Pigmentation and Sun Damage
A clear guide to sun damage and pigmentation, why a changing spot needs a skin check first, and the options considered.
- Registered medical practitioner
- Standardised 3D imaging
- A written, personalised plan
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation describes areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells that make pigment, produce more melanin in one area or in an uneven pattern.
Common forms include sun spots (solar lentigines), melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and freckles. Some are harmless, while others need medical attention.
Australia has high ultraviolet exposure, so sun damage is a very common cause of uneven tone. Any new, changing or irregular spot should be checked for skin cancer before it is treated as pigmentation.
What causes pigmentation?
Different kinds of pigmentation have different causes, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters.
Ultraviolet exposure
Cumulative sun exposure stimulates pigment cells and is the main cause of sun spots, freckles and uneven tone in sun-exposed areas.
Hormonal influences
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and some hormonal medicines, are associated with melasma, which commonly affects the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
Skin inflammation
Acne, eczema, injury or some skin procedures can leave brown marks as the skin heals. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Heat and visible light
Heat and visible light may stimulate pigment in melasma, which is why sun protection and heat avoidance both matter.
Genetics and skin type
Family history and skin type influence how readily pigment forms, and deeper skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory change.
Common contributing factors
Reducing exposure to these factors supports any other approach that is chosen.
- Unprotected sun exposure, including incidental daily exposure
- Heat, such as saunas, hot yoga and very hot environments
- Hormonal changes and some hormonal medicines
- Picking, scratching or irritating the skin
- Some skin treatments performed without careful assessment
- Sunbed use, which is associated with skin damage and skin cancer risk
Types of pigmentation
Dr Marie-Claire will examine the skin to work out which type is present, as each is managed differently.
Sun spots (solar lentigines)
Flat, well-defined brown spots on sun-exposed skin such as the face, hands and chest. They reflect cumulative sun damage.
Melasma
Symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. It is managed rather than cured and can return.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Brown marks that follow inflammation or injury to the skin. They may fade gradually over months with sun protection.
Freckles
Small, flat, light brown spots that tend to darken with sun exposure and lighten in winter. They are usually harmless.
Uneven skin tone
A general patchiness of colour that often reflects a mix of sun damage and other factors across the face and neck.
How is pigmentation treated?
Any new, changing or irregular spot needs a skin cancer check before treatment is considered. After that, Dr Marie-Claire will assess your pigmentation type and discuss options in consultation. Individual results vary.
Sun protection and skin health
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection, protective clothing and a suitable skin health routine are the foundation of care for every type of pigmentation.
Discover moreEnergy-based treatments
Energy-based treatments such as laser may be considered for some types of pigmentation after assessment. Melasma can worsen with heat-based treatments, so it needs especially careful assessment before any energy-based approach.
Discover morePrescription topical treatments
Prescription topical treatments, where appropriate, are discussed in consultation. They are chosen according to the type of pigmentation and your medical history.
Frequently asked questions
Should I have a spot checked before treating pigmentation?
Yes. Any new, changing, itchy, bleeding or irregular spot should be checked for skin cancer before it is treated as pigmentation. Australia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin, and if a spot looks concerning she will refer you for a skin cancer check or biopsy first.
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is generally managed rather than cured, and it can return, particularly with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Management focuses on strict sun protection, avoiding heat and a suitable skin health routine, with prescription topical options discussed in consultation. Some heat-based treatments can make melasma worse, so careful assessment comes first.
Can laser help sun spots?
Energy-based treatments such as laser may be considered for some sun spots after assessment. A spot must first be confirmed as harmless, because a changing or irregular spot needs a skin cancer check. Dr Marie-Claire will explain whether an energy-based approach suits your skin type and pigmentation. Individual results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.
How do I tell sun damage from melasma?
Sun spots are usually well-defined, flat brown spots in sun-exposed areas, while melasma appears as symmetrical, patchy brown or grey-brown areas, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. The two can occur together, and the distinction matters for treatment. A clinical assessment in St Kilda helps identify what is present.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends on the area, the approach and the number of sessions, and it is set out in a written plan after consultation. UltraClear treatment prices are published on the pricing page. A consultation at her St Kilda studio lets Dr Marie-Claire examine your skin and discuss the options before anything is agreed.
Treatments that may be considered
Every plan starts with an assessment. Individual results vary.
UltraClear laser
A fractional fibre laser that may be considered for skin texture, pigmentation and scarring after assessment at a St Kilda consultation.
Discover more
Skin health
A tailored daily skincare regimen and sun protection plan, based on an assessment of your skin in St Kilda.
Discover moreRelated conditions
Important information
All medical and aesthetic procedures carry risk. Suitability, risks, recovery and expected outcomes are discussed in a private consultation with Dr Marie-Claire before any treatment is planned. Consultations are not available to anyone under 18. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Treatment is planned only after a full consultation, and options are discussed after assessment, only where clinically appropriate.
Start with a consultation.
Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin, talk through your options and explain the risks before any treatment is planned.