Cosmetic Doctor Dublin

Freckles & Skin Pigmentation: Understanding and Managing Uneven Skin Tone

Freckles are a common skin concern that occurs when melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells— begin to function in an unregulated way. Essentially, these cells go into overdrive, laying down pigment (melanin) in an uneven and chaotic manner, leading to darker patches on the skin. Unlike the clear, even-toned complexion seen in babies, our skin accumulates pigment irregularly as we age, due to sun exposure and genetics. This often results in a duller skin tone that can feel less youthful.

Solutions for Even-Toned, Radiant Skin

Achieving a more even skin tone requires a combination of daily skincare and advanced in-clinic treatments. Here are some of the most effective ways to manage pigmentation:

  1. Medical-Grade Skincare

Our first line of defense against freckles and pigmentation is always medical-grade skincare. Key products in our lineup work to suppress and control melanocytes, preventing new pigment from forming and targeting existing pigmentation. Here’s what we recommend:

  • SPF Protection: Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF is crucial to protect against UV rays, a major trigger for pigment production.
  • Active Ingredients: Skincare formulas with ingredients like hydroquinone, arbutin, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid, and more can work wonders in reducing pigmentation over time.
  • Product Lines: We offer trusted medical-grade brands like Obagi, ZO Skin Health, Mesoestetic, and SkinBetter Science, each proven to effectively manage pigmentation.
  1. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be powerful allies in the fight against uneven pigmentation. Some of the most effective peels for treating freckles and pigmentation include:

  • Mesoestetic Peels: Options like the MesoPeel MD Melanostop or MesoPeel MD Melano Plus Touch target pigmentation and sun damage.
  • TCA Peels: A 15% TCA peel with phenol can offer deeper resurfacing, promoting a fresh, even skin tone.
  1. Advanced Laser Treatments

For those seeking deeper and faster results, we recommend a series of advanced laser treatments to boost collagen, improve pigmentation, and rejuvenate the skin. Here are our top options:

  • BBL (BroadBand Light) & Moxi Laser Combination:
  • BBL Treatment: This first step uses broadband light to target red and brown pigments, evening out your skin tone for a fresher, more youthful look.
  • Moxi Laser: After applying a topical anesthetic, Moxi gently resurfaces the skin. The treatment may leave the skin looking red and feeling warm, similar to sunburn. The following day, pigmentation may appear darker before it begins to flake off, revealing rejuvenated skin underneath. Known as MENDS (Microscopic Epidermic Necrotic Debris), this post-treatment darkening indicates the process of damaged tissue shedding.

This combination of treatments can yield noticeable results after just one session, though a series of three sessions provides optimal improvement.

  • HALO Laser for Deeper Pigmentation:

For stubborn or deeper pigmentation, we offer HALO—a hybrid laser combining both ablative and non-ablative lasers. The non-ablative component stimulates collagen production deep within the skin, while the ablative aspect refines and smooths the surface. HALO is effective for targeting deep pigmentation, improving skin texture, and enhancing elasticity. Downtime is typically 5-7 days, with results continuing to improve over the following weeks.

Treating All Skin Tones with Confidence

We are committed to providing safe and effective treatments for all skin tones, including people of colour (POC). Recognising the unique needs of diverse skin types, particularly for conditions like melasma and PIH, allows us to tailor each treatment to achieve the best possible results with minimal risk.

Treatment Recommendations

For those wanting a comprehensive approach to pigmentation, we recommend a series of three treatments for the best results. For more stubborn or deep-seated pigmentation, a combination of BBL, Moxi, and HALO may be recommended.

  • BBL & Moxi: Immediate improvement with a gentle approach, ideal for all skin types.
  • BBL, Moxi & HALO: More intense rejuvenation for deeper pigmentation and collagen stimulation, offering a smoother, plumper, and brighter complexion.

If pigmentation or freckles are affecting your confidence, reach out to our clinic. Our team is here to provide a tailored approach to reveal a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Cosmetic Doctor Dublin

CosmeticDoctor.ie
6/7 Merrion Court,
Ailesbury Road,
Dublin 4,
D04 DD58

Tel: 01-6853100

Dr Lisa Fay MB BCh BAO, DCH, MRCGP, HDip Derm, MSc Derm, BTEC, FPC, MBACD

Dr Lisa Fay is the founder of CosmeticDoctor.ie. She has over 19 years of clinical experience and has been performing aesthetic treatments for over 15 years.

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