SKIN CONCERN
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Pigmentation is not one single concern—and the same treatment is not appropriate for every pigmentation pattern. Start by finding the description that most closely matches what you see.
Pigmentation is not one single concern—and the same treatment is not appropriate for every pigmentation pattern. Start by finding the description that most closely matches what you see.
What best describes your pigmentation?
What best describes your pigmentation?
Choose the pattern that most closely resembles your concern. A professional assessment is still important, particularly when pigmentation is changing, recurrent or difficult to identify.
Choose the pattern that most closely resembles your concern. A professional assessment is still important, particularly when pigmentation is changing, recurrent or difficult to identify.
SUN SPOTS AND FRECKLES
Distinct brown spots or freckles that have gradually appeared with sun exposure.
View recommended approaches →
DIFFUSE SUN DAMAGE AND UNEVEN TONE
Widespread mottled pigmentation, uneven colouring or a generally sun-damaged appearance.
View recommended approaches →
PATCHY OR RECURRING PIGMENTATION
Larger patches that may appear symmetrically and often return after treatment or sun exposure.
View recommended approaches →
DARK MARKS AFTER INFLAMMATION
Brown or grey marks remaining after acne, irritation, injury or another inflammatory skin concern.
View recommended approaches →
I’M NOT SURE
Pigmentation can look similar even when the underlying cause is different.
View recommended approaches →
Why identifying the pigmentation pattern matters
Why identifying the pigmentation pattern matters
Treating pigmentation without first considering its pattern and likely cause can lead to disappointing results, recurrence or, in some cases, worsening pigmentation. The diagnosis matters more than the machine.
Treating pigmentation without first considering its pattern and likely cause can lead to disappointing results, recurrence or, in some cases, worsening pigmentation. The diagnosis matters more than the machine.
Treatment approaches by pigmentation pattern
Treatment approaches by pigmentation pattern
These are general educational pathways. The most appropriate option depends on the pigmentation pattern, skin type, treatment history and individual risk profile.
These are general educational pathways. The most appropriate option depends on the pigmentation pattern, skin type, treatment history and individual risk profile.
01
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Sun spots and freckles
Distinct brown spots or freckles that have gradually appeared with sun exposure.
START HERE
IPL and pigment-targeting laser
IPL and pigment-targeting laser may be considered for distinct, superficial sun-related pigmentation.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Pigment-focused topical care
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Often suited to distinct, superficial sun-related pigmentation. The exact treatment depends on the depth and type of pigment as well as the person’s skin characteristics.
01
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Sun spots and freckles
Distinct brown spots or freckles that have gradually appeared with sun exposure.
START HERE
IPL and pigment-targeting laser
IPL and pigment-targeting laser may be considered for distinct, superficial sun-related pigmentation.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Pigment-focused topical care
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Often suited to distinct, superficial sun-related pigmentation. The exact treatment depends on the depth and type of pigment as well as the person’s skin characteristics.
01
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Sun spots and freckles
Distinct brown spots or freckles that have gradually appeared with sun exposure.
START HERE
IPL and pigment-targeting laser
IPL and pigment-targeting laser may be considered for distinct, superficial sun-related pigmentation.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Pigment-focused topical care
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Often suited to distinct, superficial sun-related pigmentation. The exact treatment depends on the depth and type of pigment as well as the person’s skin characteristics.
02
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Diffuse sun damage and uneven tone
Widespread mottled pigmentation, uneven colouring or a generally sun-damaged appearance.
START HERE
IPL and superficial chemical peels
IPL and superficial chemical peels may be considered for broader pigmentation across the skin.
CONSIDER NEXT
Pigment-targeting laser
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Pigment-focused topical care
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
A broader treatment approach may be considered when pigmentation is spread across the skin rather than appearing as isolated spots.
02
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Diffuse sun damage and uneven tone
Widespread mottled pigmentation, uneven colouring or a generally sun-damaged appearance.
START HERE
IPL and superficial chemical peels
IPL and superficial chemical peels may be considered for broader pigmentation across the skin.
CONSIDER NEXT
Pigment-targeting laser
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Pigment-focused topical care
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
A broader treatment approach may be considered when pigmentation is spread across the skin rather than appearing as isolated spots.
02
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Diffuse sun damage and uneven tone
Widespread mottled pigmentation, uneven colouring or a generally sun-damaged appearance.
START HERE
IPL and superficial chemical peels
IPL and superficial chemical peels may be considered for broader pigmentation across the skin.
CONSIDER NEXT
Pigment-targeting laser
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Pigment-focused topical care
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
A broader treatment approach may be considered when pigmentation is spread across the skin rather than appearing as isolated spots.
03
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Patchy or recurring pigmentation
Larger patches that may appear symmetrically and often return after treatment or sun exposure.
START HERE
Pigment-stabilising topical care and professional assessment before energy-based treatment
Pigment-stabilising topical care and professional assessment may be considered before energy-based treatment.
CONSIDER NEXT
Selected chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Carefully selected laser or light treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Combination treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Patchy or recurrent pigmentation requires a cautious approach. Aggressive treatment is not always appropriate and ongoing management is often needed.
03
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Patchy or recurring pigmentation
Larger patches that may appear symmetrically and often return after treatment or sun exposure.
START HERE
Pigment-stabilising topical care and professional assessment before energy-based treatment
Pigment-stabilising topical care and professional assessment may be considered before energy-based treatment.
CONSIDER NEXT
Selected chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Carefully selected laser or light treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Combination treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Patchy or recurrent pigmentation requires a cautious approach. Aggressive treatment is not always appropriate and ongoing management is often needed.
03
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Patchy or recurring pigmentation
Larger patches that may appear symmetrically and often return after treatment or sun exposure.
START HERE
Pigment-stabilising topical care and professional assessment before energy-based treatment
Pigment-stabilising topical care and professional assessment may be considered before energy-based treatment.
CONSIDER NEXT
Selected chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Carefully selected laser or light treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Combination treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Patchy or recurrent pigmentation requires a cautious approach. Aggressive treatment is not always appropriate and ongoing management is often needed.
04
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Dark marks after inflammation
Brown or grey marks remaining after acne, irritation, injury or another inflammatory skin concern.
START HERE
Control the underlying inflammation and pigment-focused topical care
Controlling the underlying inflammation and pigment-focused topical care may be considered first.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Carefully selected laser or light treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Treatment should consider both the remaining pigmentation and the cause of the original inflammation. Skin type and risk of further pigmentation are particularly important.
04
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Dark marks after inflammation
Brown or grey marks remaining after acne, irritation, injury or another inflammatory skin concern.
START HERE
Control the underlying inflammation and pigment-focused topical care
Controlling the underlying inflammation and pigment-focused topical care may be considered first.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Carefully selected laser or light treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Treatment should consider both the remaining pigmentation and the cause of the original inflammation. Skin type and risk of further pigmentation are particularly important.
04
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Dark marks after inflammation
Brown or grey marks remaining after acne, irritation, injury or another inflammatory skin concern.
START HERE
Control the underlying inflammation and pigment-focused topical care
Controlling the underlying inflammation and pigment-focused topical care may be considered first.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peels
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
Carefully selected laser or light treatment
When it may fit: may be considered as an alternative approach.
WHY THIS ORDER
Treatment should consider both the remaining pigmentation and the cause of the original inflammation. Skin type and risk of further pigmentation are particularly important.
Different treatments can target the same concern—but not always in the same way
Different treatments can target the same concern—but not always in the same way
Two treatments may both be used for pigmentation while targeting different pigment depths, patterns or causes. Treatment Map helps explain where options overlap, where they differ and when an alternative may not provide an equivalent result.
Treat the Concern, Not the Device.
Not sure which pigmentation pattern sounds like yours?
Not sure which pigmentation pattern sounds like yours?
Answer a few questions about your skin, pigmentation and treatment preferences to explore the treatment categories commonly considered.