THE 2026 GUIDE TO PIGMENTATION LASER TREATMENT (WITHOUT THE CONFUSION)

Pigmentation is one of the most common concerns we see — and one of the most misunderstood. Google will tell you it’s sun damage. Or hormones. Or inflammation. Or ageing. The truth? It can be all of the above, which is why treating it requires precision, not guesswork.

At No. 23 Skin, we take a whole-skin approach so we can clear your pigmentation with lasers or with other medical support, and keep it clear.

1. Know your pigmentation type

Different types of pigmentation need different laser treatment — this is where DIY goes wrong.

Sun spots
Clear, defined patches of brown from UV exposure.

Image from NZdermnet

Melasma
Diffuse patches triggered by hormones, heat, pregnancy, or even some products. Laser treatment for this type of pigmentation must be treated with care.

Image from NZdermnet

PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Marks left behind by acne, eczema, or irritation.

Each type responds differently to lasers, peels, and topicals.

Image from NZdermnet

Why pigmentation treatment with lasers works — when chosen well

Light interacts with pigment. But the right wavelength, energy, and technique matter.
At No. 23 Skin, we use medical-grade lasers chosen for their safety, precision, and evidence.

For sun spots:
High-intensity pigment-specific lasers clear patches quickly. We use the Sciton BBL to treat sun spots and it is brilliantly effective.

For melasma:
We avoid heat-heavy lasers. Instead, we use gentle, low-energy approaches to avoid rebound pigment. With melasma, we have to treat it with care as it can rebound if not under medical care. We suggest a dermatology consultation as your starting point, then Moxi laser is a great option for you.

For PIH:
We often combine lasers with microneedling, or with chemical peels and skincare as it depends on the severity of the condition and it needs to be treated with great care.

The biggest misconception? “One session fixes everything.”

Pigmentation is treatable, but it’s a journey. Your skin didn’t develop pigment overnight — and it won’t un-develop overnight either. Sun spots can be the easier condition to treat and we often see a drastic improvement within one pigmentation laser treatment session. However, this should be treated with caution as it depends on the type and depth of the pigmentation.

Your personalised pigmentation plan might include:

• Targeted lasers

• Chemical peels

• Prescription creams

• SPF (your non-negotiable)

• Anti-inflammatory skincare

• Heat avoidance strategies (especially for melasma)

What results can you expect from pigmentation laser treatment?

Brighter, more even-toned skin.
Fewer dark patches.
More clarity, more confidence.

And most importantly: a plan that works long-term, not a fad.

At No. 23, we firmly believe that untested laser treatments are scary stuff. Which is why we only use those that are clinically approved and safe – and which we know work.

If you would like to know what treatment would be beneficial for your pigmentation, drop us an email to hello@23skin.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Helen
CoFounder
No. 23 Skin
02039411815

NB: The details shared here are for educational purposes and should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Skin concerns, especially changing moles, should always be assessed by a qualified dermatologist.

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