Anti-Pigmentation Treatment in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Advanced solutions for melasma, sun damage, dark spots, and uneven skin tone at Tunbridge Wells' premier aesthetics clinic
Expert Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
At Beyond The Face, we specialise in treating all forms of hyperpigmentation with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. Whether you're struggling with melasma, sun damage, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or general uneven skin tone, our advanced treatments can help you achieve clearer, more radiant skin.
Hyperpigmentation affects people of all ages and skin types, causing dark patches or spots that can impact confidence and appearance. Unlike superficial treatments that provide temporary results, our approach targets pigmentation at multiple levels—reducing existing melanin deposits whilst preventing new pigmentation from forming.
We combine advanced technologies including Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes, targeted LED Light Therapy, and professional-strength chemical peels to create personalised treatment protocols that deliver exceptional results for even the most stubborn pigmentation concerns.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells in the skin) produce excess melanin, the brown pigment that gives skin its colour.
Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin types, but it's particularly common in individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) who are naturally more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Understanding the type of pigmentation you have is crucial for effective treatment.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Sun Damage & Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
These are flat, brown spots that develop from years of UV exposure. They typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, décolletage, and arms. Age spots are more common in adults over 40 but can appear earlier with significant sun exposure. They're also known as liver spots or solar lentigines.
Melasma (Hormonal Pigmentation)
Melasma presents as brown or grey-brown patches, typically on the face—commonly the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper lip. It's triggered by hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraceptive pills, HRT) and exacerbated by sun exposure. Melasma is more common in women and can be particularly challenging to treat, requiring a comprehensive, long-term approach.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This type of pigmentation develops after skin inflammation or injury—such as acne, eczema, burns, or aggressive skin treatments. The affected areas darken as the skin heals, leaving behind flat, discoloured patches. PIH is especially common in darker skin tones and can persist for months or even years without treatment.
Uneven Skin Tone & Diffuse Pigmentation
Rather than distinct dark spots, some people develop overall uneven skin tone with patchy areas of hyperpigmentation across the face. This can result from accumulated sun damage, ageing, or genetic factors. It creates a dull, tired appearance and can make the skin look older than it is.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
- UV exposure: The primary cause—sun damage triggers excess melanin production
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, HRT (causes melasma)
- Skin injury or inflammation: Acne, eczema, burns, aggressive treatments
- Ageing: Natural changes in melanin distribution over time
- Genetics: Family history of pigmentation issues
- Medications: Certain drugs can increase photosensitivity
- Medical conditions: Addison's disease, haemochromatosis (rare)
Treatment Benefits
Why Choose Anti-Pigmentation Treatment in Tunbridge Wells?
Advanced, clinically-proven treatments that target pigmentation at its source for lasting results
Reduces Dark Spots & Age Spots
Visibly diminishes sun damage, age spots, and localised areas of hyperpigmentation for clearer, more uniform skin.
Evens Skin Tone
Creates a more uniform, balanced complexion by reducing patchiness and uneven pigmentation distribution.
Brightens & Illuminates
Promotes radiant, luminous skin by reducing melanin deposits and enhancing cellular turnover.
Treats Stubborn Melasma
Comprehensive protocols specifically designed to manage difficult hormonal pigmentation effectively.
Long-Lasting Results
Treats pigmentation at multiple levels for sustained improvement, not just temporary surface changes.
Safe for All Skin Types
Our treatments are carefully selected to be safe and effective for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones.
Improves Overall Skin Quality
Beyond pigmentation reduction, treatments enhance skin texture, firmness, and radiance for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Minimal Downtime
Most treatments require little to no downtime, allowing you to return to normal activities quickly.
Prevents Future Pigmentation
Treatments help regulate melanin production, reducing the likelihood of new pigmentation developing.
Ready to Achieve Even, Radiant Skin?
Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss a personalised treatment plan for your pigmentation concerns
Book Your Consultation NowOur Anti-Pigmentation Treatment Options
At Beyond The Face, we offer a range of advanced treatments that can be used individually or combined for maximum effectiveness
Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes
Our most effective treatment for pigmentation combines advanced radiofrequency microneedling with regenerative exosome therapy. The Vivace RF device creates controlled micro-injuries whilst delivering RF energy deep into the skin, breaking up melanin deposits and stimulating cellular regeneration.
The application of billions of exosomes during treatment dramatically enhances your skin's healing response, promoting faster melanin clearance and more uniform skin tone. This treatment is particularly effective for stubborn melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and overall skin brightening.
Treatment Duration
90 minutes
Starting from
£350
LED Light Therapy
Our advanced LEM LED device features specific wavelengths proven to target pigmentation. Yellow light (590nm) penetrates the skin to reduce melanin production and break down existing pigmentation, whilst red light (633nm) promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and supports cellular regeneration.
LED therapy is particularly beneficial as a complementary treatment alongside microneedling or chemical peels, enhancing results and accelerating healing. It's completely non-invasive with zero downtime, making it ideal for regular maintenance treatments. The combination of yellow and red light provides comprehensive pigmentation management whilst improving overall skin health.
Treatment Duration
30 minutes
Price
£50
Environ / Theraderm Skin Peel
Professional-strength chemical peels provide powerful exfoliation to accelerate the removal of pigmented skin cells. Our Environ and Theraderm peels utilise advanced acid formulations that penetrate deeper than over-the-counter products, breaking down melanin clusters and promoting rapid cellular turnover.
These medical-grade peels not only brighten and even out skin tone but also improve overall skin texture, clarity, and radiance. They're particularly effective for surface-level pigmentation such as sun damage and age spots. A series of peels creates progressive improvement, with each treatment building upon the last for dramatic cumulative results.
Treatment Duration
60 minutes
Price
£99
Combination Treatment Packages
For stubborn or extensive pigmentation—particularly melasma or severe sun damage—we often recommend combining multiple treatments in a strategic protocol. For example:
- Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes + LED Yellow Light Therapy (same session)
- Environ Skin Peel course (monthly) alternating with Vivace RF treatments
- Maintenance LED therapy between intensive treatments
During your consultation, we'll assess your specific pigmentation type, skin condition, and goals to create a bespoke treatment plan that delivers optimal results. Combination approaches typically produce faster, more dramatic improvements than single treatments alone.
Melasma Treatment in Tunbridge Wells
Melasma is one of the most challenging forms of hyperpigmentation to treat, requiring specialist knowledge and a comprehensive, long-term approach. At Beyond The Face, we have extensive experience managing melasma effectively.
Understanding Melasma
Melasma presents as brown or grey-brown patches, typically appearing symmetrically on both sides of the face—most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, and chin. It's triggered by hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, contraceptive pills, HRT, thyroid issues) and significantly exacerbated by UV exposure and heat.
Melasma is particularly common in women (affecting approximately 90% of cases) and those with naturally darker skin tones. It's often called "the mask of pregnancy" due to its prevalence in pregnant women, though it can affect anyone experiencing hormonal changes.
Why is Melasma So Difficult to Treat?
- Melanocytes are in a hyperactive state, constantly producing excess melanin
- Pigmentation exists at multiple levels in the skin (epidermal, dermal, and mixed types)
- Hormonal triggers remain active (pregnancy, birth control, HRT)
- Extremely sensitive to UV exposure—even minimal sun can trigger flare-ups
- Heat exposure (cooking, hot showers, hot climates) can worsen melasma
- High recurrence rate without proper maintenance and sun protection
Our Melasma Treatment Protocol
Successful melasma treatment requires a multi-faceted approach combining in-clinic treatments with diligent home care and sun protection:
Phase 1: Initial Intensive Treatment (Months 1-3)
- Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes every 4-6 weeks (3-4 sessions)
- LED Yellow Light Therapy after each microneedling session
- Prescription-strength topical regime (discussed during consultation)
- Strict broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily (non-negotiable)
Phase 2: Consolidation (Months 4-6)
- Continue microneedling treatments every 6-8 weeks
- Add monthly Environ Skin Peels between microneedling sessions
- Ongoing LED therapy (can be done weekly)
- Continue strict sun protection and topical regime
Phase 3: Maintenance (Ongoing)
- Maintenance microneedling every 3-4 months
- LED therapy as needed (monthly or bi-monthly)
- Continue topical regime and religious sun protection
- Regular monitoring and treatment adjustments as needed
Critical Success Factors for Melasma
- Sun protection is non-negotiable: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every day, reapply every 2 hours, use protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Avoid heat exposure: Minimise time in hot environments (kitchens, hot showers, saunas, hot yoga)
- Manage hormonal triggers: Discuss contraceptive options with your GP if appropriate
- Patience and commitment: Melasma improvement takes 6-12 months; maintain realistic expectations
- Consistent maintenance: Melasma can recur without ongoing management
Expected Results and Timeline
Results from anti-pigmentation treatment vary depending on the type, depth, and severity of pigmentation, as well as your skin type and the treatments selected.
Surface-Level Pigmentation (Sun Damage, Age Spots)
Timeline: Visible improvement after 2-3 treatments; optimal results after 4-6 treatments
Expected Results: 50-70% reduction in dark spots, significantly more even skin tone, brighter complexion
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Timeline: Gradual fading over 4-6 treatments; complete clearance may take 6-9 months
Expected Results: 60-80% improvement in pigmentation intensity; continued improvement with maintenance
Melasma (Hormonal Pigmentation)
Timeline: Noticeable improvement after 4-6 treatments; significant results after 6-8 treatments (6-12 months)
Expected Results: 40-60% reduction in melasma patches with comprehensive protocol; ongoing maintenance essential
General Uneven Skin Tone
Timeline: Noticeable brightening after 2-4 treatments; optimal results after 4-6 treatments
Expected Results: More uniform, radiant complexion with 60-80% improvement in overall tone
Important Factors Affecting Results
- Fitzpatrick skin type: Darker skin tones may require more sessions but can achieve excellent results with appropriate treatments
- Depth of pigmentation: Deeper dermal pigmentation takes longer to treat than epidermal (surface) pigmentation
- Sun protection compliance: Diligent SPF use dramatically improves outcomes and prevents recurrence
- Treatment consistency: Regular, consistent treatments produce better results than sporadic sessions
- Lifestyle factors: Hormones, medications, and ongoing sun exposure all impact results
Preventing Pigmentation: Essential Tips
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin now can prevent future pigmentation issues and maintain your treatment results.
Sun Protection (Most Important!)
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, even on cloudy days
- Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
- Use protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10am-4pm)
- Remember: UV exposure is the #1 cause of pigmentation
Gentle Skincare
- Avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive treatments
- Don't pick at blemishes or scabs (causes PIH)
- Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products
- Treat acne promptly to prevent PIH
- Allow skin to heal properly after any injury
Topical Prevention
- Use vitamin C serum daily (antioxidant protection)
- Consider retinoids to prevent pigment formation
- Use brightening products with niacinamide
- Incorporate gentle exfoliation (AHAs)
- Keep skin hydrated and barrier-healthy
Lifestyle Factors
- Manage hormonal triggers (discuss with GP)
- Minimise heat exposure (hot environments)
- Review medications that increase photosensitivity
- Maintain healthy diet rich in antioxidants
- Schedule regular professional treatments
Anti-Pigmentation Treatment Pricing in Tunbridge Wells
Flexible treatment options to suit all pigmentation concerns and budgets
LED Light Therapy
£50
per session
- 30-minute treatment
- Yellow light for pigmentation
- Red light for healing
- Zero downtime
- Ideal for maintenance
Best for: Mild pigmentation, maintenance between treatments
Environ Skin Peel
£99
per session
- 60-minute treatment
- Professional-strength peel
- Deep exfoliation
- Brightens and evens tone
- Minimal downtime
Best for: Sun damage, age spots, surface pigmentation
Vivace RF Microneedling + Exosomes
£350-£500
per session
- 90-150 minute treatment
- Advanced RF technology
- 5-20 billion exosomes
- Targets deep pigmentation
- Comprehensive rejuvenation
Best for: Melasma, stubborn pigmentation, PIH, overall skin rejuvenation
Recommended Treatment Course
Mild to moderate pigmentation: 4-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart
Severe pigmentation or melasma: 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 3-4 months
Frequently Asked Questions About Anti-Pigmentation Treatment
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin production. It can appear as age spots, sun damage, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following acne or injury. Whilst harmless, hyperpigmentation can be cosmetically concerning and affect confidence.
How much does anti-pigmentation treatment cost in Tunbridge Wells?
At Beyond The Face, treatment prices vary depending on the approach: LED Light Therapy starts from £50, Environ/Theraderm Skin Peels from £99, and Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes from £350. A personalised combination treatment plan will be discussed during your complimentary consultation based on your specific pigmentation type and severity.
What is melasma and how is it treated?
Melasma is a hormonally-triggered form of hyperpigmentation that appears as brown or grey-brown patches, commonly on the face. It's particularly common in women and can be triggered by pregnancy (hence "pregnancy mask"), contraceptive pills, HRT, or sun exposure. Melasma is challenging to treat because the melanocytes remain hyperactive. Our comprehensive protocol combines Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes, LED therapy, and professional peels, along with strict sun protection and appropriate home skincare. Treatment typically requires 6-8 sessions over 6-12 months, with ongoing maintenance.
How many sessions are needed for pigmentation treatment?
The number of sessions required depends on the type, depth, and severity of your pigmentation. Generally, mild to moderate pigmentation (sun damage, age spots) requires 4-6 treatment sessions for significant improvement. Stubborn or extensive pigmentation such as melasma or widespread PIH may require 6-8 sessions or more. Treatments are typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart to allow skin to heal and respond. Maintenance treatments every 3-6 months help sustain results long-term.
Is anti-pigmentation treatment suitable for darker skin tones?
Yes, our treatments are carefully selected to be safe and effective for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones (IV-VI). In fact, people with darker skin are more prone to certain types of pigmentation, particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Vivace RF Microneedling is an excellent choice for darker skin as it carries minimal risk of causing additional pigmentation, unlike some laser treatments. During your consultation, we'll assess your skin type and create a treatment plan that's both safe and effective for your specific needs.
Can pigmentation come back after treatment?
Yes, pigmentation can return if the underlying triggers aren't addressed—particularly with melasma or sun-induced pigmentation. This is why sun protection is absolutely essential both during and after treatment. Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using protective clothing dramatically reduces the risk of recurrence. For hormonal pigmentation (melasma), ongoing hormonal triggers and insufficient sun protection are the most common causes of recurrence. Maintenance treatments every 3-6 months, combined with diligent sun protection and appropriate home skincare, help keep pigmentation at bay long-term.
What's the difference between epidermal and dermal pigmentation?
Epidermal pigmentation sits in the upper layers of skin (epidermis) and is generally easier to treat, responding well to chemical peels, LED therapy, and topical treatments. Dermal pigmentation sits deeper in the dermis and is more stubborn, requiring more intensive treatments like Vivace RF Microneedling to penetrate deeper layers. Mixed pigmentation (common with melasma) has both epidermal and dermal components, making it the most challenging to treat. During your consultation, we can assess the depth of your pigmentation using specialised lighting to determine the most effective treatment approach.
How long does it take to see results from pigmentation treatment?
Results vary depending on the type and depth of pigmentation. Surface-level pigmentation (sun damage, age spots) may show visible improvement after 2-3 treatments (6-12 weeks). Deeper pigmentation like melasma or PIH requires more patience—noticeable improvement typically occurs after 4-6 treatments (3-6 months), with optimal results after 6-8 treatments (6-12 months). It's important to maintain realistic expectations: pigmentation treatment is a gradual process, not an instant fix. The skin needs time to break down existing melanin deposits and prevent new ones from forming.
Why is sun protection so important for pigmentation treatment?
UV exposure is the single most significant trigger for pigmentation. Even minimal sun exposure can stimulate melanocytes to produce excess melanin, undoing treatment progress and causing new pigmentation to form. After professional treatments, skin is particularly vulnerable as it's in a healing state with increased sensitivity. Without diligent sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, reapplied every 2 hours, plus protective clothing), achieving and maintaining results is virtually impossible. Think of it this way: treating pigmentation without sun protection is like trying to fill a bucket with holes in it—the effort is wasted.
Why choose Beyond The Face for pigmentation treatment in Tunbridge Wells?
Beyond The Face specialises in treating complex pigmentation concerns with advanced, evidence-based protocols. We combine the most effective technologies available—Vivace RF Microneedling with Exosomes, targeted LED Light Therapy, and professional-strength chemical peels—to create bespoke treatment plans for your specific pigmentation type. Led by Regenerative Skin Specialist Maryna Cole, we have extensive experience managing even the most stubborn pigmentation, including melasma. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the visible pigmentation but the underlying causes, ensuring optimal, long-lasting results. We provide thorough consultations, realistic expectations, and ongoing support throughout your treatment journey.
Related Treatments
Vivace RF Microneedling
Our most advanced skin rejuvenation treatment with exosomes—highly effective for stubborn pigmentation and overall skin quality.
Exosome Therapy
Revolutionary cellular regeneration therapy that enhances pigmentation treatment results and accelerates healing.
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