Common Types of Pigmentation

 

1. Sun-Induced Pigmentation (Solar Lentigines & Freckles)

Long-term exposure to UV rays causes melanin to clump together, forming freckles or sunspots. This type of pigmentation can develop gradually over years of unprotected exposure even from incidental sunlight while driving, walking, or sitting by a window.

 

2. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PIH occurs after skin trauma or inflammation, such as acne, insect bites, or picking. The skin produces melanin as part of the healing process, which can leave behind dark marks long after the original concern has resolved.

 

3. Melasma (Hormonal Pigmentation)

Melasma is often triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, contraceptive use, or stress. It appears as symmetrical brown patches, usually across the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Melasma is highly responsive to UV exposure and internal inflammation, making management and prevention key.

 

What Triggers Pigmentation?

There isn’t one single cause pigmentation is often a multifactorial condition, driven by both internal and external stressors.

Common triggers include:

• Sun exposure: The number-one cause of pigmentation. Even brief, unprotected exposure can reactivate pigment.

• Hormonal fluctuations: Estrogen and progesterone can trigger excess melanin production.

• Heat and inflammation: From saunas, hot yoga, or over-exfoliation.

• Post-acne or injury: Picking or harsh treatments can leave dark marks.

• Medication sensitivity: Some antibiotics and birth control pills can make skin more sun-sensitive.

• Lifestyle stressors: Chronic stress, poor sleep, and dehydration affect skin health and increase inflammation.

 

How to Prevent Pigmentation

1. Always Wear SPF

We know you’ve heard it before but it’s the most important step. UV exposure is responsible for over 80% of visible ageing and pigmentation. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning, even when it’s cloudy or raining.

At The Lab, we’ll prescribe a sunscreen that suits your skin type and lifestyle whether you prefer a matte finish, hydrating formula, or mineral base.

 

2. Avoid Overheating the Skin

Heat triggers pigment activity, so take care with hot showers, saunas, and vigorous workouts.

 

3. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier

Healthy skin protects itself better. Use essential fatty acids (EFAs), hydrating serums, and barrier-strengthening moisturisers to support natural repair.

 

4. Treat Inflammation Early

Any redness, breakout, or irritation can spark pigment activity. Address inflammation quickly with professional treatments and calming home care.

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Lifestyle Tips for Brighter Skin

• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, and green tea).

• Take EFAs and zinc supplements to reduce inflammation and support repair.

• Stay hydrated water helps flush out toxins that can contribute to dullness.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which deplete skin oxygen and accelerate ageing.

• Get regular professional skin treatments to maintain balance and prevent pigment buildup.

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In-Clinic Treatments at The Lab

We offer a range of corrective treatments designed to lighten existing pigmentation, regulate melanin activity, and strengthen skin resilience to future damage.

 

1. DMK Enzyme Therapy

Stimulates circulation, oxygenation, and lymphatic drainage while re-educating the skin to function properly. Great for rebuilding the barrier and targeting uneven tone.

 

2. O-Biome Oxygen Therapy | Bright Skin

Targets pigmentation, dullness, and dehydration by delivering oxygen and active brightening ingredients deep into the skin.

 

3. Dermapen Skin Needling

Encourages new collagen production and helps disperse existing pigment evenly through the skin.

 

4. IPL or Light-Based Therapy

Targets melanin clusters with controlled light energy to fade brown spots and improve clarity.

 

5. Juvenate Brightening Infusions

Delivers Vitamin C, niacinamide, and antioxidants directly into the skin to suppress melanin activity and restore glow.

 

Your Next Step: Book a Professional Pigmentation Consultation

Pigmentation can be stubborn, but it’s never permanent with the right plan. At The Lab, we don’t just treat the surface we identify what’s driving your pigmentation, calm inflammation, and restore balance from within.

If you’re ready to even out your skin tone and rediscover your glow, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Book your Pigmentation Consultation at The Lab Masterton today and start your journey toward brighter, clearer, more confident skin.

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Home Prescriptives

(All information below can match your clinic’s standard brightening recommendations. These are examples based on your existing ranges.)

 

Cleansers

• O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser: Hydrating antioxidant-rich formula that protects skin while cleansing.

• DMK Deep Pore Cleanser: Non-stripping formula that lifts debris while maintaining barrier function.

 

Serums

• Juvenate B-Hydrated: Strengthens skin and improves function for a healthy glow.

• O Cosmedics B3 Plus: Niacinamide super-serum that balances oil, strengthens skin, and brightens uneven tone.

• DMK Direct Delivery Vitamin C: Promotes collagen production and lightens pigmentation.

• Juvenate Luminosity Serum: Brightens dull, uneven skin and supports even tone.

 

Mists

• DMK Herb & Mineral Mist: Hydrating mist with amino acids and minerals to enhance transdermal delivery of serums.

• O-Biome Spray: Protects the skin microbiome and strengthens pH balance while supporting brightness.

 

Moisturisers

• DMK Creme Citrique: Rebalancing moisturiser that supports brightening and hydration.

• Juvenate ReDesign Cream: Strengthens the skin barrier while providing deep hydration and radiance.

 

SPF

• Mesoestetic Mineral Matte Fluid SPF 50: Lightweight mineral protection for everyday wear.

• O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30/50: Antioxidant-enriched sun protection for all skin types.

• Juvenate ReShield SPF: Shields skin from UV and blue light, ideal for daily defence.

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At home DMK pigment treatment

• 1/2 tsp Superbright

• 1 tsp Micro Peel

• Acu Masque, Hydrating Masque or Foamy Lift with Exoderma

 

Directions:

1. Mix Superbright and Micro Peel together and apply to cleansed skin. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then wash off.
    

2. Apply Acu Masque or Hydrating Masque and leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes. If opting for the at home enzyme mask instead, leave the mask on for 45 minutes then wash off.
    

3. Follow with Melanotech Drops and Superbright and leave on overnight.

 

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