How to treat pigmentation and dark spots
TL;DR
Effective pigmentation treatment combines the right in-salon treatment with daily sun protection. Chemical peels and SKINSTORM facials can help fade sun spots, uneven tone and the dark marks left after spots, usually over a course. Wearing SPF 30 or higher every day is essential, and melasma should be checked by a GP or dermatologist.
Pigmentation treatment is one of the most requested skincare services we offer, because dark spots and uneven tone are so common. The good news is that most pigmentation can be improved. The key is understanding what has caused it, choosing the right treatment and protecting your skin so it doesn't come back.
This guide explains the main types of pigmentation, the treatments that can help, how long results take and when to see a doctor. Gina has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry and specialises in skincare, so this reflects the advice we give at our Sutton Coldfield salon every week.
Quick facts
- The concern
- dark spots, patches or uneven skin tone
- What causes it
- sun exposure, inflammation after spots or injury, and hormones
- Treatments that can help
- Medik8 chemical peels, SKINSTORM facials and the Medik8 body peel
- Typical sessions
- a course of treatments, as pigmentation fades gradually
- Essential
- SPF 30 or higher every day, all year round
- Price
- peels from £40, SKINSTORM from £175
- First step
- a free skin consultation to identify your type of pigmentation
What causes pigmentation?
Pigmentation happens when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, in one area. The most common triggers are sun exposure, inflammation and hormones. Over time, these create darker spots or patches that stand out against the rest of your skin.
The main types of pigmentation
- Sun spots: flat brown spots on areas that see the most sun, such as the face, chest and hands.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: dark marks left after spots, picking, burns or other skin injury. This is more common in deeper skin tones.
- Melasma: larger, symmetrical patches, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, linked to hormones and sunlight.
Each type responds differently, so the first step in any pigmentation treatment is working out which one you have.
What is the best pigmentation treatment?
The best pigmentation treatment depends on the type and depth of your pigmentation, but for sun spots and post-inflammatory marks, chemical peels are often the most effective salon option. They speed up the skin's natural renewal, helping darker cells shed so a more even tone comes through. A SKINSTORM facial is another good choice for an all-round approach.
Chemical peels for pigmentation
Our Medik8 chemical peels target uneven tone, texture and pigmentation, and we usually start with a gentler peel before building up strength. For pigmentation on the body, the Medik8 body peel is designed for pigmentation and scarring on areas such as the back and chest. You can read more in our guide to how chemical peels work and which strength is right for you.
SKINSTORM for pigmentation
A SKINSTORM facial includes resurfacing with phototherapy light, with green light used to target pigmentation, plus an oxygen ice peel. Pigmentation and dark marks are among the concerns it treats, and a course of six is recommended for a specific concern.
Gina's tip: Keep a sunscreen in your handbag and reapply it at lunchtime. Most of the pigmentation I see has built up from everyday sun, not holidays.
Why is SPF essential for pigmentation?
SPF is essential because sun exposure is the biggest trigger for pigmentation, and it can undo the results of any pigmentation treatment within weeks. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, reapply when you're outdoors, and wear a hat in strong sun. Without daily protection, dark spots usually return.
The NHS recommends SPF 30 or higher with at least 4-star UVA protection, and UVA reaches your skin even on cloudy UK days and through windows. That's why we ask every pigmentation client to make SPF a daily habit.
Is melasma different, and when should you see a doctor?
Yes, melasma behaves differently from other pigmentation. It's linked to hormones, such as pregnancy or the contraceptive pill, as well as sunlight and heat, and it can be stubborn and come back. Because of this, melasma is best assessed by a GP or dermatologist before any salon treatment, and some treatments that involve heat can make it worse.
The British Association of Dermatologists has a helpful patient leaflet on melasma that explains the causes and medical treatment options. You should also see your GP if a dark spot changes shape, size or colour, bleeds, itches or looks different from your other marks, as new or changing spots should always be checked.
Who should check with us first
Peels aren't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active cold sores or skin infections, or after recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane) use. If you have a deeper skin tone, we'll take extra care to choose a gentle approach, because some treatments can trigger new pigmentation if they're too strong.
How long does pigmentation treatment take to work?
Most pigmentation fades gradually over a course of treatments rather than after a single session. You may notice brighter, more even skin after your first treatment, with darker spots continuing to fade over the following weeks and months. Deeper or hormonal pigmentation usually takes longer and needs ongoing care.
At Gina Rose Beauty, peels start from £40 for an enzyme peel, with the Medik8 Universal peel at £80 and the Medik8 Advanced peel at £100. SKINSTORM starts from £175, or £950 for a course of six. We'll recommend the right treatment and number of sessions for your skin at your free consultation.
About the author
Gina is the owner of Gina Rose Beauty in Sutton Coldfield and has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry. She specialises in advanced skincare and runs a fully accredited training academy for aspiring beauty professionals. Meet Gina and the team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Book a free skin consultation in Sutton Coldfield
Ready to tackle dark spots and uneven tone? Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll identify your type of pigmentation and recommend the right pigmentation treatment, with clear pricing. Book your free skin consultation on Fresha
You can also read more about what happens at a skin consultation, chemical peels at Gina Rose Beauty, or explore all our skincare treatments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pigmentation treatment?
It depends on your type of pigmentation. For sun spots and dark marks after spots, a course of chemical peels is often the most effective pigmentation treatment, combined with daily SPF.
How can I get rid of dark spots on my face?
Most dark spots fade with a course of pigmentation treatment, such as chemical peels or SKINSTORM facials, plus SPF 30 or higher every day. Without sun protection, dark spots usually come back.
Can pigmentation be removed permanently?
Pigmentation can often be faded significantly, but it can return if your skin isn't protected from the sun. Daily SPF is the best way to keep results.
How long does it take for pigmentation to fade?
Usually several weeks to months over a course of treatments. Deeper or hormonal pigmentation, such as melasma, tends to take longer.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost?
Chemical peels start from £40 and SKINSTORM facials from £175 at our Sutton Coldfield salon. We'll recommend a plan and price at your free consultation.
Is melasma permanent?
Melasma can be long-lasting and often comes back, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes. It's best assessed by a GP or dermatologist before any salon treatment.
Is pigmentation treatment safe for darker skin?
Yes, with the right approach. Deeper skin tones are more prone to pigmentation from inflammation, so we choose gentler treatments and build up carefully.