effectively.

This is your #1 defence. UV exposure stimulates melanin and worsens pigmentation. A broad-spectrum SPF, reapplied throughout the day, is non-negotiable.

• Vitamin C : Antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces melanin production.

• Niacinamide : Reduces inflammation and regulates pigment transfer.

• Alpha Arbutin & Licorice Extract : Gently lighten uneven tone without irritation.

• AHAs/BHAs : Help remove pigmented skin cells and increase actives' penetration.

Vitamin A derivatives (like retinol or retinal ) are powerful for:

• Increasing cell turnover to shed pigmented cells faster

• Inhibiting tyrosinase (enzyme responsible for melanin production)

• Boosting collagen and improving skin texture

Introduce Vitamin A slowly—2–3 nights a week—and build up as tolerated. Always pair with SPF during the day.

A compromised barrier can worsen pigmentation. Use moisturisers with hyaluronic acid , ceramides , and soothing botanicals to support skin health and reduce inflammation.

The Cosmelan® Peel is one of the most advanced and effective professional treatments available for reducing stubborn pigmentation, including melasma , sun damage , post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) , and age spots . It works at both the surface and cellular level to visibly improve uneven tone and prevent future pigment from developing.

Unlike other treatments that only target surface pigment, Cosmelan acts on the melanocyte , the pigment-producing cell in the deeper layers of the skin. It inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase , which is essential in the production of melanin (the pigment that causes dark spots).

By interrupting the melanin cycle at the source, Cosmelan doesn’t just treat visible pigmentation—it also prevents recurrence , making it a more comprehensive solution for persistent discolouration.

Cosmelan is suitable for:

• All skin types and tones

• All forms of hyperpigmentation, including hormonal melasma

• Clients who haven’t responded to standard brightening treatments

• Those looking for long-term prevention and correction of pigment

After the in-clinic peel, clients typically experience:

• Redness and peeling for several days post-treatment as the skin undergoes controlled resurfacing

• A clearer, more even complexion typically visible within 10–14 days

• Continued improvement over several months as skin regenerates

• Targets the root cause of pigmentation, not just surface symptoms

• Suitable for all ethnicities and Fitzpatrick skin types

• Reduces the appearance of existing pigment and helps prevent its return

• Helps improve skin tone, brightness, and overall texture

Cosmelan includes a mandatory homecare component and consists of a full skin care routine to prolong results, support skin recovery, and keep melanin activity under control. Proper use of SPF, gentle hydration, and pigment inhibitors is essential during this time.

Microneedling stimulates the skin’s natural healing process to improve pigmentation, texture, and tone.

• Accelerates cell renewal to fade dark spots

• Boosts collagen for smoother, firmer skin

• Enhances penetration of pigment-fading serums like Vitamin C or tranexamic acid

• Post-inflammatory pigmentation (from acne or injury)

• Sunspots and mild melasma

• Skin that’s prepped and barrier-resilient

Professional sessions are typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with a series of 3–6 treatments recommended.

Step	Product Type	Key Ingredients	Frequency
Cleanser	Gentle, non-stripping	No actives	AM & PM
Serum	Brightening	Vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin	AM
Exfoliant	AHA/BHA	Glycolic, lactic, salicylic acid	2–3x/week PM
Vitamin A	Retinal or retinol	Night-time regeneration	PM (2–5x/week)
Pigment Inhibitor	Cosmelan 2 or botanical blend	Ongoing suppression	PM. No other actives/exfoliants to be used
Moisturiser	Barrier support	Ceramides, HA	AM & PM
SPF 30+	Daily protection	Zinc oxide or filters	AM (reapply every 2–3 hours)

Fading pigmentation requires a combined approach: consistency at home, professional guidance, and the right active ingredients—particularly Vitamin A, C, niacinamide, and SPF . For stubborn discolouration, the Cosmelan® Method and microneedling offer clinically proven results that can transform the skin's clarity and evenness.

If you have pigmentation issues, please book in for a Skin Health Discovery Session to see what treatments and products are right for you.