Why Does Pigmentation Become More Visible After Summer?
Ultimately, melanin production is a protective response to harmful UV rays. This helps shield your skin from sun damage. And it’s also why many people get more tanned in the summer months.
But with excessive UV exposure (and the heat), more pronounced skin tone changes and discolouration may occur. This typically happens over many weeks, months, or even years. And yes, even cloudy days can contribute to this cumulative damage.
In fact, the damage may not even show up for several weeks, which means it might not be detectable right away. On top of this, that summer glow tends to cover up any skin tone changes.
Yet, after a summer spent out in the sun, unprotected skin areas may appear darker, giving way to an uneven skin tone. And as your tan fades, this may become more prominent. However, rest assured that this is reversible in most cases, and pigmentation treatment can help.
What is Pigmentation Treatment?
Pigmentation treatment covers a broad range of products and procedures that aim to reduce dark spots, uneven skin tone, and sun spots. This may include:
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Topical creams
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Laser treatments
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IPL photo facials
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Chemical peels
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Hydrafacial
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Dermaelan or cosmelan treatment
Most of these methods work by breaking down the excess melanin or removing the uneven surface layer of the skin. However, the right approach for you often depends on various factors, such as the severity of your skin damage, your skin type, and the type of pigmentation.
It’s also worth noting that topical lightening ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid, are often recommended alongside professional treatments. These help block the enzyme responsible for melanin production, support the skin between sessions, and help maintain your results.
When to Get Pigmentation Treatment
Autumn is the safest correction window. And there are a few reasons for this.
During this time of year, UV levels are much lower. After pigmentation treatment, your skin is more sensitive, especially when it comes to the sun. This means that getting this type of treatment mid-summer, when you plan on being in the sun, may actually cause further discolouration or undo your results.
When you begin this type of treatment in the autumn, it’s more likely your skin will have the chance to heal and recover, without harsh UV rays interfering with this process. In fact, at Dolce Vita Skin, we often recommend pausing any pigmentation treatments in the summer to avoid setbacks and to protect your skin.
With that said, one thing that should never be paused is daily SPF; consistent sun protection is essential throughout any pigmentation treatment plan (and skincare routine).
What Is the Best Pigmentation Treatment?
What’s best for one person isn’t always best for the next. This is why having your skin properly assessed is the most important first step.
Ultimately, many factors determine the best pigmentation treatment for you, including:
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Your skin type
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The severity of damage
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Your daily sun exposure
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The location of the pigmentation
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The type of pigmentation (sun spots, Post-Inflammatory HyperPigmentation or PIHP, melasma, acne scarring, or freckles)
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Any previous skin treatments you’ve undergone
At Dolce Vita Skin, we take all of the above into account, ensuring your skin gets what it needs. Two of our most popular options for pigmentation treatment include IPL photo facials and laser treatments.
IPL Photo Facial
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photo facials use broad-spectrum light to target superficial pigmentation, sun spots, and rosacea. It works by passing pulses of light through the epidermis, where excess melanin absorbs them. As a result, these pigment-producing cells rise to the surface, which is where they disperse and gradually fade.
This type of treatment is best for mild to moderate sun damage and can be used for the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back, arms, legs, and more. It usually takes between three and five 45-minute sessions (spaced at least four weeks apart) to notice any changes.
Laser Treatments
For more severe pigmentation changes, laser treatments provide a more targeted approach. Depending on the type of laser, these treatments operate at a specific wavelength that can penetrate deeper into the skin.
Types of treatments that we usually recommend here include:
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Excel V+: This dual-wavelength laser can address rosacea, veins, pigmentation, skin tags, and more.
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Laser Genesis: This non-invasive treatment uses micro-pulses of laser energy to stimulate collagen remodelling and target brown spots and facial redness.
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Alma Hybrid: This laser treatment combines three handpieces, enabling our practitioners to deliver targeted results tailored to your needs. It can help with sun damage, uneven skin tone, and textural concerns.
If you’re unsure what you need, our team can help determine what’s best for you and your situation. For more complex or chronic cases, advanced rejuvenation treatments may be recommended.
Curious to learn more? Book a personalised skin consultation to assess your post-summer skin. Use autumn to reset and repair your skin, helping you radiate from the inside out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best treatment to remove pigmentation?
The best pigmentation treatment for you depends on several factors, including your skin type, the severity of damage, your daily sun exposure, the location of the pigmentation, the type of pigmentation, and any previous skin treatments you’ve had. A personalised skin consultation with our team can determine what’s the next best step for you.
How can I fade pigmentation fast?
Professional treatments are most likely to provide the fastest and most effective results. Yet, either way, it’s a gradual process. Most treatments require several sessions across many months. Between treatments, you’ll be advised to use specific skincare products to support your results. Patience is always key!
What foods remove pigmentation?
No food will technically remove pigmentation. With that said, certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants, may support skin health. Opt for citrus fruits, blueberries, leafy greens, and nuts or seeds. The benefits of eating whole foods like these also extend beyond skin health, potentially supporting your overall health and wellness, too.
