Same Spot, Different Backstory

Pigmentation Treatment in North London

That dark mark could be a souvenir from years of sun holidays, a leftover grudge from a teenage breakout, or a hormonal pattern like melasma, and each one plays by different rules. Treat them all the same way and melasma, in particular, can get worse rather than better. Depending on what’s actually driving the discolouration, a picosecond laser, IPL, a chemical peel or a gentler brightening course may be the better fit, sometimes stacked together. Your skin is assessed for type and likely cause before any option is discussed, and sun protection is built into the plan regardless of which route you take.

Dr Cristina Clinics and Academies

5.0

Based on 80 reviews

Dr Cristina Clinics and Academies

5.0

Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

Why Patients Seek Help for Pigmentation

It’s rarely one isolated mark that brings someone in; usually it’s a pattern that’s become more noticeable over time. Here’s what tends to prompt the enquiry.

Sun Spots & Age Spots

Patches of darker pigmentation built up from years of sun exposure are one of the most common reasons patients look into treatment.

Post-Acne Marks

Marks left behind once a breakout has healed can persist for months, sometimes longer than the original acne.

Melasma-Type Patches

Symmetrical, hormone-linked patches, often across the cheeks or upper lip, need a more cautious approach than other pigmentation.

Freckling That's Increased

Freckling that's become more noticeable or widespread, particularly after sun exposure, is a common reason to seek advice.

General Uneven Tone

A patchy or uneven complexion without one specific mark is a broader concern some patients raise instead.

Pigmentation That Hasn't Responded to Skincare

Marks that persist despite a consistent skincare routine often need a more targeted, in-clinic approach.

Treatment Options

Options for Treating Pigmentation

The right option depends on what’s actually causing the pigmentation, not a single default treatment.

PicoSure Pro Laser

An ultra-short-pulse laser that breaks down pigment with less heat spread to surrounding skin than older lasers, suited to sun spots and acne marks, and to some melasma when a more conservative protocol is used.

M22 IPL / Stellar M22

A broad-spectrum light-based treatment for general sun damage, tone and pigmentation, often the first option raised for concerns that aren't melasma.

Chemical Peel

Exfoliates the surface layers of skin, particularly useful for post-acne marks and for refreshing overall tone.

VITARAN II Whitening

A gentler, polynucleotide-based brightening course for patients who'd rather work toward tone improvement gradually than go straight to a laser or light-based route.

Combined approach

Some patients get better results from pairing two treatments, such as a peel alongside laser or IPL, since more than one type of pigmentation can be present at once.

Melasma-specific screening

Melasma-type pigmentation is handled more conservatively, since aggressive laser or light treatment can make it worse; suitability for any option is confirmed at consultation first.

Suitability

How do I know what is right for me?

Your skin is assessed for the type, depth and likely cause of your pigmentation, since sun damage, melasma and post-acne marks respond differently and some need a more cautious approach than others. We also look at your skin tone, sun exposure history, hormonal factors, and any previous laser, peel or resurfacing treatment.
From there, a suitable option, or combination, is explained clearly: what change may look like over time, what it will and won’t address, pricing, and aftercare, including sun protection requirements.
Melasma-type pigmentation is treated differently to sun damage or acne marks, since it can worsen if approached too aggressively. If that’s what’s actually present, the plan is adjusted accordingly rather than defaulted past.

Cause to Treatment

Which Option Fits Your Pigmentation?

Sun spots and general sun damage often respond well to laser or IPL alone. Post-acne marks are frequently treated with a chemical peel, sometimes paired with laser. Melasma usually needs the most conservative protocol of the three, with sun protection built into the plan from day one rather than added as an afterthought. Where the goal is a gradual, lower-intervention improvement in tone rather than a laser or light-based route, VITARAN II Whitening is often raised as the alternative.

None of this is decided in advance. It follows from what’s actually found at consultation, not from which treatment a patient first asks about.

The Process

A Clear, Structured Experience

You will always understand what is being recommended, why it may be suitable, and what to expect before any treatment is considered.

01

Consultation

We begin with a detailed discussion of your concerns, goals, medical history, and the areas you would like to improve.

02

Tailored Plan

Suitable options, expected outcomes, pricing, and any relevant considerations are explained clearly so you can make an informed decision.

03

Treatment

Treatment is carried out using a careful, considered approach, with attention to comfort, safety, and natural-looking results.

04

Aftercare

You will receive clear aftercare guidance, follow-up recommendations, and advice on what to expect during recovery.

Book Online

Book a Pigmentation Consultation in Finsbury Park

Use the options below to view treatments and prices, or start with a free consultation if you’re unsure which treatment suits your pigmentation.

PicoSure Pro Laser

Sun spots, acne marks & tone

£345

Face or Body Area - 1 Session

Course pricing available

Suitability checked first

Book Treatment

M22 IPL / Stellar M22

Sun damage & Pigmentation

£250

Broad-spectrum light-based option

Course pricing available

Suitability checked first

Book Treatment

Chemical Peel

Post-acne marks & tone refresh

£320

Exfoliates surface pigmentation

Refreshes overall skin tone

Suitability checked first

Book Treatment

FAQ

Common questions about pigmentation treatments

What causes pigmentation on the face?

It’s usually one or a mix of a few things: sun exposure, inflammation from acne, hormonal changes, or a combination of these. Which cause is present shapes which treatment is likely to help.

Which treatment is best for pigmentation?

There’s no single best option. Laser, IPL, peels and brightening courses each suit different presentations, and which one fits your skin is confirmed at consultation rather than assumed in advance.

Is laser treatment safe if I have melasma?

It can be, but melasma needs a more cautious, closely monitored protocol, since aggressive laser or light treatment can make it worse. Suitability for melasma specifically is assessed before anything is planned.

Will my pigmentation come back after treatment?

It can, particularly with ongoing sun exposure or with melasma, which is prone to recurrence. Sun protection and, where needed, maintenance sessions are part of the plan rather than an afterthought.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients need a short course rather than one session, and how many depends on the type and depth of pigmentation being treated. This is confirmed individually at consultation.

Can I book a consultation before deciding on treatment?

Yes, and it’s the right place to start if you’re not sure what’s causing your pigmentation or which option would suit it. Nothing needs to be decided in advance.

Patient Feedback

What Patients Say About Their Experience

Feedback often mentions a thorough skin assessment and a clear explanation of why one treatment was recommended over another, before anything is booked. The reviews below reflect the clinic’s wider patient experience, not pigmentation treatment specifically.

Dr Cristina Clinics and Academies

5.0

Based on 80 reviews

review us on

I recently had my lip filler done, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the results. She did an absolutely amazing job. Everything looks so natural and perfectly balanced, exactly what I was hoping for. Not only is she incredibly skilled and professional, but she’s also such a lovely and kind person who makes you feel completely comfortable throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend her to anyone thinking about getting treatments done, you’ll be in the best hands!

I had an amazing experience with Cristina! I had anti-wrinkles and also my jawline ,as well as PRP for hair growth, and the results have been incredible. Everything looks so natural and exactly what I was hoping for.Cristina is professional, knowledgeable, and made me feel completely comfortable throughout the whole process. She explained everything clearly and took great care to make sure I was happy with the results.I genuinely couldn’t be happier – this is the best result I’ve ever had. I would highly recommend Cristina to anyone considering aesthetic treatments!

I had such an amazing experience and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the results! From the moment I walked in, everything felt professional, clean, and welcoming. Dr Cristina is the best . She really takes the time to understand exactly what you want. I got facial treatment and lip fillers, and the results are absolutely beautiful—natural, balanced, and exactly what I was hoping for. My face looks refreshed and enhanced, not overdone at all. You can tell she truly cares about her clients and her work. I felt completely safe and in great hands the entire time. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for high-quality beauty treatments. I will definitely be coming back! 💕

I’ve been a regular for a few months now, and I’d like to say that I’ve seen changes with my body after attending EMS Sculpt sessions. Also the service is great, I recommend the clinic!

I’ve had multiple treatments with Cristina, she is very skilled and listens well to understand what you would like. She does custom techniques which really stand out from other practitioners that I’ve been to in London, and the results are always really great and long lasting. The appointments are never rushed and she has a warm and calming approach, I always feel v comfortable - won’t go anywhere else for aesthetics treatments. I highly recommend Cristina’s clinic!

I’ve been going to my beautiful Cristina for years and I couldn’t recommend her enough. She is highly professional, always gives honest advice, and makes every appointment such a lovely experience with her warm and friendly personality.

I cannot recommend Christina and her clinic highly enough. I’ve trusted her with my face for years, and she has consistently done an amazing job. Her knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail always make me feel completely confident that I’m in the best hands.

Next Step

Discuss Your Pigmentation Goals

A consultation lets us assess your pigmentation, confirm what’s actually causing it, and agree on a plan, including realistic timelines and sun protection, before anything goes ahead.