Skin · 6 min read
Pigmentation and Sun Damage: What Actually Works
By Dr Hassan Soueid · MD, FRCS · Lead Surgeon, Kensington Cosmetic Clinic
Published 21 June 2026
TL;DR. Pigmentation responds best to a layered plan, sun protection first, then the right topicals, then carefully chosen in-clinic treatments. The single biggest mistake is reaching for an aggressive laser too early, which can make pigment worse, especially in darker skin.
First, the foundation
No pigmentation treatment works without daily sun protection. UV is what drives most pigment, so without it you are treating against a tide. This is not optional, it is the treatment.
Then, topicals
Targeted ingredients, used consistently, fade pigment and even tone over weeks. We match these to your skin and your specific type of pigmentation rather than a generic regimen.
Then, in-clinic, carefully
- Gentle peels: safe, gradual, suitable across skin types.
- Microneedling: improves tone and texture with low pigment risk.
- Lasers: effective for the right case, but used cautiously, the wrong setting on the wrong skin makes pigment worse.
Melasma is different
Melasma is a particularly stubborn, easily provoked form of pigmentation. It is managed, not cured, with the gentlest effective approach, and aggressive treatment usually backfires.
Frequently asked
Questions we get asked about EnerPeel®
- Can pigmentation be removed permanently?
- Much of it can be cleared, but the tendency remains, so ongoing sun protection and maintenance keep it from returning.
- Is laser the best treatment?
- Only for the right case. Used too aggressively or on the wrong skin type, laser can worsen pigment. We start gentler.
- Why does my pigmentation keep coming back?
- Usually unprotected sun exposure, or treating too aggressively. A steady, sun-safe plan gives the most lasting result.