Say Goodbye to Dark Spots: Your Clinical Pigment Guide

Expert Skin Advice from Windsor Mews Clinic: Dark Spots

The Truth About Hyperpigmentation

Whether it’s Dark Spots, sun spots from last summer or “maskne” (mask-induced acne) scarring, or hormonal melasma, uneven skin tone is one of the most common concerns we treat at the clinic.

Understanding the Causes of Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, Dark Spots and uneven skin tone are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they represent the skin’s defensive response to various forms of “insult.” Whether the trigger is environmental or internal, these conditions signal a disruption in your skin’s natural pigment regulation.

Common Types of Dark Spots

• Sunspots (Solar Lentigines): The most common form of pigmentation, triggered by cumulative UV exposure. This causes melanocytes to overproduce pigment in an effort to protect deeper skin layers.

• Hormonal Melasma: Often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma presents as symmetrical patches driven by a complex interplay of oestrogen, progesterone, and heat.

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Commonly seen as “maskne” scarring, this occurs when friction and bacterial buildup under a face covering trigger an inflammatory healing response. This leaves behind stubborn dark marks long after the original blemish has cleared.

Comparison of Pigmentation Types

Expert Solutions: Clinical Treatment Pathways

To treat pigmentation effectively, we focus on inhibiting pigment production, accelerating cell turnover, and removing damaged surface layers. At Windsor Mews Clinic, we tailor every treatment to the specific depth and cause of your darkening.

Our Professional Treatments

• Chemical Peels: Best for acne scarring and uneven tone. These peels use specialized acids (such as Salicylic or Glycolic) to dissolve the “glue” holding dead, pigmented cells together, revealing fresher skin.

• Cryopen: A precision treatment for sunspots. Extreme cold targets the melanin directly, shattering the pigment so the body can naturally shed it.

• Microneedling: Our go-to for melasma and deep scarring. It creates controlled micro-injuries to remodel skin structure and pigment distribution without the high heat that can aggravate melasma.

• Medical-Grade Topicals: Often paired with in-clinic procedures, ingredients like Hydroquinone, Cysteamine, or Retinoids act as “pigment inhibitors” to prevent spots from returning.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The longterm secret to fading pigment isn’t a “quick fix”—it’s a clinical strategy. To truly brighten the skin, you must correct existing damage and defend against new pigment.

What can you do in your daily routine to help?

The Power Couple for an Even Tone

To achieve and maintain the luminous, uniform complexion, our clinicians recommend this two-step daily protocol:

Step 1: The Corrector

SkinBetter Science® Even Tone Correcting Serum

Unlike traditional brighteners, this hydroquinone-free serum uses patented brayiv™ technology to break up the appearance of brown patches and yellowing.

• Why we love it: It’s powerful enough to see results in 8–12 weeks but gentle enough for long-term use.

Step 2: The Defender

Revision Skincare Intellishade-truphysical SPF 45

Hyperpigmentation is fueled by UV light. Without medical-grade protection, your correction steps won’t last.

• Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical

  The 5-in-1 100% all-mineral tinted moisturiser for age-defying protection.

   

  The Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical acts as a comprehensive daily treatment that simplifies your morning routine without compromising on results. Specifically, it utilises a 100% all-mineral sunscreen (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) to provide broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection. By blending over 20 age-defying ingredients, it effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Consequently, it delivers a sheer, universal tint that conceals redness and imperfections. Furthermore, this formula is free from chemical sunscreens, making it the perfect choice for sensitive skin or those who prefer a physical barrier.

How to Use Your Pigment Protocol

• Morning: Apply 1-2 pumps of SkinBetter Even Tone Correcting Serum to clean skin. Follow with your Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical and finish with .

• Evening: Apply Even Tone Correcting Serum followed by your SkinBetter AlphaRet® Overnight Cream for accelerated results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pigmentation Treatments

How many sessions will I need to see results?

While some patients notice a brighter complexion after a single Chemical Peel, most pigmentation concerns require a course of treatments. For Sunspots or Melasma, we typically recommend a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart to achieve significant, long-lasting clearance.

Do these treatments hurt?

Most of our pigmentation solutions involve minimal discomfort:

• Chemical Peels may cause a mild tingling or warming sensation.

• Microneedling is performed with a topical numbing cream to ensure you stay comfortable.

• Cryopen involves a brief stinging sensation that subsides almost immediately after the targeted area is treated.

Can I treat dark spots if I have a darker skin tone?

Yes, but caution is key. Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick scales IV-VI) are more prone to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation if treated with the wrong lasers or deep peels. At Windsor Mews Clinic, we use “colour-blind” treatments like Microneedling and specific Mandelic or Lactic peels that are safe and effective for all ethnicities.

Will my dark spots come back?

Hyperpigmentation can be managed, but the skin has a “memory.” Even a single day of unprotected sun exposure can re-trigger melanin production. We provide every patient with a bespoke post-treatment plan, which always includes a high-factor, broad-spectrum SPF to protect your investment and keep spots from returning.

Is there any downtime?

Downtime varies by treatment. Microneedling usually results in 24 hours of redness (similar to a mild sunburn), while Cryopen may result in a small crust or scab that heals within a week. We will provide a full breakdown of what to expect during your initial consultation.

Ready to Restore Your Glow?

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Windsor Mews Clinic