Different types of pigmentation need different approaches
Pigmentation can have several causes. Sun-related pigmentation, such as age spots or areas of uneven tone caused by UV exposure, may respond well to treatments such as IPL when the pigment is suitable and sits at the right depth within the skin.
Melasma behaves differently. It is often influenced by hormones, heat, UV exposure and inflammation, which means it can be more reactive and more likely to recur. For this reason, melasma often needs a more controlled, longer-term approach rather than a single corrective treatment.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation, which can follow acne, irritation or skin trauma, also needs careful assessment because overly aggressive treatment may make the pigment worse rather than better.
Why assessment matters
Before recommending treatment, it is important to understand what type of pigmentation is present, how long it has been there, what may be triggering it and how reactive the skin is.
In some cases, IPL may be appropriate to help target visible pigment caused by sun damage. In others, particularly where melasma or more diffuse pigmentation is involved, a programme such as Cosmelan may be more suitable because it works not only on visible pigment, but also on the processes that drive melanin production.
The aim is not simply to lighten the skin, but to choose the right treatment for the right type of pigmentation.
Why consistency matters more than intensity
Pigmentation often needs ongoing management, especially when melanocytes remain easily triggered. This is where daily skincare, high-level sun protection and a consistent homecare routine become essential.
With Cosmelan, the in-clinic treatment is only one part of a structured programme. The homecare phase helps support the skin over time and is particularly important for concerns such as melasma, where long-term control is often more realistic than a one-off cure.
Even when IPL is used, results still need to be protected with careful skincare and daily SPF to reduce the risk of new pigmentation developing.
A more intelligent way to treat pigmentation
The most effective approach to pigmentation starts with understanding the cause. Some pigment can be lifted or reduced with light-based treatment. Some needs a more regulatory programme. Some requires a gentler, staged plan to avoid overstimulating the skin.
At Mirabel Clinic, pigmentation is assessed carefully so that treatment can be tailored to the type of pigment, the behaviour of the skin and the likely triggers behind it.
This allows for a more considered, controlled approach, whether the recommendation is IPL, Cosmelan, skincare or a combination plan over time.