Experts Reveal How to Treat Post-Summer Pigmentation and Dark Spots
The end of summer is here, and many of us may be noticing the unwelcome return of pigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone due to the side effects of sun exposure.
In fact, online searches for ‘skin pigmentation on face’ have jumped 110% in the past month, while searches for ‘dark spots’ have soared by 250%*, showing just how common the concern is.
So whether it’s stubborn blemish marks, acne scars, or sun-induced dark patches, pigmentation can often linger long after a summer tan has faded. The good news is that Autumn is the ideal time to focus on repair. With the cooler weather and reduced UV levels, skin is better able to recover, making targeted treatments more effective.
To help, beauty expert Trifonia Asmar at Cult Beauty reveals ways to treat pigmentation on skin:
- Start with AHAs to gently resurface your skin
Exfoliating acids are widely regarded as one of the most effective first steps in targeting pigmentation. AHAs encourage faster cell turnover and reveal fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Over time, regular use can soften the appearance of sun spots, blemish marks and dull patches, leaving the complexion visibly brighter and smoother.
- Add a good vitamin C to brighten and protect your skin
Vitamin C is considered a gold-standard ingredient for tackling pigmentation thanks to its ability to interrupt melanin production and fade existing dark spots. Alongside its brightening power, it also protects the skin against things like pollution and UV damage, helping to prevent new pigmentation from forming. With regular use, it promotes a clearer, more radiant and even complexion.
- Introduce retinol slowly to smooth and even out tone
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is one of the most researched and effective ingredients for improving skin texture, tone and clarity. It works by speeding up cell renewal while also stimulating collagen and elastin production, which not only helps to fade pigmentation but also improves firmness and smoothness. Although retinol can cause dryness or irritation if overused, gradually introducing it into your routine allows the skin to adapt and reap its benefits. With continued use, it can significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun damage and uneven skin tone, revealing a more youthful, radiant complexion.
- Consider microneedling if your pigmentation is really stubborn
For those dealing with more stubborn pigmentation, microneedling offers a more advanced treatment option. This technique involves creating tiny, controlled microchannels in the skin, which trigger the body’s natural healing response and encourage fresh collagen and elastin production. In addition, these microchannels allow active ingredients to penetrate deeper, enhancing their effectiveness. Over time, microneedling can help improve uneven skin tone, soften scarring and fade pigmentation, making it a powerful tool for long-term skin rejuvenation.
Pigmentation prevention tips
Even though pigmentation is treatable, it’s important to remember the following to prevent it in the future:
- Avoid picking or squeezing spots, which can worsen pigmentation.
- Ensure you always wear a high-factor suncream every day, even in cloudy autumn and winter weather.
- Maintain a consistent skincare routine to protect and repair the skin barrier.
Cult Beauty has listed their top products for hyperpigmentation here.
Looking for curated ideas and inspiration? Discover more at Ravish Magazine, your UK lifestyle magazine.
