Different Types of Pigmentation: What They Look Like, What Causes Them & How to Treat Them Safely

Dark spots, uneven skin tone, and patches of discoloration — pigmentation shows up in many forms. And if you’ve noticed your skin tone looking uneven or dull, you’re not alone. Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns among women (and men) in Singapore, thanks to our constant sun exposure and humid weather.

But here’s the thing not all pigmentation is the same. The type you have determines the most effective way to treat it. Let’s break down the different types of pigmentation, what causes them, who they affect, and how to fade them safely with professional help from Eurolab Aesthetic.

☀️ 1. Sunspots (Solar Lentigines)

What it looks like: Flat, brown or dark patches on sun-exposed areas like cheeks, forehead, shoulders, and hands.

Common age group: Usually appears after age 30, though frequent sun exposure can trigger them earlier.

Caused by: Cumulative UV damage over the years. When your skin is exposed to the sun, it produces melanin to protect itself. Over time, this leads to small clusters of darkened skin cells.

How to treat: To lighten sunspots, go for treatments that gently exfoliate and inhibit melanin production — without harming your skin barrier.

✨ Recommended at Eurolab: Signature Shine Facial — helps brighten dull skin, reduce sun damage, and restore natural glow using antioxidant-rich, muslimah-friendly ingredients.

🌸 2. Melasma (Hormonal Pigmentation)

What it looks like: Larger brown or greyish patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin.

Common age group: Typically affects women between 25–50 years old, especially during pregnancy or hormonal changes

Caused by: Fluctuating hormone levels (pregnancy, birth control, stress) and sun exposure. This combination overstimulates melanin production, resulting in patchy pigmentation that can worsen with heat or UV exposure.

How to treat: Melasma requires consistent, soothing brightening treatments that calm skin and regulate melanin. Harsh lasers or peels can make it worse.

✨ Recommended at Eurolab: Snowhite Treatment — a deep brightening facial designed to fade dark patches and even out tone using gentle yet powerful skin-brightening actives.

💥 3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

What it looks like: Dark spots left behind after acne, insect bites, burns, or eczema. These marks are usually brown or purple in tone and fade slowly.

Common age group: Can occur at any age but often seen in teens and adults who experience acne or skin irritation.

Caused by: Inflammation or injury that triggers excess melanin as the skin heals. Picking pimples, over-exfoliating, or using strong acids can worsen PIH.

How to treat: To fade PIH effectively, focus on skin renewal and gentle exfoliation that promote cell turnover while strengthening the barrier.

✨ Recommended at Eurolab: Dermalogica Ultra Bright Pro Power Peel — accelerates skin renewal, lightens acne marks, and reveals smoother, brighter skin without harsh downtime.

🧬 4. Freckles

What it looks like: Tiny light or dark brown dots that appear mostly on the cheeks, nose, and shoulders. They darken with sun exposure but may fade when UV exposure is reduced.

Common age group: Can appear as early as childhood or teenage years, especially for fair skin types.

Caused by: Genetic predisposition combined with sun exposure. Freckles are not a sign of skin damage but of your skin’s natural response to sunlight.

How to treat: Freckles can’t be “removed” permanently, but they can be lightened and managed with regular brightening facials and daily SPF.

✨ Recommended at Eurolab: Signature Shine Facial or Snowhite Treatment — both works to even out tone and bring back a soft, radiant glow.

🩶 5. Age Spots

What it looks like: Small, flat, dark areas — similar to sunspots but more common as you age. Usually seen on the face, hands, and décolletage.

Common age group: Typically appears after 40, when the skin’s natural regeneration slows down.

Caused by: Years of accumulated sun exposure and slower skin renewal.

How to treat: Focus on treatments that promote cell turnover and brightening, while nourishing mature skin.

✨ Recommended at Eurolab: Dermalogica Ultra Bright Peel — effectively resurfaces the skin, brightens age spots, and improves overall tone for a youthful glow.

Pigmentation can appear at any age from freckles in your teens to melasma in your 30s or age spots in your 50s but it doesn’t have to dull your glow. With the right professional care, you can achieve clear, luminous skin again.

👉 Book your pigmentation facial today with Eurolab Aesthetic — all tailored to fade dark spots, even skin tone, and bring out your natural brightness.