Pigmentation and melasma: everything you need to know in one place

This page brings together our articles on pigmentation and melasma in reading order. Start by understanding the problem, then read about the options, the risks and the rumours you often hear.

1 · Start here

Start With a ConcernDark Spots and Melasma: Causes, When to See a Physician and What Treatments Are AvailableWhat sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory spots are, when to see a physician, why sun protection is essential and what treatments are available.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

2 · By area, type and related treatments

Treatment GuidesPigment Lasers: Which Dark Spots Do Q-Switched and Picosecond Lasers Work On, and Why Is Caution Needed with Melasma?How pigment lasers (Q-switched and picosecond) work on sun spots, freckles and birthmarks, the risks in melasma, sessions and the difference from IPL.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesIPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for Dark Spots and Redness: Who Is It Suitable For, and What Should You Watch Out For?How IPL (intense pulsed light) works for sun spots, redness and fine vessels, who it does not suit, preparation, side effects and realistic expectations.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesSunscreen Guide: How Do You Choose One, How Much Should You Apply and How Often Should You Reapply?How to choose sunscreen, how much to apply and how often to reapply. SPF, broad spectrum, mineral and chemical filters, tinted products, common mistakes.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesRetinoid Guide: What Are Retinol, Tretinoin and Adapalene, How Do You Start, and Who Should Not Use Them?What retinoids are and how retinol differs from tretinoin. Evidence in acne and fine lines, how to start, reducing irritation, why not in pregnancy.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

3 · Risks

Safety CentreBurns and Pigmentation Changes after Laser and IPL: Darkening, Lightening and Scarring — Prevention and What to DoWhy do burns and dark spots occur after laser and IPL, how long do they last? Blisters, darkening, lightening, scars, eye risk: what is normal, what to do.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreProblems after a Chemical Peel: Prolonged Redness, Dark Spots, Infection and Scarring — What to Do?Problems after a chemical peel: prolonged redness, dark spots, cold sores, infection, scarring. Telling normal healing apart, home care and urgent signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreLaser, IPL and Chemical Peels on Olive and Darker Skin: Pigmentation Risk, Choice of Device and Safety PrecautionsAre laser, IPL and peels safe on olive and darker skin? Risk of darkening and lightening, tanned skin, wavelength choice, test pulses and sun protection.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

4 · Rumours

Rumour or Science?Rumour: “You don’t need sunscreen in winter or on cloudy days” — What does the science say?Do you need sunscreen in winter and on cloudy days? UVA through clouds and glass, light reflected by snow, melasma and skin after procedures.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency” — What does the science say?Does sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency? Real-life studies, who is at risk of deficiency, and why sunbathing for vitamin D is not recommended.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board