Pigmentation & Sun Damage
Sydney's sun is beautiful — and unforgiving. Whether you're dealing with years of accumulated exposure, hormonal changes, or spots that appeared seemingly overnight, there's a path forward.
What's actually happening
Pigmentation is your skin's response to perceived threat — usually UV exposure, but also inflammation, hormonal changes, or heat. Your skin produces melanin as protection, but sometimes that protection goes into overdrive, leaving visible marks that persist long after the trigger is gone.
Living in Sydney means living with some of the highest UV levels in the world. Even careful sun avoiders accumulate damage over decades. The good news: much of this is treatable. The honest truth: it takes time and consistency.
Why pigmentation happens
Melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin — respond to signals from your environment. UV exposure is the primary trigger, but they also respond to:
- Inflammation — acne, eczema, or any skin injury can leave dark marks
- Hormones — pregnancy, contraceptives, and menopause all affect melanin production
- Heat — even without UV, heat can trigger pigmentation
- Medications — some medications increase photosensitivity
Understanding your triggers is essential. Treatment without addressing the cause is fighting an uphill battle.
The types you might see
Sun spots / age spots (solar lentigines) — flat, brown spots in areas of sun exposure. Hands, face, chest, shoulders.
Melasma — larger patches, often symmetrical, typically on cheeks, forehead, upper lip. Strongly linked to hormones and often called "the mask of pregnancy."
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — dark marks left after acne, injuries, or procedures. More common in darker skin tones.
Freckles — genetic, but intensified by sun exposure. Some people love them; others want to fade them.
Each type responds differently to treatment. What works for sun spots may make melasma worse. This is why assessment matters.
The Australian reality
We have some of the highest UV radiation in the world. Our ozone layer is thinner, our sun is stronger, and even overcast days carry UV exposure.
If you've lived here most of your life, you've accumulated UV damage — even if you've been careful. This isn't a judgement; it's just reality. And it's reality we've been treating at Eden since 2007.
How Eden approaches pigmentation
Pigmentation treatment requires patience and precision. We don't take aggressive approaches that risk making things worse — particularly with melasma, which can flare dramatically if treated incorrectly.
Identify the type and cause
Not all pigmentation is the same. We assess what type you're dealing with and what's driving it — this determines the entire treatment approach.
Protect while treating
There's no point fading pigmentation while creating new damage. Sun protection isn't optional — it's the foundation everything else builds on.
Gradual, progressive improvement
We target pigmentation in a controlled way, allowing your skin to heal and respond between treatments. Aggressive approaches often backfire.
Treatments we use
Cosmelan Depigmentation
Our gold-standard treatment for stubborn pigmentation and melasma. A professional peel system that suppresses melanin production at the source, followed by a structured home care protocol.
Learn moreIPL Pigmentation Treatment
Light-based treatment that targets and breaks down pigment clusters. Particularly effective for sun spots and freckles. Not suitable for all pigmentation types — we'll advise what's right for you.
Learn moreClinical Peels
Carefully selected peels that encourage cell turnover and help fade surface pigmentation while preparing skin for more intensive treatments.
Learn moreCustomised Brightening Treatments
Targeted facials incorporating tyrosinase inhibitors and skin-brightening actives to gradually even skin tone.
Learn moreHealite II LED
Supports healing and helps calm inflammation that could trigger more pigmentation. Often used alongside other treatments.
Learn moreWhat to expect
Pigmentation that's been building for years won't disappear in a single treatment. Here's a realistic picture:
First 4-6 weeks: Assessment, establishing protective home care, possibly initial treatments. Some pigmentation may temporarily darken before fading — this is normal.
Months 2-4: Progressive lightening as treatments work. You'll start seeing the spots fade and skin tone evening out.
Months 4-6: Continued improvement. For melasma especially, this is when we really see results stabilise.
Ongoing: Maintenance treatments and consistent sun protection. Pigmentation can return if you stop protecting your skin — this is about long-term management, not a one-time fix.
The home care factor
Professional treatments alone won't solve pigmentation. What you do daily is just as important:
Sunscreen — SPF 50+, every day, reapplied. This is non-negotiable. The best treatment in the world won't help if you're creating new damage.
Vitamin C — An antioxidant that helps protect against UV-induced damage and supports brightening.
Tyrosinase inhibitors — Ingredients like arbutin, kojic acid, or prescription hydroquinone (when appropriate) that slow melanin production.
We'll build a routine that makes sense for your life. It doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.
Is this you?
You might be dealing with pigmentation concerns if...
- Dark spots have appeared on your face, chest, or hands — and they're not fading
- You've noticed patches of darker skin on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip
- Acne or skin injuries leave dark marks that take months to fade
- Your skin tone looks uneven, and makeup doesn't quite cover it
- You've been using brightening products but not seeing much change
- You're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and seeing the cumulative effect of sun exposure
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes have left lasting marks on your skin
Years of sun exposure are catching up with me. I want to address it properly, not just cover it with makeup.
I had melasma during pregnancy and it never fully went away. I need someone who actually understands what they're treating.
Related concerns
Ready to even things out?
Pigmentation treatment is personal — the approach that works depends on what type you're dealing with, your skin tone, and what's driving it. A consultation lets us assess properly and build the right plan.
Prefer to chat first? Call us on 02 9550 1777