Summer glow… and then the blotches. If sun spots, melasma flare-ups, and parchment-dry skin arrived with autumn, you’re not alone. The good news? Post-summer pigmentation responds brilliantly to a precise plan, Cosmelan® treatment, IPL for pigmentation, and medical depigmenting peels, paired with serious skin barrier repair. At Aesthetics Lab in Primrose Hill (NW1 8XL) and Belgravia (SW1W 9NZ), we combine science, safety, and strategy to fade discoloration fast while rehydrating sun-stressed skin.
Why Pigmentation Worsens After Summer (and Why Skin Feels Dehydrated)
Sunlight triggers melanocytes to produce melanin. After months of UVA/UVB exposure, you may notice sun damage pigmentation, dark spots, and age spots that persist long after holidays. Inflammation, heat, and hormones can intensify melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Meanwhile, UV and heat accelerate transepidermal water loss (TEWL), compromising the lipid barrier and causing that tight, crepey feel.
Left unchecked, dehydration magnifies contrast: dullness deepens, fine lines look sharper, and pigmentation appears more pronounced. The fix is twofold, reduce melanin formation (think tyrosinase inhibition and pigment-lifting protocols) and restore barrier integrity (ceramides, humectants, and intelligent actives). At Aesthetics Lab, we design an integrated plan to rehydrate sun-damaged skin while correcting tone.
Read up more on pigmentation here.
Cosmelan® for Melasma & Stubborn Dark Spots: Results, Downtime, Cost
Cosmelan treatment is a gold-standard chemical depigmenting system targeting melanin synthesis at multiple checkpoints. It works for melasma, sun spots, uneven tone, and residual pregnancy- or heat-induced pigmentation.
How it works (in brief):
An in-clinic mask initiates intensive melanogenesis control, followed by a home maintenance programme to sustain results and reduce pigment rebound. By modulating tyrosinase and related pathways, Cosmelan softens diffuse patches and mottling where peels or light-based therapies alone fall short.
Downtime & recovery:
Expect several days of redness and peeling, manageable, progressive, and typically front-loaded within the first week. Texture and clarity refine as flaking subsides.
Cosmelan peel cost & value:
Pricing varies by programme (initial mask + follow-ups + home care). While “Cosmelan peel cost/price” is a common query, value hinges on expertise, adherence, and maintenance. Our London teams in Primrose Hill and Belgravia structure treatment plans to your skin type, sensitivity, and lifestyle.
Ideal when: melasma is widespread, stubborn, or hormonally influenced; when you need a best hyperpigmentation treatment that’s system-level rather than spot-specific.
IPL for Sun Spots & Uneven Tone: Who It’s For (and Not For)
IPL pigmentation treatment (intense pulsed light) excels at sun spots treatment, age spots, and scattershot photodamage. The light targets chromophores, fragmenting excess pigment which then lifts through the epidermis.
Benefits: brisk sessions, minimal downtime, progressive brightening, and skin-wide luminosity.
Expectations: pigmented lesions often darken temporarily before flaking away; multiple sessions are typically required.
Who it’s not for: unstable or deep melasma, very dark Fitzpatrick types where competing melanin can increase risk of PIH. Those concerns may be better served by Cosmelan or depigmenting peels.
Cost & sessions:
Searches for “IPL cost for pigmentation” and “how many sessions” reflect reality, most clients benefit from a course (e.g., 3-4+ visits, spaced). We sequence timing at both Aesthetics Lab Primrose Hill and Aesthetics Lab Belgravia for optimal safety and efficacy.
Depigmenting Peels vs Cosmelan vs IPL: Choosing the Right Path
Think of this as a decision matrix:
Depigmenting peels (e.g., mandelic, lactic, retinoid-enhanced, azelaic, kojic)
Best for: superficial hyperpigmentation treatment, textural refinement, and gradual blending; excellent add-on for dehydrated skin treatment when combined with barrier-supportive skincare.
Avoid when: barrier is acutely compromised; sequencing matters.
Cosmelan
Best for: melasma treatment and diffuse, resilient pigmentation patterns requiring comprehensive melanogenesis control.
Commitment: dedicated aftercare (Cosmelan 2 / maintenance) to lock in clarity.
IPL
Best for: discrete sun spots, freckling, and mottled photodamage on suitable skin tones seeking fast, wide-field brightening.
At Aesthetics Lab we often stack and stage: stabilise the barrier, begin pigment suppression, introduce peel or Cosmelan, then refine with IPL where indicated. This reduces downtime while maximising clarity.
Rehydrating the Skin Barrier: TEWL, Actives & In-Clinic Boosts
Pigment correction accelerates when the skin barrier is resilient. Our clinicians prioritise:
- Humectants + barrier lipids: hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids.
- Calming actives: niacinamide for pigment modulation + barrier repair.
- Tyrosinase inhibition: azelaic, kojic, arbutin, licorice; HQ-free regimes where appropriate.
- Retinoids: encourage turnover (used judiciously around treatments).
- Adjunct therapies: LED light therapy treatment to temper inflammation and support healing.
For those Googling “hydrating facial near me”, our in-clinic boosts complement pigment plans and help quell tautness after summer.
Aftercare & Maintenance: Preventing Pigment Rebound Post-Treatment
Pigment pathways are industrious; maintenance is everything.
- Broad-spectrum SPF with high UVA protection (PPD): daily, rain or shine.
- Topical suppressors: integrate azelaic/kojic/niacinamide; continue Cosmelan 2 if prescribed.
- Heat and light management: hats, shade, and smart scheduling around holidays.
- Periodic top-ups: light depigmenting peels or a targeted IPL pass can preserve clarity.
FAQs
How to fade pigmentation after summer?
Combine tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare, barrier repair, and an in-clinic plan—Cosmelan, depigmenting peels, or IPL, based on pigment depth and skin type. Early assessment prevents entrenchment.
Is Cosmelan good for melasma?
Yes. Cosmelan is a leading melasma treatment, especially when hormonal or heat-triggered. It targets the cascade rather than just the surface marks.
Cosmelan vs chemical peels for hyperpigmentation?
Peels refine and gradually lift superficial pigment. Cosmelan addresses melanogenesis comprehensively, ideal for diffuse or stubborn cases. Many clients benefit from a staged combination.
Does IPL remove sun spots and melasma?
IPL is superb for sun spots on suitable skin types. For melasma, light-based therapies risk rebound; Cosmelan or peels are typically preferred.
Best peel for hyperpigmentation on face?
This depends on skin tone and sensitivity, mandelic, lactic, and retinoid-enhanced blends are versatile. Your clinician will calibrate strength and frequency.
How long does Cosmelan take to work?
Visible improvement often starts within 2-3 weeks, with progressive brightening over 4-8+ weeks, then maintenance after Cosmelan to preserve results.
IPL or peel for pigmentation, which is better?
Different tools for different jobs. IPL excels at discrete sun spots; peels smooth texture and lift surface pigment; Cosmelan handles complex, stubborn patterns.
Can dehydrated skin make pigmentation look worse?
Yes, dehydration dulls reflectivity and exaggerates contrast. Rehydration and skin barrier repair visibly soften uneven tone.
Safest treatments for pigmentation on darker skin tones?
We prioritise pigment-safe peels, skincare suppression, and Cosmelan protocols, avoiding triggers of PIH. Personalisation is essential.
Post-treatment skincare after Cosmelan/IPL?
Think gentle cleanser, barrier-first moisturiser, broad-spectrum SPF, and clinician-guided actives. Avoid harsh scrubs and unvetted acids.
Who We Are: Two London Clinics, One Standard of Excellence
Whether you search “pigmentation treatment near me” from North or Central London, our doors are close:
- Aesthetics Lab – Primrose Hill
128 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL - Aesthetics Lab – Belgravia
38 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9NZ
Every plan begins with an expert assessment, tone, triggers, lifestyle, and a bespoke route to clarity. Ready for luminous, even-toned skin that survives the seasons?
