Dark spots, patches of uneven tone and marks left behind after breakouts are some of the most common concerns our team is asked about. They are also some of the most confusing to treat, because there are several different types of pigmentation and a long list of ingredients that claim to help.
This guide explains the main types of pigmentation, how the different treatments work, and how the products we stock compare, so you can choose a routine that suits your skin.
The three main types of pigmentation
- Sun spots and age spots. Flat, defined brown marks on areas that see the most sun, such as the face, hands and chest. They build up over years of UV exposure.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The flat marks left behind after a spot, a scratch or irritation has healed. They are common in blemish-prone skin and in deeper skin tones, and usually fade over time with the right care.
- Melasma. Larger, patchy areas of darker skin, often across the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. It is linked to hormones as well as sun, heat and visible light, so it tends to be the most stubborn type and can return.
How pigmentation treatments work
Pigment (melanin) is made deep in the skin and then passed up to the surface. Good pigmentation routines usually combine several of these approaches:
- Protect. A daily broad-spectrum SPF stops new pigment from being triggered. Without this step, other treatments struggle to keep up.
- Slow pigment production. Ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutin and liquorice extract help reduce the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes melanin.
- Reduce pigment transfer. Ingredients such as niacinamide help limit how much pigment reaches the surface cells.
- Renew the surface. Vitamin A and gentle acids such as glycolic, mandelic and lactic acid help shed discoloured surface cells more quickly.
How the pigmentation treatments we stock compare
| Product | How it works | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid SPF50+ | Very high protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A, with niacinamide | Every pigmentation routine, especially melasma. Use every morning |
| Environ Mela-Prep Lotion | Helps inhibit tyrosinase and reduce melanin transfer | Sun damage and dark spots, alongside Environ vitamin A |
| Environ Mela-Fade Serum System | Two serums used together to target several stages of pigment formation | Stubborn pigmentation, as part of the Environ Mela-Smart System |
| Environ Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream | Vitamins C and E to help even tone and protect against environmental stress | Uneven tone, dullness and visible sun damage |
| Dermaceutic Mela Cream | 3% kojic acid, arbutin, liquorice, mandelic, phytic and salicylic acids | Stubborn spots and post-blemish marks. Evening use, not for sensitive skin |
| Dermaceutic C25 Cream | 25% vitamin C with vitamins A, E and B5 | Dull, uneven skin that also shows signs of ageing |
| NeoStrata Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector | 1% kojic acid, vitamin C, liquorice and AHAs | Targeted use on individual dark spots |
| NeoStrata Enlighten Pigment Controller | NeoGlucosamine, retinol and alpine plant extracts | Age spots and sun damage. Evening use |
| Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum | Brightening actives with light-diffusing technology | Dark spots from sun exposure and breakouts |
| Epionce MelanoLyte Tx Brightening Lotion | Liquorice root and willow bark, a botanical approach | Sensitive skin and long-term daily use |
| Circadia Bright White Serum | Antioxidants and brightening agents, free from hydroquinone and kojic acid | Sensitive skin and long-term use |
| Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Even IQ | Supplement with vitamin C, niacin (B3), zinc and plant nutrients | Supporting an even-looking complexion from within, alongside skincare |
Which should you choose?
For sun spots and age spots
Start with a daily SPF, then add a vitamin C treatment in the morning and a targeted treatment or vitamin A in the evening. The NeoStrata Enlighten Pigment Controller or Dermaceutic Mela Cream work well here, and Environ users can build the full Mela-Smart System around their vitamin A step.
For marks left after breakouts
Keep breakouts under control first, as each new spot can leave a new mark. Formulas with gentle acids, such as Dermaceutic Mela Cream or Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum, help on both fronts. Our blemish-prone skin collection has more options.
For melasma
Protection matters most. Choose an SPF that also covers visible light, such as Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid, reapply through the day, and favour steady, gentle treatments over strong ones, as irritation can make melasma worse. Melasma is best managed long term, so we recommend speaking to your GP or a dermatologist as well.
For sensitive skin
Look for gentler, botanical brighteners such as Epionce MelanoLyte Tx or Circadia Bright White Serum, and introduce them slowly.
Our team's tip: pigmentation fades gradually. Give a new routine at least 8 to 12 weeks before judging the results, and take a photo in the same light at the start so you can compare.
Getting the best results
- Wear SPF every morning, all year round, including on cloudy days and in winter.
- Introduce one new active product at a time, giving each a couple of weeks before adding another.
- Avoid using several strong acids and vitamin A on the same night unless your routine is designed for it.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby, please check with your GP or midwife before using vitamin A or retinol products.
- Environ is consultation-led. You can order as normal, then complete a short consultation, and our team reviews your order before it is sent.
When to seek advice
Most pigmentation is harmless, but please see your GP or a dermatologist if a mark is new and changing in size, shape or colour, is raised, itchy or bleeding, or if you notice patches appearing suddenly.
Not sure where to start? Take our skin quiz or browse our pigmentation collection, and our team is always happy to help.
