Why Is My Pigmentation Getting Worse?

Have you noticed your pigmentation becoming darker, spreading or becoming more noticeable over time?

You're not imagining it.

One of the biggest misconceptions about pigmentation is that it's all the same. In reality, there are several different types of pigmentation, each with different triggers and different treatment approaches.

Understanding what type of pigmentation you have is the first step towards treating it successfully.

What Type of Pigmentation Do You Have?

☀️ Sun Damage

Often appears as small brown spots or freckles that develop over time from UV exposure and lifestyle. This type of pigmentation usually becomes more noticeable after years of sun exposure.

🌸 Melasma

Typically appears as larger, muddy-looking patches that are often symmetrical on both sides of the face. Melasma is commonly influenced by hormones but can also be triggered by heat, UV exposure and inflammation.

🤍 Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

These are the darker marks left behind after inflammation or trauma to the skin, such as acne breakouts, picking or injury. While the breakout may have healed, the pigment can remain long afterwards.

Why Is It Getting Worse?

Pigmentation doesn't usually become darker without a reason.

Some of the most common triggers we see include:

• UV exposure

• Heat (including hot showers, exercise and saunas)

• Hormonal changes

• Inflammation

• Picking or trauma to the skin

• Using the wrong skincare or not protecting your skin with SPF

Identifying your trigger is just as important as treating the pigmentation itself.

Why One Treatment Doesn't Work For Everyone

This is where pigmentation becomes a little more complex.

Each type of pigmentation responds differently to treatment.

For example, while IPL and laser treatments can achieve incredible results for certain types of sun damage, they may actually worsen some cases of melasma due to the additional heat placed into the skin.

That's why we never recommend the same treatment for everyone.

At Gloss, we first identify the type of pigmentation you're experiencing before creating a personalised treatment plan. Depending on your skin, this may include treatments such as IPL, Laser Genesis, skin needling, prescriptive peels, LED light therapy or infusion treatment. All chosen specifically for your skin, your triggers and your goals.

The Three Products We Never Treat Pigmentation Without

While every routine is personalised, there are three products we recommend for almost every pigmentation client.

SPF ☀️

Daily sun protection is non-negotiable. Without protecting your skin from UV exposure, pigmentation will continue to darken and become more difficult to treat.

A Tyrosinase Inhibitor ✨

Ingredients that help regulate melanin production are essential when treating pigmentation. They help calm overactive pigment-producing cells, reducing the formation of new pigmentation while supporting a brighter, more even complexion. This is where products such as our Bright Side Elixir become a key part of treatment.

Retinol 🌙

Retinol helps encourage healthy skin renewal, supports DNA repair from UV damage and improves the appearance of existing pigmentation over time. It also allows fresh, healthy skin cells to move to the surface more efficiently, helping create a brighter, more even skin tone. One of our favourites is Dream Skin Complex.

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How Gloss Can Help

Pigmentation can be one of the most rewarding skin concerns to treat, but it also requires patience, consistency and the right plan.

Our role is to identify what type of pigmentation you have, understand what's triggering it, and create a personalised treatment plan combining advanced skin treatments, prescriptive home care and lifestyle guidance where needed.

That way, you're not left guessing what treatment to book or which product to buy next.

If you're ready to better understand your pigmentation, our New Client Experience is the perfect place to start.

Because when we understand why your pigmentation is getting worse, we can build a plan to help it become lighter, brighter and healthier over time. 🤍

Book Your New Client Experience Here