Why pigmentation happens — and why it's so common here
Pigmentation is the skin producing excess melanin in patches rather than evenly. In Australia, the biggest driver is simply sun — years of UV exposure create sun spots and age spots (solar lentigines) on the face, chest, hands and shoulders. But it isn't the only cause: hormonal changes drive melasma (often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip), and inflammation from acne leaves behind post-acne pigmentation (PIH) long after the breakout has gone.
Each type behaves differently, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Lorraine assesses what kind of pigmentation you have before recommending how to treat it.
How Lorraine treats pigmentation
The core of Lorraine's approach is medical-grade chemical peels — particularly glycolic and lactic acid — which lift pigmented surface cells and brighten the overall tone over a series of treatments. For deeper tone and texture correction, she combines peels with microneedling. Some pigmentation (sun damage, age spots) responds quickly; melasma is more stubborn and hormonally driven, so it usually needs ongoing maintenance rather than a one-off fix.
One thing is non-negotiable alongside any pigmentation work: daily sun protection. Without it, new pigmentation forms as fast as the old is treated. Strong SPF and pigment-targeting actives at home are part of the plan, not an optional extra.
