Skin discolouration refers to any change in the skin’s natural colour, resulting in patches that appear darker, lighter, redder, or uneven compared to the surrounding skin. While often considered a cosmetic concern, discolouration is often a visible sign of underlying skin processes, including inflammation, sun damage, hormonal shifts, vascular changes, or impaired skin barrier function.
At Skin Renewal, we understand that a single factor rarely causes discolouration. That’s why our doctor-led approach focuses on identifying the causes of pigment or colour changes and treating them with a personalised, multi-layered strategy that supports long-term skin health, not just short-term improvement.
What Causes Skin Discolouration?
Skin colour is determined by melanin, blood flow, and skin thickness. When one or more of these are disrupted, discolouration can occur. Common contributing factors include:
- Sun and UV exposure, including visible light and infrared radiation.
- Inflammation or injury (acne, eczema, aesthetic treatments).
- Hormonal fluctuations, including pregnancy and contraceptive use.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Ageing and cumulative environmental damage.
- Vascular changes, such as broken capillaries or redness.
- Impaired skin barrier and slow cell turnover.
Discolouration often overlaps with multiple skin conditions, making an accurate diagnosis essential.
Common Types of Discolouration
While this page provides an overview, each type of discolouration has its own dedicated section on our website:
- Brown or grey-brown patches (often linked to melasma or sun damage)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) following acne or injury)
- Redness and vascular discolouration, including diffuse redness
- Mottled or uneven pigmentation, particularly on the face, neck, and chest
- Poikiloderma of Civatte, a mix of pigmentation, redness, and thinning skin (most commonly found on the neck)
Because these conditions behave differently within the skin, treatment must be tailored accordingly.
Why Discolouration Is Often Difficult to Treat
Discolouration is complex because pigment and colour changes can occur at different depths of the skin, from the epidermis to the dermis. In some cases, pigment production remains active even after visible patches fade, increasing the risk of recurrence.
Additional challenges include:
This is why Skin Renewal focuses on progressive improvement rather than aggressive, one-size-fits-all solutions.
Our Doctor-Led Approach
At Skin Renewal, discolouration is treated using a customised combination approach, which may include:
Professional Skin Assessment
Every journey begins with a thorough consultation to determine:
- Type and depth of discolouration.
- Skin tone and Fitzpatrick type.
- Lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental factors.
- Previous treatments and skin sensitivity.
In-Clinic Treatments
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
Treatments are carefully selected to minimise inflammation and reduce the risk of rebound pigmentation.
Medical-Grade Skincare
At-home care is essential for maintaining results and correcting them. This may include:
- Pigment-regulating active ingredients.
- Skin barrier repair formulations.
- Antioxidant protection.
- Broad-spectrum and visible light protection.
Internal Skin Health Support
Discolouration is often influenced by internal factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal balance. Where appropriate, we may recommend:
- Targeted supplements
- Gut and liver support
- Lifestyle guidance to reduce triggers
Prevention: Protecting Against Future Discolouration
Preventing discolouration is just as important as treating it. Key preventative strategies include:
- Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF with protection against UVA, UVB, and visible light.
- Consistent antioxidant support.
- Avoiding unnecessary heat and inflammation.
- Gentle, barrier-supportive skincare routines.
- Early intervention when pigmentation first appears.
