BLOGS

Why Do Pigmentation Spots Become More Noticeable After Summer?

Why does pigmentation become more visible after summer?

Autumn is the time of year when I often hear the same concern from my clients:

“It feels like these pigmentation spots suddenly appeared after summer.”

In reality, pigmentation does not always develop suddenly. Very often, changes that have been taking place in the skin throughout the summer simply become much more noticeable in autumn.

During the summer months, our skin is exposed to significantly more ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure stimulates melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing melanin.

Melanin is the pigment that determines our skin colour and also forms part of the skin’s natural defence against UV radiation.

When melanin is produced or distributed unevenly across different areas of the skin, darker patches known as hyperpigmentation can develop.

While the skin is tanned, individual areas of pigmentation may not stand out as much. As the tan gradually fades in autumn and the overall skin tone becomes lighter, pigmentation spots can become more noticeable due to the increased contrast with the surrounding skin.

This is why, in September and October, I often hear:

“I didn’t have this last year.”

The pigmentation may already have been developing, but previously it was simply less pronounced and more difficult to notice.

Not all pigmentation is the same

This is one of the most important things to understand when considering pigmentation correction.

Changes in pigmentation can be associated with UV exposure, hormonal factors, inflammatory processes such as acne, skin trauma and other factors.

Both the cause and the depth and characteristics of pigmentation can vary. For this reason, the same treatment will not be the best choice for every type of pigmentation.

I would therefore not recommend approaching it simply as:

“I have pigmentation, so I need something that lightens the skin.”

The first step is to assess the condition of the skin and understand what type of pigmentation we are dealing with. Only then can we select the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments.

Which treatments do we use for pigmentation?

The approach depends on the condition of the skin, the type of pigmentation and the desired result. At BABOR Beauty Spa, we use several different methods.

Lumecca IPL — for sun-induced pigmentation

Lumecca IPL is one of the treatments we use for sun-induced pigmentation spots, freckles and uneven skin tone.

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, delivers light energy that is absorbed by melanin within the pigmented area. The absorbed light is converted into heat, targeting the excess pigment.

After treatment, some pigmentation spots may initially become darker and more pronounced. This can be a normal part of the process, with the treated pigmentation gradually becoming less visible over the following days.

NEOFOUND Whitening — for pigmentation and overall skin quality

NEOFOUND Whitening takes a different approach.

This treatment may be selected when we want to address not only uneven skin tone and visible pigmentation, but also improve skin hydration, quality and overall appearance.

NEOFOUND Whitening is not simply an alternative to Lumecca IPL. The two treatments work differently, so the appropriate choice depends on the condition of the skin and what we want to address.

Peppermint Peel — gentle skin renewal

Peppermint Peel Mild is a gentle chemical peel that may be suitable when the skin needs superficial renewal, a smoother texture and a fresher, more even appearance.

The peel promotes controlled renewal of the superficial layers of the skin and can therefore also form part of a broader pigmentation correction plan.

Which treatment should you choose for pigmentation?

There is no single treatment that is suitable for every type of pigmentation.

The most appropriate method is selected according to the type of pigmentation, the condition of the skin and the desired result. In some cases, the best approach may involve a carefully planned combination of several methods over time.

This is why pigmentation correction should begin not simply with choosing a particular device or product, but with assessing the skin and understanding the nature of the pigmentation.

Autumn is an excellent time to do this — after summer, we can assess changes in the skin and create an appropriate plan for further treatments and skincare.

Kristīne
Cosmetologist
BABOR Beauty Spa