want help with facial Pigmentation?

Pigmentation of skin from sun damage.jpg

Facial pigmentation is one of the most common reasons people seek help from a dermatologist in Sydney. Uneven skin tone, brown patches, melasma, and sun spots frequently appear on sun-exposed areas and can impact both confidence and skin health. At Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser, Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs specialises in diagnosing and treating all types of pigmentation disorders using the latest, evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique skin.

Common causes of facial pigmentation

Pigmentation disorders develop when melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) increases due to triggers like sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, or genetics. The most frequent concerns include:

Melasma (brown or grey-brown facial patches)
Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots/Age Spots)
Sun Damage (Photoageing and Dyspigmentation)

Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines/ Age Spots)

Solar lentigines are flat, well-defined brown spots that develop on sun-exposed skin—most commonly the face, hands, forearms, and chest. They are a visible sign of cumulative sun exposure and skin ageing.

Why do they occur?

Chronic UV exposure increases melanin production and pigment-producing cells. These spots are often accompanied by other signs of sun damage, such as fine lines and rough texture.

Treatment Options

Cryotherapy: Freezing individual spots
Laser and Light Therapies: Pigment-specific lasers (such as Q-switched or Alexandrite) and BBL for targeting unwanted pigment
Topical Fading Agents: Creams with hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid
Chemical Peels: Professional peels help fade superficial spots

sun damage & skin tone changes

What does sun damage look like?

Long-term sun exposure can cause:

Uneven pigmentation (mottled brown spots, background discolouration)
Rough texture and fine lines
Redness and visible blood vessels

How is this type of pigmentation managed?

Prevention: Daily sunscreen (SPF 50+), sun avoidance, and protective clothing
Topical Treatments: Retinoids and antioxidants (vitamin C, niacinamide) to support skin renewal and reduce pigmentation
Procedures: BBL, Fraxel Laser, and GentleMax Pigment-specific laser to improve tone and texture
Field Therapy: If there are rough or scaly areas (actinic keratoses) with the brown marks then photodynamic therapy may be recommended

why see a dermatologist for your Pigmentation?

A dermatologist can:

Accurately diagnose the underlying cause of pigmentation
Tailor treatments to your skin type and pigmentation depth
Minimise risks such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Monitor for signs of skin cancer in changing lesions

Book a Consultation

Book a consultation with Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs at Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser to receive expert, personalised dermatology care and discover the best treatment options for your skin pigmentation issues.