Hyperpigmentation: A Comprehensive Guide to Pigmentation and Melasma Treatments in Cape Town by Natural Aesthetics

Welcome to Natural Aesthetics, your trusted destination for dermal aesthetics in Cape Town, with a special interest in Hyperpigmentation (commonly referred to as Pigmentation) and Melasma conditions, treatments, and solutions. Our team, consisting of medical doctors and medically trained therapists, works in synergy to meticulously craft personalised treatment plans for each of our patients. Through our results-driven, patient-centric protocols, we provide the quality of care required to effectively treat Hyperpigmentation and Melasma. Today, we would like to offer you a glimpse into our rich knowledge and expertise pertaining these complex conditions through this comprehensive guide. We hope this will instil the trust needed when searching for the right skincare clinic or provider to effectively treat and manage your Hyperpigmentation.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for the darkening of an area of the skin caused by an increase in melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of skin type or colour, and can occur in small patches, cover large areas, or affect the entire body.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

A Visual Guide to Hyperpigmentation Conditions: Melasma, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Solar Lentigines, and Age Spots.

Hyperpigmentation presents in several forms, each with unique characteristics and causes:

Melasma: Often referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy’, melasma is primarily caused by hormonal changes and is common in pregnant women or those taking contraceptives. It can also be triggered by sun exposure and stress. Melasma is characterised by brown to grey-brown patches that typically appear on the face, especially on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. The patches are usually symmetrical, with matching marks on both sides of the face. While melasma can be prevented to some extent by avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen, its connection to hormonal changes makes it a complex condition to manage.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This type of hyperpigmentation occurs following skin injury or inflammation, such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis. It presents as flat spots of discolouration. These spots, which can range in colour from pink to red, brown, or black, depending on your skin tone, appear on the area of the skin that was affected. PIH can be prevented by treating the underlying skin condition and avoiding activities that can lead to skin damage.

Sunspots (Solar Lentigines): Also known as liver spots or age spots, these are caused by excessive sun exposure over time. They appear as small, flat, darkened patches that are darker than the surrounding skin. The spots can be freckle-sized or larger and usually appear on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Sunspots can be prevented by limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen.

Age spots (Liver spots): Similar to sunspots, age spots are caused by sun exposure but tend to occur in older adults. They are small, flat, dark areas that usually appear on the face or hands. Age spots are usually harmless, but they can be a cosmetic concern for some people. Like sunspots, age spots can be prevented by limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen.

Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a skin classification system that was developed in 1975 by Harvard Medical School dermatologist, Thomas Fitzpatrick.

Determining Your Skin’s Unique Skin Tone Provides an Effective Guideline on Your Suitability for Laser, Light, and Medium to Deep Strength Chemical Peeling Treatments. At Natural Aesthetics, Your Safety and Satisfaction are Our Priority.

Understanding your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is crucial when considering treatments for hyperpigmentation. Certain treatments, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or deeper chemical peels, may not be suitable for all skin types, particularly those with darker skin (Type 4-6) or those with melasma, regardless of their complexion. These treatments can potentially lead to further pigmentation issues or skin damage.

Our Advanced Skin Consultation Protocol

We strictly follow a clinically-directed protocol, meticulously designed by our founder, Dr Wade Merchant, during our comprehensive skin consultation process. Our goal is to provide a perfectly synergised treatment, customised to your skin type, tone, and condition. For a full breakdown on our consultation process and what it entails, please visit the following link: The Bespoke Skincare Journey at Natural Aesthetics.

During your consultation, we utilise UV-Clinical Imaging to accurately identify the presence of Melasma, specifically determining whether it’s dermal melasma or epidermal melasma, and to assess the extent of sun damage.

World-Class Treatments for Hyperpigmentation: A Global Standard at Natural Aesthetics

At Natural Aesthetics, we offer a variety of treatments for hyperpigmentation, each tailored to the individual’s skin type and condition. Here is an overview of our treatments:

Mesoestetic Melan Tran3x Depigmentation Protocol

This treatment reduces and eliminates acquired skin blemishes for all types of hyperpigmentation.

The Mesoestetic Melan Tran3x depigmentation protocol is a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of five in-clinic treatments, used in conjunction with their at-home treatment kit. The process starts with a superficial chemical melan tran3x peel, followed by the application of a mesoestetic c.prof depigmenting solution. We then use the M-Pen by Mesoestetic for a superficial needling treatment, infusing sterile active ingredients into the skin. This is not a collagen induction treatment like our Dermapen Microneedling Treatments, but a targeted method to induce depigmentation. At Natural Aesthetics, we further optimise this treatment, by administering LED light therapy to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and boost healing.

The Cosmelan Depigmentation Protocol

Cosmelan Correction phase in action at Natural Aesthetics Cape Town.

Melanostop TCA Chemical Peel & Tailored Homecare Kit

This peel reduces moderate hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermapen 4™ MD Microneedling

This treatment stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely.

Advanced Restore with NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel & Tailored Homecare Kit

This treatment targets the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Venus Versa IPL Skin Rejuvenation & Tailored Homecare Kit

This treatment uses light-based technology to treat both the underlying cause and the visible

Before and After Photos

We believe these images speak volumes about the effectiveness of our treatments and the expertise of our team. At Natural Aesthetics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care. We understand that treating hyperpigmentation is a sophisticated field requiring our expertise, deep knowledge, and advanced experience. We are here to guide you on your journey to healthier, more radiant skin.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve your skincare goals.

Pricing & Rewards Program

At Natural Aesthetics, we value our patients and want to reward you for your loyalty. Our rewards program allows you to earn points with every treatment you receive, which can be redeemed for products or treatments. This is a unique benefit that you won’t find at most clinics, and it allows you to save significantly while having access to a wide variety of products and treatments.

Explore the significant benefits of our rewards program, designed to enhance your Depigmentation Journey Enjoy the privilege of exceptional even-toned skin, exclusively at Natural Aesthetics.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve your skincare goals.

Book Your Consultation

Booking an appointment at any of our practices is easy. Simply click on the “Book Now” button below to complete and submit an online booking request. Our friendly team is ready to assist you!

About Us

At Natural Aesthetics, we blend medical expertise with aesthetic innovation to offer a comprehensive range of weight loss, skincare, hair removal, and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Our qualified team of medical doctors and aesthetic therapists is dedicated to delivering personalised solutions that enhance your natural beauty. Beyond our treatments, we proudly offer an extensive collection of top-tier local and international medical-grade skincare products, available across our established clinics in Green Point, Tyger Valley, and Somerset West, as well as via our popular online store, Skin Spot. Experience the perfect synergy of medical science and holistic beauty at Natural Aesthetics. Join our beauty and skincare community today! 

Our Practices

Green Point | Tyger Valley | Somerset West

Tyger Valley

021 433 0967

27 Willie van Schoor avenue
Tygervalley Chambers
Building 5
Ground Floor, Office 1
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