How to Prevent pigmentation - key skincare tips and treatment guide

Written By Ardour Clinic

Dr. Paris Acharya

How to Prevent Pigmentation This Summer — A Doctor’s Guide from Ardour Clinic, Marylebone

By Dr. Paris, Founder of Ardour Clinic

At Ardour Clinic, we see pigmentation not as a surface-level issue, but as a complex skin condition deeply influenced by genetics, hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposure — particularly UV light.

As the summer months approach, melanin activity increases, making it a critical time to take preventative steps. Whether you're prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma, or uneven skin tone from sun exposure, the key to control is prevention, not correction.

Here’s what I recommend for all patients — especially those with pigmentation concerns — to protect, preserve, and perfect their skin through the summer season.

🔬 Why Pigmentation Happens More in Summer

UV exposure is the number one extrinsic trigger for pigmentation. When sunlight hits the skin, melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment - melanin) are activated to protect you — but this natural defence mechanism can lead to:

  • Sunspots (solar lentigines)

  • Melasma (hormonally linked and worsened by heat/light)

  • PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) following breakouts, trauma, or inflammation

Even indirect UV, visible light, and heat (like from saunas or hot weather) can stimulate pigment production — which is why a year-round strategy, tailored by a skin expert, is essential.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Doctor’s Orders: How to Prevent Summer Pigmentation

1. Broad-Spectrum SPF — Every Day, Without Fail

The most potent pigment preventative. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 with protection against UVA, UVB, infrared, and HEV (blue light). Reapply every 2–3 hours when outdoors.

  • At Ardour, we recommend: Heliocare 360, PCA Skin, ZO or ALLSKIN MED SPF

  • Top Tip - if you suffer with melaama opt for a tinted mineral formulation due to the iron oxide to help block visible light and the tint will help even out skin tone

2. Antioxidants Are Non-Negotiable

Daily vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) neutralises free radical damage, brightens skin tone, and boosts sunscreen performance. For stubborn pigmentation, we may recommend layering tyrosinase inhibitors (like tranexamic acid or azelaic acid).

  • Recommended: Obagi Pro C, ALLSKIN MED, PCA Skin, ZO

3. Avoid Aggressive Heat-Based Treatments

Traditional lasers or ablative peels can worsen pigment, especially in summer or on deeper skin tones. At Ardour, we favour non-ablative treatments that strengthen the skin without triggering melanocytes.

🧖🏼‍♀️ Clinical Treatments at Ardour That Prevent & Correct Pigmentation

Each treatment below is considered safe for use during the summer, designed to manage pigmentation without heat or trauma, and is suitable for a diverse range of skin tones.

🔹 GlowGetter Treatment

Our cult favourite. A light PCA Skin peel paired with active brightening ingredients (including vitamin C, glutathione and arbutin) to visibly refine skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.

  • Best for: Early pigment correction, summer glow, dull skin

  • No downtime: Safe for all Fitzpatrick types

🔹 Signature Liquid Laser

A layered approach combining medical microneedling with pigment-regulating serums and a non-peeling chemical exfoliant. This is ideal post holiday to help resurface the skin and improve your complexion and skin health.

  • Why it works: Stimulates repair without triggering inflammation or heat

  • Best for: Melasma, post-acne marks, sun-induced pigmentation

🔹 Skin Boosters with Brightening Actives

These injectable hydrators can be customised with ingredients like glutathione, tranexamic acid or vitamin C to not only hydrate, but also subtly brighten and correct skin tone.

  • Perfect for: Pigmentation-prone skin in need of plumpness and radiance

🔹 Exosome NANOneedling with glowgetter luxe

This regenerative protocol uses Purasomes — a next-generation exosome technology — to repair pigment-disrupted skin at a cellular level.

  • Benefits: Long-term correction, no post-inflammatory risk, safe for all skin tones

🔹 Glowfhilo

Our unique blend of Profhilo Skin Booster and Superficial Skin Peel, Glowfhilo delivers intense hydration while subtly brightening and refining pigment.

  • Why it works: Boosts elasticity + calms melanocyte activity

  • Perfect for: Melasma-prone or dull, UV-exposed skin needing support from within

☀️ Bonus Tips for a Pigment-Free Summer

  • Avoid direct sun between 11am–3pm when UV index peaks

  • Use hats and sunglasses to protect facial skin

  • Reapply SPF liberally, especially after sweating or swimming

  • Don’t pick blemishes — it increases the risk of PIH

  • Stay cool — avoid saunas or steam rooms which may trigger melasma

✨ Final Thoughts from Dr. PARIS

At Ardour Clinic, we treat pigmentation as both a medical concern. Prevention is always easier — and more effective — than cure. Whether you're prone to melasma, struggling with sunspots or hyperpigmentation, or want to refine your skin tone before holiday, now is the time to invest in your summer skin strategy.

Let’s help you build a personalised pigmentation plan that supports your skin this season — and every season that follows.

📍 Ardour Clinic, Marylebone
👩‍⚕️ Consultations with our expert team are now open
🔗 www.theardourclinic.com

Ardour Clinic https://www.theardourclinic.com
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