Concerns 03 / 07

Hyperpigmentation.

Frustrated by stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone?

You're not alone, and there's hope. Whether you're dealing with melasma, sun damage, or dark patches left behind by acne, hyperpigmentation can feel like an unwelcome reminder that affects how you see yourself every day.

Understanding Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin produces too much melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its colour. While this process is meant to protect your skin, sometimes it goes into overdrive, creating darker patches that stand out against your natural skin tone.

Understanding why your skin develops these dark areas is the first step toward effective treatment, and it helps explain why some people are more prone to pigmentation issues than others.

Common Types of Hyperpigmentation

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) — the most common type, occurring after any skin injury or inflammation including acne, eczema, cuts, or aggressive skincare treatments. PIH affects up to 65% of individuals with acne and is particularly common in darker skin tones.
Melasma — often called "the mask of pregnancy", melasma appears as symmetrical brown patches typically on the face. It affects women 9:1 compared to men and is strongly linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy, birth control use, or hormone replacement therapy.
Solar Lentigines (Sun/Age Spots) — flat, brown spots developing from prolonged sun exposure over time. They appear on sun-exposed areas like face, hands, chest, and shoulders, caused by cumulative UV damage rather than ageing itself.

Common Triggers and Causes

Understanding what causes your pigmentation helps in both treatment and prevention.

Sun exposure — most significant trigger; UV radiation stimulates melanin production
Hormonal changes — pregnancy, birth control, HRT can trigger melasma
Inflammation — acne, eczema, cuts, burns, or harsh skincare reactions
Genetics — family history significantly increases risk
Certain medications — some antibiotics and anti-seizure medications
Skin type — darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI) are more prone to PIH

Treatment Options at GROOM

How we'll work with you.

Medical-Grade IPL Therapy

Our advanced IPL system effectively treats sun damage, age spots, and certain types of melasma using broad-spectrum light energy to target melanin-rich areas while stimulating collagen production. Light energy is absorbed by excess melanin in dark spots, causing pigmented cells to fragment and be naturally eliminated by your body. Over the following weeks, darkened spots gradually fade.

Medical-grade technology with customisable settings
Treats multiple skin concerns simultaneously
Minimal downtime compared to ablative treatments
Safe for most skin types when properly calibrated

Professional Signature Peels

Our medical-grade chemical peels provide controlled exfoliation specifically effective for hyperpigmentation, penetrating deeper than over-the-counter options for more dramatic results.

BioRePeel — innovative combination of acids with amino acids and vitamins
Signature Peels — customised formulations targeting specific pigmentation types
Glycolic Acid Peels — proven effective for PIH and sun damage
Combination Peels — multi-acid formulations for comprehensive renewal

Medical-Grade Skincare Integration

We provide pharmaceutical-quality products including vitamin C serums, retinoids, and innovative botanicals unavailable over-the-counter. Every patient receives a personalised home care regimen designed to enhance treatment results and prevent new pigmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions, answered.

01 What's the difference between melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation? +

Melasma is specifically triggered by hormonal changes and appears in characteristic patterns, usually symmetrically on the face. It's more persistent and challenging to treat than sun spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation develops after skin injury or inflammation, while sun spots are primarily caused by UV damage over time.
02 Is it safe to treat hyperpigmentation during pregnancy? +

Some treatments should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly those involving hydroquinone or certain chemical peels. However, gentle options like vitamin C serums and mineral sunscreens are safe. We'll work with you to develop a pregnancy-safe maintenance routine and plan more intensive treatments for after delivery.
03 Can all skin types safely receive hyperpigmentation treatments? +

Yes, but treatment selection is crucial. People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI) are at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from aggressive treatments. Our medical-grade equipment allows us to safely treat all skin types by carefully calibrating settings and choosing appropriate treatments.
04 Will my dark spots come back after treatment? +

Properly treated hyperpigmentation often shows long-lasting results, but prevention is key. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, or skin inflammation can trigger new pigmentation. This is why we emphasise strict sun protection and provide maintenance protocols to preserve your results.
05 What's the difference between over-the-counter and professional treatments? +

Professional treatments use higher concentrations of active ingredients and medical-grade technology that isn't available for home use. Our IPL systems, for example, are much more powerful and precise than consumer devices. Professional treatments also come with proper assessment and monitoring to prevent complications.
06 How do I maintain my results long-term? +

Maintenance involves three key components: strict sun protection (SPF 30+ daily), a customised skincare routine with gentle lightening agents, and periodic touch-up treatments as needed. We'll create a maintenance plan specifically for your skin and lifestyle.

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