Your Essential Guide to Pigmentation and Melasma

At Equipoise our goal is to make you feel the most comfortable in your own skin. Pigmentation and melasma are two skin concerns that we are often asked about. Although pigmentation can give you character and is part of what makes us all individual and unique, it can also be a cause of insecurity for some. We’ve broken down a guide to pigmentation and melasma, and the best at-home products and in-clinic treatments to address them. 

What is Pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation is the colour of your skin due to melanin – a natural pigment that gives colour to your hair, skin and eyes. Melanin can be evenly distributed through the skin, or it can be concentrated in certain areas. Skin discolouration can occur in the form of age spots, patches and areas of pigmentation and melasma. A number of factors can influence this, including genes and skin damage from sun exposure.  

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition which results in brown or blue-gray patches or spots. The patches of discolouration typically occur on the face but can also occur on the neck and forearms. It is not yet clear what causes melasma in individuals. 

The Best Products for Treatment of Pigmentation and Melasma

We have a wide range of products that can help pigmentation and melasma. Here are our favourites by brand. 

Skin Moderne

Skin Moderne is a gentle clean range that brings the latest in preventative ageing and overall skin wellness. 

C Fusion – a vitamin C serum that boosts collagen and lightens skin 

Luminous Serum – a potent brightening serum 

Bio Retinol – a plant-based alternative to retinoids that reduces the appearance of ageing and pigmentation 

AHA/BHA – a potent night time product that lightens and brightens 

Lira Clinical

Another great range which uses high levels of active ingredients in tested formulations to provide effective products to address skin concerns. 

MYSTIQ Illuminating Cleanser a gentle, creamy cleanser infused with plant stem cells and brightening botanicals. It soothes inflammation while lifting dullness, making it ideal for sensitive or pigment-prone skin. 

PRO Lite Serum This lightweight brightening serum targets dark spots and uneven tone by helping to regulate melanin production. It delivers a more luminous, even complexion with continued use.

BIO Hydra Infusion a hydrating, peptide-rich serum that restores moisture and strengthens the skin barrier crucial for keeping pigment-prone skin calm and resilient.

PRO Exfoliating Cleanser a gentle resurfacing cleanser that uses lactic and salicylic acids to smooth texture, speed up cell turnover, and help fade existing pigment

BIO Caviar Crème a nourishing night cream infused with caviar extract, peptides, and antioxidants to boost repair and collagen production while you sleep

PRO Brite Serum formulated with tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, and MASQ-tech™ (a mastic-derived technology) to calm melanocyte activity, reduce discolouration, and support bright, even skin tone

PRO Brightening Masque a mask that accelerates pigment correction when used weekly

Order your Lira Clinical products here

Esthemax Hydrojelly Masks

are next-generation peel-off jelly masks that begin as a powdered formula and transform into a cooling, gel-like “jelly” when mixed with water. The mask then solidifies into a vacuum-seal over the skin, which enhances penetration of active ingredients.

Esthemax HydroJelly Brightening Complex Mask helps fade pigmentation and lightens skin tone overall. Lightens the appearance of age spots, blemishes and discolouration.

The Best Treatments for Tackling Pigmentation and Melasma 

As well as at-home skincare, we have some lovely in-clinic treatments. Peels are a great tool for reducing pigmentation and melasma and revealing healthier and clearer skin. Here’s an overview to help you get an idea of what might suit you:

Lira Clinical

Vita Brite Refresher Facial this is Lira’s entry-level brightening protocol. It combines vitamin C, mild acids, and MASQ-tech™ illumination to refresh skin tone and give a visible glow with little to no downtime. It’s ideal for clients with pigment concerns who want a gentler, “first-step” treatment.

Medical Melasma SMART Peel this peel use tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, mandelic, lactic and MASQ-tech™ to gradually fade pigment with minimal downtime.

LED Light Therapy

LED is a great treatment for healthy, glowing skin. Our FlexLux machine is a multiple light therapy device which can be customised to treat multiple skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, acne, rosacea, eczema, scarring, inflammation and pigmentation.  

Skin Needling 

This treatment involves a non-invasive skin-needling that reduces wrinkles and fine lines while minimising scarring, shrinking pores, and repairing sun-damaged and ageing skin.

Dermaplaning 

This treatment is a deep exfoliation of the skin. During the treatment, a surgical blade is carefully worked over the face. This removes dead skin cells and fine hair for skin rejuvenation. It’s a treatment with many benefits – there is no downtime, and the treatment can be used alongside chemical peels. It’s also great for removing fair hair that cannot be treated with IPL. 

There are many options for addressing pigmentation and melasma. Book a skin consultation to find out what might work for you and your individual needs. 

If you liked this blog, head over to our Blog page to read more of our helpful skincare guides! If you live in Auckland and are new to the world of facials, get in contact with us or make a facial appointment here. 

Alternatively, head over to our online store for some skincare retail therapy (we have some beautiful gift ideas too)!