Skin Pigmentation Concerns
When your reflection doesn’t quite match how you feel.
When your reflection doesn’t quite match how you feel.
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When Your Skin Tone Starts Working Against You
Foundation was meant to even things out. Instead it’s become a daily negotiation. A bit more on the cheek. Blend it into the jaw so the edge doesn’t show. Set it. Check it in natural light. Add concealer where the patch is darkest. By lunch, it starts to break down and the pigmentation shows through again, a little darker than you remembered.
What wears you down isn’t the pigmentation itself. It’s the routine that’s built up around hiding it. The extra ten minutes. The specific foundation you can’t switch from. The way you angle your face in photos without really thinking about it anymore. You’ve made peace with it, but peace isn’t the same as confidence.
The goal is to get you to a point where your skin is the least interesting part of your morning. It’s about stripping away that layer of daily frustration so you can stop managing your face and start trusting it again.
$100 deposit is required to secure your appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
Real Results, Real Patients
Images cropped to the eye area to preserve client anonymity. Results are from personalised treatment plans created after comprehensive consultation.
*Individual results may vary. A consultation with a medical professional is required to determine suitability.
$100 deposit is required to secure your appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
Client Reviews
What our clients say
Not sure what's causing your skin pigmentation concerns?
A consultation takes the guesswork out. We’ll assess your anatomy and walk you through your options — honestly and without pressure.
Anatomy-led assessment before any recommendation
Your plan is based on your anatomy, not trends
Complimentary follow-up and 24/7 aftercare access
$100 deposit is required to secure your appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
What's Behind the Changes You're Seeing
01
UV and Environmental Exposure
The single biggest driver of how your skin ages is also the most underestimated. UV exposure breaks down collagen, triggers pigment production, thickens the outer layer of skin unevenly, and weakens the structural proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Pollution, blue light, and the dry recycled air of offices and planes add to the load. None of it leaves a mark overnight, but it accumulates faster than most people realise, and the visible changes show up years after the damage was done.
- The largest contributor to dullness, texture, fine lines, and uneven tone
- Effects compound silently before becoming visible at the surface
- Daily SPF is the single most effective preventative measure available
02
Age-Related Changes
Skin behaves differently in your thirties than it did in your twenties, and differently again in your forties. Collagen production slows from your mid-twenties onwards, losing roughly one percent per year. Cell turnover, which used to refresh the surface every twenty-eight days, gradually stretches out, leaving dead cells lingering longer. Oil production drops, hydration retention weakens, and the structural fat that gave your face its smoothness starts to redistribute.
- Collagen, hydration, and cell turnover all decline gradually with age
- Changes compound across multiple skin functions simultaneously
- The shift is normal and unavoidable, but how it presents varies between people
03
Lifestyle and Daily Habits
What your skin looks like is partly a record of how you’ve been living. Sleep affects barrier repair and inflammation. Hydration affects how plump and reflective the skin surface looks. Stress raises cortisol, which interferes with collagen production and slows healing. Diet affects everything from inflammation levels to oil production to the appearance of fine lines. The daily decisions stack up over months and years, and they show on your face long before they show anywhere else.
- Sleep, hydration, stress, and diet all influence visible skin quality
- Effects build slowly but become entrenched if patterns persist
- Lifestyle changes alone often aren’t enough to reverse what’s already visible
04
Skincare Habits and Over-Treatment
The instinct when skin starts changing is to do more. More products, stronger actives, longer routines. Often, the result is a skin barrier that’s been worked too hard, leaving it inflamed, dehydrated, and more reactive than it was before. Over-exfoliation strips the surface. Layering too many actives can interfere with each other rather than work together. Skin care that doesn’t match what your skin actually needs can deepen the very concerns you’re trying to fix.
- More products doesn’t translate to better skin
- A compromised barrier worsens texture, dryness, and sensitivity
- Knowing what to remove from a routine matters as much as what to add
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Understanding the cause is the first step to effective treatment.
$100 deposit is required to secure your appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
What the Research Says About Treating Skin Pigmentation
Intense Pulsed Light and Pigmented Lesions
A 2024 clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology looked at how intense pulsed light (IPL) performs across a range of pigmentation types, including solar lentigines, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma.
IPL was reported as safe and effective across the pigmentation types assessed, with stronger outcomes in more superficial lesions. Broader review evidence supports this, noting IPL is consistently effective for lentigines and ephelides and may improve melasma.
The literature is clear that while IPL has a well-established role, outcomes vary between pigmentation types and between individuals, and that assessment of the underlying pigmentation is what shapes whether IPL is the right fit.
The studies referenced on this page were conducted independently. Luxe Lips was not involved in the research, are not affiliated with the authors or institutions, and the findings discussed are provided for general information only. Individual results vary and any treatment decision should be based on a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.
Picosecond Laser for Melasma and Benign Pigmented Lesions
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Lasers in Medical Science evaluated picosecond laser for melasma across multiple wavelengths.
The review found picosecond laser significantly reduced melasma severity scores, with the 1064 nm wavelength showing the most consistent results. The authors noted that while findings are promising, heterogeneity between studies means larger trials with longer follow-up are still needed to draw firmer conclusions.
Chemical Peels and Pigmentation Management
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology assessed chemical peels as a single-agent treatment for melasma, drawing on ten randomised controlled trials and three prospective comparative studies.
Chemical peels were found to be safe and effective in the management of melasma, with glycolic acid showing favourable outcomes compared to trichloroacetic acid in reducing severity scores. The authors flagged that risk profiles shift depending on skin type, particularly in deeper skin tones where post-inflammatory pigmentation risk is higher.
Treatment Pathways for Skin Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation isn’t a single condition with a single fix. What’s driving it, how deep it sits, and how your skin has responded in the past all influence what makes sense to try.
Here’s how different presentations are typically approached.
| CONCERN | CONSULTATION MAY EXPLORE | ALTERNATIVES |
|---|---|---|
| Dark circles (vascular) | IPL Lumecca, Rejuran Injectables | Skincare, sun protection |
| Tear trough hollowing | Volumising approaches, | PRP/PRF, Rejuran |
| Puffiness / fluid retention | Rejuran, PRP/PRF, laser | Lifestyle, lymphatic drainage |
| Fine lines / crepey skin | SmoothEye, Morpheus8, Rejuran | Chemical peels, skincare |
Every condition carries its own depth, trigger, and response pattern. The right approach is the one matched to what’s happening in your skin, which is what a consultation sets out to establish.
Lumecca IPL
Broad-spectrum intense pulsed light technology designed to target pigmented and vascular concerns, often suited to sun damage, solar lentigines, and uneven tone across larger areas.
PicoSure Laser
Picosecond laser technology that fragments pigment at a cellular level with minimal thermal impact, aimed at melasma and benign pigmented lesions where heat-driven inflammation needs to be kept low.
Fotona5D Laser
Nd:YAG laser technology that works at depth, used to address deeper dermal pigmentation and vascular irregularities across a range of skin types.
Skin Microneedling with Exosomes
Collagen induction therapy combined with exosome application, approached as a way to support skin regeneration and calm inflammatory pigmentation during recovery.
Chemical Peels
Controlled exfoliation at varying depths, suited to epidermal pigmentation, melasma management, and post-inflammatory marks where surface remodelling is the goal.
Fotona Luxe Rejuv
Luxe Lips proprietary laser treatment that addresses both pigmentation irregularities and vascular concerns simultaneously.
$100 deposit is required to secure your appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
Your Journey: Before, During & Aftercare
If you’re worried about preparation, discomfort, or what you can and can’t do afterwards, you’re asking the right questions.
Before Your Visit
- ☐A list of current medications and supplements
- ☐Details of previous cosmetic treatments
- ☐Known allergies or skin sensitivities
- ☐Your main concern areas
- ☐Upcoming events or travel
First time? Book a consultation without committing.
During Your Assessment
Your practitioner will examine the type and depth of pigmentation present, how it’s distributed across the face, any likely triggers from your history (sun exposure, hormones, past inflammation), and how your skin has responded to previous treatments. They will explain what’s driving your condition and walk you through which approaches may be appropriate for you.
No obligation to proceed.
During Your Assessment
Your practitioner will examine the type and depth of pigmentation present, how it’s distributed across the face, any likely triggers from your history (sun exposure, hormones, past inflammation), and how your skin has responded to previous treatments. They will explain what’s driving your condition and walk you through which approaches may be appropriate for you.
No obligation to proceed.
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$100 deposit is required to secure your appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
Why Melbourne Patients Trust Luxe Lips
- ✓Consultation-first approach — assessment before any recommendation
- ✓Doctor-supported clinical team with extensive training
- ✓Conservative-first philosophy. We recommend less, not more
- ✓24/7 real person aftercare support
- ✓Complimentary follow-up with every treatment
- ✓Three convenient Melbourne locations
- ✓Transparent, no-pressure consultations
Getting the cause right is what makes the difference. That is where we start.
Pick the clinic closest to you and book a time that works. We’ll sit down, listen to your concerns, and help you figure out the right path forward.
No obligation to proceed • Personalised assessment on the day
A $100 deposit is required to secure an appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
Trusted by 1,700+ patients across Melbourne • 20,000+ treatments performed • 24/7 real person care
3 accessible clinic locations across Melbourne
Explore Related Conditions
Acne Scarring
Textural marks left behind after breakouts.
Spider Veins
Visible capillaries, redness, and vascular changes.
Roughness, enlarged pores, and surface irregularity.
Skin Laxity
Loss of firmness in the chin and lower face.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skin Pigmentation
Loss of firmness in the chin and lower face.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Pigmentation concerns arise when melanocytes produce excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. When these cells become disrupted by factors such as damage, inflammation, or external triggers, they can overproduce pigment, leading to visible patches that appear brown, black, grey, or sometimes red.
The most common causes are UV exposure, hormonal shifts (pregnancy, contraceptives, perimenopause), inflammation from breakouts or skin trauma, and the natural changes that come with age. Genetics and skin type also play a role in how easily pigment forms and how stubbornly it stays.
To determine what is driving your skin pigmentation concerns, a consultation with a medical professional is required.
What is the tear trough?
Sun damage is what happens when UV exposure stimulates melanocytes to produce pigment as a protective response. Over time, that pigment can settle into spots, freckles, and uneven patches across the face, hands, and chest.
Melasma is driven by hormones rather than sun, which is why it tends to appear during pregnancy, after starting the pill, or through perimenopause. Sun makes it worse, but sun isn’t what started it, and it usually appears in symmetrical patches across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip.
Because they are two distinct conditions, they require different treatment approaches. To understand which one you are dealing with, a consultation with a medical professional is required.
What are under-eye bags and can they be treated?
Summer brings two things working against pigmented skin: longer daylight hours and stronger UV intensity. Both stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin, which deepens existing pigmentation and can trigger new patches in the skin.
Heat also plays a role. Elevated skin temperature can aggravate conditions like melasma, even when direct sun is avoided, which is why some people notice their pigmentation worsening despite wearing sunscreen.
Daily SPF, sun-protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours are important to keep pigmentation stable through Australian summers.
If you’re concerned about the current state of your skin pigmentation, a consultation with a medical professional can provide available treatment options.
I've had dark circles my whole life. Is there any point trying to treat them?
Most pigmentation, such as sun spots or melasma, comes from increased melanin production and is considered benign. These changes often relate to UV exposure, hormonal shifts, or past inflammation rather than anything dangerous.
That said, some pigmented lesions can represent or develop into skin cancer. Changes that warrant medical review include rapid growth, irregular borders, multiple colours, bleeding, or a spot that looks different from others on your skin.
Because visual assessment alone can be misleading, any new or changing pigmentation should be evaluated by a qualified medical practitioner. A proper examination ensures the area is correctly identified and managed appropriately.
Why can't everyone just get volume treatment under their eyes?
These questions are always the hardest because people want a direct answer. The problem is, there isn’t one. There is no single best treatment for skin pigmentation. It’s not a single condition, and there are too many variables at play.
Sun damage and age spots often respond well to light-based therapies. Melasma typically calls for a gentle approach that doesn’t add heat-driven inflammation. Post-inflammatory pigmentation may improve with peels, microneedling, or supportive skincare while the underlying inflammation is managed.
While there is no single best treatment, there may be a right treatment for your concerns — but that can only be determined through a consultation with a medical professional.
What are Rejuran Injectables?
Some types of pigmentation may be cleared, particularly sun spots and isolated lesions where the trigger can be managed with sun protection and skincare.
Other types, melasma especially, are considered chronic. They can be improved and managed but tend to return when triggers like sun exposure, hormones, or heat re-emerge. Post-inflammatory pigmentation usually fades over time, though it can persist for months and may recur if new inflammation occurs.
Pigmentation is often a long-term relationship with your skin, not a one-off fix. A consultation with a medical practitioner can walk you through what’s realistic for the type of pigmentation you have.
What is PRP/PRF?
Laser may play a role in melasma management, but it’s a careful one. Melasma is unusually sensitive to heat and inflammation, both of which can trigger rebound pigmentation if the wrong device or settings are used.
Picosecond lasers have shown promising results in peer-reviewed research because they fragment pigment with minimal thermal impact. Even so, melasma is rarely solved by laser alone. It’s typically approached as part of a broader plan that includes strict sun protection, supportive skincare, and ongoing management.
Whether laser fits into your melasma plan is determined after a consultation with a medical professional.
How do I know if my under-eye concern can be improved?
Most cosmetic pigmentation treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This includes laser, IPL, chemical peels, and many active skincare ingredients commonly used to manage pigmentation.
Pregnancy is also when melasma often appears or worsens, which can feel frustrating. The general guidance during this period is to focus on gentle skincare, daily broad-spectrum SPF, and physical sun protection, then revisit treatment options once breastfeeding has finished.
Any decision around skincare or treatment during pregnancy should involve your GP or obstetrician before considering any cosmetic treatment.
What should I expect at my consultation?
Pigmentation treatment costs vary based on several factors: the type of pigmentation being addressed, the depth at which it sits, the modality being used, the number of sessions required, and the surface area being treated. Two people with what looks like the same concern can end up on very different treatment plans.
As a general reference, a one-hour PicoSure laser session is approximately $1,100. Other modalities, such as IPL, chemical peels, and microneedling, sit at different price points and typically require a course of treatments rather than a single session.
To get exact pricing for your concerns, a consultation with a medical professional is required.
How much does under-eye treatment cost?
Yes. A consultation is required before any pigmentation treatment can begin, and there are good reasons for it beyond procedure.
Pigmentation behaves differently depending on its type, depth, and trigger, and using the wrong approach on the wrong condition can make things worse rather than better. Melasma treated with the wrong device can rebound. Post-inflammatory pigmentation in deeper skin tones carries specific considerations that need to be assessed before anything is done.
Consultation is where the type of pigmentation is identified, your skin and history are reviewed, and the right pathway is mapped out.
Is there downtime after under-eye treatment?
You don’t, and that’s the honest answer. Identifying the right treatment requires a clinical assessment, because the right choice depends on variables you can’t see from the outside — such as the depth of the pigment, the underlying trigger, and how your skin type responds to different treatments.
What looks like a sun spot could be early melasma. What looks like melasma could be post-inflammatory pigmentation from years ago. The wrong assumption leads to the wrong treatment, which can deepen the problem rather than resolve it.
A consultation with a medical practitioner is where the treatment is matched to the concern.
Can I combine treatments for under-eye concerns?
A few things help your practitioner build a clearer picture. Come with a clean face where possible, so the pigmentation can be assessed under accurate conditions. Bring a list of any skincare products and prescriptions you’re currently using, including anything you’ve tried in the past for pigmentation.
Note down when you first noticed the pigmentation, what triggers seem to make it worse, and any relevant history such as pregnancy, contraceptive use, or previous skin treatments. Photos taken in different lighting can also be helpful, particularly if your pigmentation fluctuates.
The more context, the better the assessment.
A few things help your practitioner build a clearer picture. Come with a clean face where possible, so the pigmentation can be assessed under accurate conditions. Bring a list of any skincare products and prescriptions you’re currently using, including anything you’ve tried in the past for pigmentation.
Note down when you first noticed the pigmentation, what triggers seem to make it worse, and any relevant history such as pregnancy, contraceptive use, or previous skin treatments. Photos taken in different lighting can also be helpful, particularly if your pigmentation fluctuates.
The more context, the better the assessment.
