If there's one thing summer does exceptionally well, it's reminding us exactly where we have pigmentation. And sometimes, it likes to leave a few new spots behind too.
If you find that your dark spots become more noticeable every summer, that old post-breakout marks seem to linger longer, or that melasma makes an unwelcome return, you're definitely not alone. The combination of sun exposure, heat and visible light is one of the biggest triggers for worsening pigmentation.
The good news? In most cases, it's the simple daily habits that make the biggest difference.
So what actually causes pigmentation?
Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin - the pigment responsible for our skin tone. When melanin production becomes unbalanced, darker patches or spots begin to appear. Simply put, the pigment that forms is often the skin's way of trying to protect itself from damage.
While sun exposure is one of the main triggers, it's far from the only one. Inflammation, breakouts, skin irritation, hormonal fluctuations and even heat can encourage the skin to produce more pigment.
The most common types of pigmentation
Melasma
These are the brown or greyish patches that typically appear on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Melasma is heavily influenced by hormones, sun exposure and heat, which is why it often becomes more noticeable during the summer months.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
The marks that remain after a breakout, irritation or injury to the skin. The more significant the inflammation, the more likely the skin is to leave behind a visible reminder.
Sun Spots
These develop gradually over the years as a result of cumulative sun exposure. They don't always appear immediately, but your skin remembers everything.
So what actually helps?
SPF. Every day.
Not just at the beach.
Not just on holiday.
Every day.
When it comes to pigmentation, this is without question the most important step you can take. UV radiation, visible light and even heat can stimulate melanin production and worsen existing discoloration.
Alongside sunscreen, don't underestimate the power of the small habits: a wide-brim hat (some even offer built-in UV protection within the fabric), sunglasses, seeking shade whenever possible and avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day.
Truthfully? Sometimes these habits do more for pigmentation than any serum ever could.
Work with your skin. Not against it.
Summer isn't the season to overload your skin or chase aggressive treatments. Instead of trying to force pigmentation to disappear, we prefer a smarter approach: focusing on ingredients that are less reactive to sun exposure and that help regulate melanin production, support the skin barrier and maintain a routine that is realistic to follow consistently.
The ingredients we love most during this time of year are:
• Tranexamic Acid
• Azelaic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C
Each of these can help improve the appearance of pigmentation and uneven skin tone without pushing the skin into a cycle of irritation and inflammation.
What to be cautious with:
During summer, more active ingredients don't necessarily mean better results.
We recommend being mindful of strong exfoliating treatments, aggressive acid combinations and procedures that leave the skin significantly irritated or sensitized.
Even if retinol and acids are staples in your routine throughout the year, summer is often a good time to reassess how frequently you're using them. During peak summer months, particularly July and August, we often recommend reducing usage significantly and, in some cases, taking a temporary break, depending on your skin, your treatments and your level of sun exposure.
The bottom line
When it comes to pigmentation, summer isn't the time to fight your skin. It's the time to protect it.
Sunscreen, a good hat, plenty of shade, a balanced skincare routine and the right ingredients will always outperform aggressive treatments and quick fixes.
Because sometimes the most effective way to treat pigmentation is simply to prevent it from appearing in the first place.
Preventing Pigmentation This Summer
If there's one thing summer does exceptionally well, it's reminding us exactly where we have pigmentation. And sometimes, it likes to leave a few new spots behind too.
If you find that your dark spots become more noticeable every summer, that old post-breakout marks seem to linger longer, or that melasma makes an unwelcome return, you're definitely not alone. The combination of sun exposure, heat and visible light is one of the biggest triggers for worsening pigmentation.
The good news? In most cases, it's the simple daily habits that make the biggest difference.
So what actually causes pigmentation?
Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin - the pigment responsible for our skin tone. When melanin production becomes unbalanced, darker patches or spots begin to appear. Simply put, the pigment that forms is often the skin's way of trying to protect itself from damage.
While sun exposure is one of the main triggers, it's far from the only one. Inflammation, breakouts, skin irritation, hormonal fluctuations and even heat can encourage the skin to produce more pigment.
The most common types of pigmentation
Melasma
These are the brown or greyish patches that typically appear on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Melasma is heavily influenced by hormones, sun exposure and heat, which is why it often becomes more noticeable during the summer months.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
The marks that remain after a breakout, irritation or injury to the skin. The more significant the inflammation, the more likely the skin is to leave behind a visible reminder.
Sun Spots
These develop gradually over the years as a result of cumulative sun exposure. They don't always appear immediately, but your skin remembers everything.
So what actually helps?
SPF. Every day.
Not just at the beach.
Not just on holiday.
Every day.
When it comes to pigmentation, this is without question the most important step you can take. UV radiation, visible light and even heat can stimulate melanin production and worsen existing discoloration.
Alongside sunscreen, don't underestimate the power of the small habits: a wide-brim hat (some even offer built-in UV protection within the fabric), sunglasses, seeking shade whenever possible and avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day.
Truthfully? Sometimes these habits do more for pigmentation than any serum ever could.
Work with your skin. Not against it.
Summer isn't the season to overload your skin or chase aggressive treatments. Instead of trying to force pigmentation to disappear, we prefer a smarter approach: focusing on ingredients that are less reactive to sun exposure and that help regulate melanin production, support the skin barrier and maintain a routine that is realistic to follow consistently.
The ingredients we love most during this time of year are:
• Tranexamic Acid
• Azelaic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C
Each of these can help improve the appearance of pigmentation and uneven skin tone without pushing the skin into a cycle of irritation and inflammation.
What to be cautious with:
During summer, more active ingredients don't necessarily mean better results.
We recommend being mindful of strong exfoliating treatments, aggressive acid combinations and procedures that leave the skin significantly irritated or sensitized.
Even if retinol and acids are staples in your routine throughout the year, summer is often a good time to reassess how frequently you're using them. During peak summer months, particularly July and August, we often recommend reducing usage significantly and, in some cases, taking a temporary break, depending on your skin, your treatments and your level of sun exposure.
The bottom line
When it comes to pigmentation, summer isn't the time to fight your skin. It's the time to protect it.
Sunscreen, a good hat, plenty of shade, a balanced skincare routine and the right ingredients will always outperform aggressive treatments and quick fixes.
Because sometimes the most effective way to treat pigmentation is simply to prevent it from appearing in the first place.
Explore Vitamin C Serum | Explore Niacinamide Serum | Explore Tranexamic Acid Mask