Expert Guidance from Kriniko Medical Aesthetics

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we understand that pigmentation concerns can affect not only the appearance of the skin, but also confidence and overall skin health. Using advanced diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatment protocols, we provide personalised solutions designed to safely and effectively improve uneven skin tone and discolouration.

What is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to the natural colouring of the skin caused by a pigment called melanin, which is produced by specialised cells known as melanocytes.

Melanin plays an essential protective role by shielding the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, when melanin production becomes excessive or uneven, areas of the skin can darken, creating visible pigmentation concerns known as hyperpigmentation.

Pigmentation can affect all skin tones and may vary in severity, depth, and underlying cause.

How Pigmentation Develops

Pigmentation develops when melanocytes become overactive due to internal or external triggers.

Common Causes of Pigmentation Include:

Sun Exposure

UV radiation is the leading cause of pigmentation. Repeated exposure stimulates excess melanin production, resulting in sun spots and uneven tone.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations associated with:

• Pregnancy
• Contraceptive pills
• Menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy

can contribute to conditions such as melasma.

Inflammation & Skin Trauma

Conditions such as:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Rosacea
• Aggressive treatments
• Picking or scratching the skin

may trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Ageing

Over time, cumulative sun exposure and reduced skin repair mechanisms contribute to visible pigmentation changes.

Genetics

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to pigmentation disorders.

The Different Types of Pigmentation

Melasma

Melasma presents as symmetrical brown or grey patches, usually affecting:

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Upper lip
• Jawline

Common Characteristics:

• Hormonal influence
• Triggered by UV exposure and heat
• Chronic and recurrent
• More common in women

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, melasma is carefully assessed to avoid overstimulation and worsening of pigmentation.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PIH develops following inflammation or skin injury.

Common Triggers:

• Acne
• Laser treatments
• Chemical irritation
• Eczema
• Trauma to the skin

Appearance:

• Brown, red, or purple marks
• Flat discolouration
• More common in darker skin types

Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots / Age Spots)

These are benign pigmented lesions caused by long-term UV exposure.

Common Areas:

• Face
• Chest
• Hands
• Shoulders

Features:

• Clearly defined brown spots
• Increase with age
• Often associated with photodamage

Freckles (Ephelides)

Small pigmented spots linked to genetics and sun exposure.

Characteristics:

• Darken in summer
• Fade in winter
• Common in fair skin types

Dermal Pigmentation

Deeper pigmentation located within the dermis.

Features:

• Blue-grey appearance
• More challenging to treat
• Often resistant to superficial treatments

Advanced Pigmentation Analysis with OBSERV®

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we utilise the advanced OBSERV® Facial Analysis System to accurately assess pigmentation and create tailored treatment plans.

The OBSERV system allows us to visualise:

• Surface pigmentation
• Hidden UV damage
• Vascular involvement
• Skin inflammation
• Pigment depth

This enables precise treatment selection and realistic outcome planning.

How OBSERV® Identifies Pigmentation

Daylight Mode

Evaluates visible:

• Uneven tone
• Surface pigmentation
• Skin texture

Parallel Polarised Mode

Highlights:

• Epidermal pigmentation
• Early sun damage
• Superficial irregularities

Cross Polarised Mode

Visualises deeper skin structures including:

• Dermal pigmentation
• Vascular activity
• Inflammatory processes

This is particularly important when assessing melasma.

UV Mode

Reveals:

• Hidden pigmentation
• Underlying sun damage
• Future pigmentation concerns before they become visible

This allows patients to better understand the extent of UV-related skin damage and supports preventative treatment planning.

Pigmentation Treatments at Kriniko Medical Aesthetics

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we take a comprehensive and medically led approach to pigmentation management.

Treatment plans are tailored based on:

• Pigmentation type
• Skin tone
• Pigment depth
• Skin sensitivity
• Lifestyle factors

Medical-Grade Skincare

Professional skincare forms the foundation of every successful pigmentation treatment programme.

Active Ingredients We May Recommend:

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Help reduce excess melanin production:

• Kojic acid
• Arbutin
• Tranexamic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Hydroquinone (where clinically appropriate)

Retinoids

Promote cellular renewal and improve skin turnover.

Antioxidants

Protect against free radical damage:

• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Ferulic acid

Exfoliating Acids

Encourage brighter, smoother skin:

• Glycolic acid
• Mandelic acid
• Lactic acid

Daily SPF Protection

Broad-spectrum SPF 50 is essential to prevent recurrence and maintain treatment results.

Expected Improvement:

60–80% improvement in mild to moderate pigmentation with consistent use.

LED Light Therapy

LED therapy helps calm inflammation and support skin healing.

Common Wavelengths Used:

• Red LED (633nm)
• Near Infrared (830nm)

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation
• Supports healing
• Improves recovery after procedures
• Helps regulate melanocyte activity

Particularly Effective For:

• Melasma
• Sensitive skin
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation

Expected Improvement:

Approximately 30–50% improvement when combined with other treatments.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate pigmented skin cells and stimulate healthier skin renewal.

Peels Commonly Used:

• Mandelic acid peels
• Glycolic acid peels
• Lactic acid peels
• TCA peels
• Jessner peels

Benefits:

• Brightens complexion
• Improves uneven tone
• Reduces superficial pigmentation

Important Considerations:

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, peel selection is carefully tailored to minimise the risk of rebound pigmentation.

Expected Improvement:

50–75% improvement in superficial pigmentation over a course of treatments.

Microneedling

Microneedling stimulates collagen production and controlled skin regeneration.

Benefits:

• Improves post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Enhances product absorption
• Encourages healthier skin turnover

Often Combined With:

• PRP
• Tranexamic acid
• Mesotherapy

Expected Improvement:

Approximately 50–70% improvement depending on severity.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP uses the patient’s own growth factors to stimulate healing and regeneration.

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation
• Improves skin quality
• Supports collagen production
• Enhances healing following microneedling

Best For:

• Ageing skin
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Dull or damaged skin

Expected Improvement:

Approximately 40–60% improvement when used as part of combination therapy.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are regenerative injectable treatments that support cellular repair and reduce inflammation.

Benefits:

• Tissue regeneration
• Skin barrier repair
• Improved hydration
• Reduction in inflammatory activity

Role in Pigmentation:

Particularly useful where inflammation contributes to pigmentation disorders.

Expected Improvement:

Approximately 30–50% improvement in overall skin quality and pigmentation appearance.

Sunekos®

Sunekos combines amino acids and hyaluronic acid to stimulate fibroblast activity and improve skin function.

Benefits:

• Deep hydration
• Skin rejuvenation
• Improved elasticity
• Reduced inflammation

Best For:

• Pigmentation associated with ageing
• Dull, dehydrated skin

Expected Improvement:

Approximately 30–50% improvement when incorporated into a wider treatment plan.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy delivers active ingredients directly into the skin through microinjections.

Ingredients May Include:

• Tranexamic acid
• Vitamins
• Peptides
• Hyaluronic acid
• Glutathione

Benefits:

• Brightens skin
• Improves hydration
• Reduces melanocyte overactivity

Expected Improvement:

Approximately 40–70% improvement over multiple sessions.

Why Combination Therapy Works Best

Pigmentation is rarely caused by a single factor. At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we often combine therapies to target:

• Melanin production
• Inflammation
• Skin barrier dysfunction
• Cellular repair
• UV damage

This approach delivers safer, more effective, and longer-lasting results.

Factors That Affect Treatment Success

Treatment outcomes depend on:

• Depth of pigmentation
• Skin type
• Hormonal influence
• UV exposure
• Treatment consistency
• Patient compliance
• Lifestyle factors

Why Pigmentation Can Return

Some pigmentation conditions — especially melasma — are chronic and prone to recurrence.

Triggers include:

• Sun exposure
• Heat
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Inflammation
• Inconsistent skincare

Long-term maintenance and sun protection are essential for sustained improvement.

Typical Treatment Timelines

Condition	Expected Timeline
Mild pigmentation	4–6 weeks
Moderate pigmentation	3–6 months
Severe melasma	6–12 months
Maintenance phase	Ongoing

Your Pigmentation Journey at Kriniko Medical Aesthetics

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, every pigmentation treatment journey begins with a detailed consultation and advanced OBSERV skin analysis.

Our goal is to:

• Identify the root cause of pigmentation
• Create a personalised treatment plan
• Improve skin health safely
• Deliver natural, long-term results

We believe successful pigmentation treatment requires not only advanced procedures, but also patient education, prevention, and ongoing skin maintenance.

Book Your Consultation

If you are concerned about:

• Uneven skin tone
• Melasma
• Sun damage
• Acne pigmentation
• Age spots

our experienced team at Kriniko Medical Aesthetics can help create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your skin.