Pigmentation
Uneven tone, dark patches and melasma are common concerns that benefit from a managed, layered approach. At MARA.H Chatswood we identify the type of pigmentation and build a pathway to help visibly reduce its appearance.
Chatswood, Sydney
Quick Answer
Pigmentation at MARA.H is treated with a layered approach: DMK Enzyme Therapy to strengthen the barrier and calm inflammation, and PicoSure Pro 755nm picosecond laser to break down melanin with minimal heat. This combination lowers the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) common in Asian skin. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.
Understanding Pigmentation
Pigmentation occurs when melanin — the pigment that gives skin its colour — is produced unevenly. Because it tends to recur, the goal is careful, ongoing management rather than a one-off fix.
What Causes It
- Sun exposure — UV light stimulates melanin production, deepening existing patches.
- Hormonal changes — pregnancy and contraception can trigger melasma, a hormone-linked form.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — dark marks left after acne, injury or irritation heals.
- Age — years of cumulative sun exposure show as age spots on the face, hands and chest.
- Medications and some fragrances that react with sunlight (phototoxic reactions).
How to Identify It
- Flat patches of darker skin, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jaw.
- Symmetric patches across the face — a common pattern in melasma.
- Small, sharply defined spots that appeared after a pimple or irritation.
- Patches that darken noticeably in summer and lighten in winter.
- An uneven, blotchy overall tone rather than a single mark.
A Step-by-Step Approach
Pigmentation needs patience and daily sun protection. The MARA.H clinical team follows clinical standards established by founder Marina Hu, with each plan set for the individual and reviewed at every session.
Professional Assessment
We assess the depth and type of pigmentation — whether it sits in the surface or deeper layers — and identify the trigger. Different types respond to different treatments, and melasma in particular needs a careful, low-irritation approach to avoid darkening.
Targeted Treatment Plan
We layer brightening and resurfacing treatments to help reduce the appearance of excess pigment. Treatments may include DMK Enzyme Therapy, chemical peels, skin needling and the PicoSure Pro laser — chosen for your pigmentation type and skin tone.
Maintenance & Prevention
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is essential — without it, pigmentation will return. We guide you on a brightening home routine and schedule maintenance treatments to help keep tone even over the long term.
Treatments for Pigmentation
From brightening facials to targeted laser. Plans are matched to your pigmentation type and skin tone to help manage uneven colour safely.
Luxury Facials — Gentle, No Downtime
LHA Peel Facial
A gentle lipohydroxy acid peel that lifts dull surface cells and helps even out tone with minimal irritation — a measured starting point for sensitive pigmentation.
Learn More →Brightening Maintenance Facial
A supporting brightening facial may be added to your plan alongside clinical treatments. Your clinician will advise on the right option during consultation.
Vitamin C Infusion Facial
A brightening antioxidant infusion to support your home routine between clinical sessions. Ask our clinical team whether this suits your plan.
Clinical Treatments — Advanced
DMK Enzyme Therapy
Revises skin function and supports lymphatic drainage, helping the skin respond more evenly to brightening treatments.
Learn More → ResurfacingChemical Peels
Targeted peels help lift pigmented surface cells and encourage fresher, more even-toned skin to emerge.
Learn More → CollaboratorBCN Micro Needling
Helps brightening actives reach deeper layers while supporting skin renewal — a useful partner to other pigmentation treatments.
Learn More →DPL Skin Rejuvenation
A gentle light-based treatment that helps reduce the appearance of superficial pigmentation and redness.
Signature Devices
PicoSure Pro Laser
A picosecond laser that targets pigment particles with speed and precision, designed to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and melasma with a strong safety profile across skin tones.
Learn More → Also AvailableXERF Skin Tightening
A TGA-registered dual-frequency radiofrequency treatment for structural skin tightening rather than a pigmentation treatment. It may be added to a plan once tone is stable if firming is also a goal. Your clinician will advise.
Learn More →Begin Managing Your Pigmentation
Book a professional skin assessment at our Chatswood clinic. We will identify your pigmentation type and design a layered plan to help even out your tone.
Level 2, 12 Thomas Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 · Tue–Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM