Could Your Skincare Be Making Pigmentation Worse? What to Avoid and Why
Pigmentation concerns like sunspots, melasma and post-acne marks are some of the most common reasons clients seek treatment at our Port Melbourne clinic. And while laser and clinical skincare can help — your home routine plays a huge role in whether your results last.
Surprisingly, some popular skincare ingredients can actually worsen pigmentation if they’re not used properly, especially in the wrong season or skin condition.
Here’s what we commonly flag during consultations — and how to make smarter choices that support your skin’s clarity.
1. Fragrance and Essential Oils
While they may smell lovely, synthetic fragrance and many essential oils (like citrus, lavender, peppermint and bergamot) are common skin irritants. They can:
Trigger inflammation, which leads to post-inflammatory pigmentation
Sensitise the skin to sunlight
Cause hidden reactions that show up as persistent redness or blotchiness
Better option: Fragrance-free formulas, especially for sensitive or pigmentation-prone skin.
2. Harsh Physical Scrubs
Exfoliation is important — but scrubbing your skin with coarse particles can cause micro-tears, irritation and rebound pigmentation. This is especially risky in darker skin tones or clients with melasma.
Better option: Gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid, used under guidance.
3. High-strength AHAs Without SPF
Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acid) are popular for brightening — but they increase sun sensitivity. If you’re using these without daily SPF, you’re likely doing more harm than good.
Better option: Use exfoliants only at night, 1–3 times per week, and pair with broad spectrum SPF 50+ every day.
4. Overuse of Retinol
Retinol helps with texture and fine lines, but:
It can cause peeling, dryness and irritation
Overuse or improper pairing with other actives may damage your barrier
It can worsen pigmentation in the short term if skin is inflamed
Better option: Ease into low-strength formulas, and take breaks if irritation or flaking occurs.
5. Ignoring Barrier Support
If your skin barrier is compromised, you’re more vulnerable to inflammation — and that’s a fast track to more pigmentation. Many people chase results with active ingredients, but skip essentials like:
Ceramides
Panthenol
Fatty acids and cholesterol
Better option: Build your skincare routine on a barrier-first foundation before introducing actives.
Support From the Clinic
At Platinum Cosmetics, we can help you:
Audit your skincare routine
Introduce pigment-safe active ingredients
Treat existing pigmentation with Fotona laser or skin rejuvenation
Maintain results with tailored facials and professional advice
Book a Consultation for Clearer, Smarter Skin
If your pigmentation won’t budge — or keeps returning — it might be time to review what you’re using at home. Book a consultation and let’s create a skincare routine that supports clarity, not confusion.