Home / Concerns / Pigmentation & melasma

Pigmentation & melasma

Sun spots, post-acne marks and melasma need different approaches. We assess your pigmentation before recommending a personalised plan.

4 treatments Consultation first South Melbourne
Book a consultation
Close portrait showing freckling and sun-related pigmentation across the cheeks and nose
The concern

Pigmentation is not one condition.

Freckles, sun spots, post-inflammatory marks and melasma can look similar but behave very differently. Treating visible colour without understanding its likely source can lead to disappointing results and, in some cases, make pigmentation more difficult to manage.

At neoSKiN, assessment comes first. We consider the pattern, colour, depth and triggers of visible pigmentation before discussing light, laser, peel or home-care options.

What shapes the plan.

Common types of visible pigmentation
  • Sun-related pigmentation: freckles, sun spots and mottled tone associated with cumulative UV exposure
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: brown or grey marks that remain after acne, irritation or injury
  • Melasma: recurring, usually symmetrical patches influenced by hormones, UV exposure, visible light and heat
  • Uneven tone: a combination of pigment, redness, texture and dehydration affecting overall clarity

Pigmented lesions that are new, changing, irregular, bleeding or otherwise concerning must be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment.

Why pigmentation requires a tailored plan

Skin tone, recent tanning, medication, hormones, heat exposure, previous treatment and the tendency to develop post-inflammatory pigment all affect suitability. Melasma in particular often requires long-term management rather than a one-off treatment.

Your clinician may recommend skin preparation before an advanced peel, BBL or laser treatment. Daily broad-spectrum SPF and a suitable home routine are central to maintaining progress.

Treatment options for pigmentation

Depending on assessment, your plan may include:

  • BBL BroadBand Light for suitable superficial sun-related pigmentation and uneven tone
  • MOXI laser for eligible clients with pigmentation, texture and photoageing concerns
  • Pico laser for selected pigment concerns, depending on device indication and skin suitability
  • Peels and resurfacing to support suitable surface pigmentation and cell turnover
  • Dermapen skin needling in selected plans where texture or post-inflammatory change is also relevant
  • Neo Facials and professional home care to support brightness, hydration and barrier health

Not every pigmentation treatment is suitable for melasma. Heat and inflammation can be triggers, so conservative assessment and maintenance planning matter.

Results and maintenance

Some superficial pigment may darken temporarily before it flakes or fades. Other forms improve gradually across a series. Recurrence is possible, particularly with sun exposure, hormonal triggers or melasma.

We will explain whether the goal is clearance, visible reduction or ongoing management. No responsible plan can promise that pigmentation will never return.

FAQs
Is melasma the same as sun damage?

No. UV exposure can worsen both, but melasma is a recurring pigment condition influenced by multiple factors, including hormones, visible light and heat. It often needs a different management strategy.

Can laser make pigmentation worse?

Any treatment that creates heat or inflammation has the potential to worsen some pigment conditions or cause post-inflammatory change. Correct diagnosis, device selection, conservative settings and aftercare are essential.

Why is SPF so important?

UV exposure can stimulate pigment and undermine treatment progress. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, shade and other sun-protective measures are part of the treatment plan, not an optional extra.

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on pigment type, depth, skin tone, treatment selected and individual response. Your clinician will outline a staged plan after assessment.

How we treat it

The treatments for pigmentation & melasma.

BBL® BroadBand Light™

Targets surface pigment directly — light energy lifts sun spots and uneven tone with minimal downtime.

MOXI® Laser

Non-ablative laser that clears deeper, stubborn pigment and melasma while renewing overall tone.

Pico Laser

Ultra-short pulses shatter dense or resistant pigment that other wavelengths can't shift.

Peels & Resurfacing

Clinical-grade peels accelerate turnover, fading surface discolouration between light-based sessions.

What to use at home

The routine we would start you on.

Pigment returns with sun exposure, so daily protection matters more here than any single active.

Read: Melasma, freckles or sun spots?

A conversation about your skin.

A 30-minute consultation with a senior clinician — honest advice and a written plan. $60, fully redeemable against treatment booked within two weeks.

Book a consultation

Or call (03) 9699 1200 · 175 Wells Street, South Melbourne