We love getting some of that gorgeous sun on our faces, right? Especially since we live in Calgary, a wintery, snow-covered city most of the year. But the sun doesn’t always love our skin back like we want it to.
Sun exposure over time leads to changes in the skin, like dark spots and uneven tone. This damage usually shows up years later, which is when many people decide to look for effective pigmentation treatment in Calgary.
And of course, just to make matters more complicated, not all pigmentation is the same. Here’s the main difference:
- Small spots, or clusters of spots (freckles) are typically sun-induced pigmentation. This type tends to respond more easily to treatment.
- Melasma appears as patchy areas of pigmentation, often influenced by hormones and triggered by sun and heat. It can be more persistent and may require a more long-term, strategic approach.
The key here is correctly identifying the type of pigmentation you’re dealing with, then choosing the right treatment to match.
What is Pigmentation in the Skin?
Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for giving our skin its colour. Melanin plays a big-time role in protecting the skin from sun exposure, but when it’s produced unevenly or in excess, it can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Basically, there are three main types of pigmentation:
- sun damage: more surface-level pigmentation caused by UV exposure
- melasma: hormonally influenced and often triggered by sun and heat
- post-inflammatory pigmentation: develops after acne, irritation, or injury to the skin
As you might expect, different types of pigmentation each need a different approach, and we can help you navigate the process. And you might be surprised (we were too when we first got into skincare) to know that hormones and inflammation also play a role in pigmentation.
Why Your Pigmentation Isn’t Improving
If you’re hoping for super-fast results, we hate to break it to ya. Treating pigmentation takes time.
First, we need to identify what type of pigmentation it is, then plan treatment accordingly. Other factors are at play too, like—are we consistently using sunscreen? This is a big one! We can help you find a quality SPF that you love to wear.
And are we over-exfoliating? This can irritate the skin and lead to chronic inflammation, which leaves us with dark spots and uneven skin tone. It can also make any underlying skin conditions (like eczema or rosacea) worse. Not what our skin wants, right?
So… what’s best for your skin? Let’s talk about pigmentation facials.
What to Expect from a Pigmentation Facial
At Everglo, no matter what type of treatment you choose, it will be customized to suit your needs (including pigmentation). It will always start with a consultation so we can learn about your skin and any concerns you might have.
Based on your needs, a pigmentation facial might include:
- gentle exfoliation, or a chemical peel
- brightening treatments
- calming and barrier support
The key here is gradual support and aiming for long-term results—not aggressive treatments that damage your skin barrier.
Pigmentation Treatments in Calgary
At Everglo, we are all about consistency. We provide a tailor-made facial treatment with the goal of preventing the pigmentation from coming back again and again. We want you to see results, and those results happen faster with a facial treatment from our menu:
New Client Facial
We always recommend this facial to new clients. It’s a great starting point. This treatment provides a fully customized experience based on your skin and any pigmentation concerns you might have.
What’s included?
- consultation and skin assessment
- facial treatment
- personalized treatment plan
Book your New Client Facial Here!
Skin Reset Facial
Our most popular facial. A custom corrective treatment built around what your skin needs that day, whether that’s pigmentation, uneven tone or a bit of everything. Each Skin Reset includes one featured enhancement chosen for your skin, such as a no-downtime peel or dermaplaning.
MandeliClear Peel
This peel is great for post-acne pigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. It helps brighten and refine the skin’s texture. Think of this facial treatment as a gentle skin resurfacing. Safe for all skin tones. The MandeliClear Peel is for existing clients, so if this is your first visit, we recommend starting with the New Client Facial.
Microneedling
Microneedling encourages your skin to make its own collagen, improving texture, tone and firmness over time. It’s a great option for pigmentation, acne scars and enlarged pores. We recommend starting with a New Client Facial before your first microneedling treatment.
Boost Your Results
Add Nano Infusion to your facial to target pigmentation and boost hydration, or add the Circadia Vitamin A Accelerator for even more corrective results.
See all of our pigmentation and scarring treatments.
Why Treating Pigmentation Is About More Than Just Facials
Since pigmentation can be complex (and everyone has different needs), it’s important to take a look at some underlying triggers:
- sun and heat exposure
- inflammation – including acne, irritation, and over-exfoliation
- hormonal influences – especially with melasma
So, facial treatments are only one piece of the puzzle. If these triggers aren’t well-managed, it will be harder to get results with your pigmentation.
Pigmentation Treatment in Calgary - Choosing the Right Calgary Provider
When you’re searching for the right skincare studio, there’s a few things to keep in mind.
First, not all pigmentation should be approached with aggressive treatments. A gentler, “baby steps” approach is often more effective. But it all depends on your skin’s particular needs.
Avoiding a cookie cutter approach is also something to watch for when you’re looking for an esthetician. You want to hear the words “customized, with a consultation and skin assessment.”
You’ll also want to find an esthetician who has taken the time to complete a professional certification and training. And yes, it’s totally ok to ask the question directly.
Ready to start treating your pigmentation? Starting with a New Client Facial is an easy access point, and we can point you in the right direction with a treatment plan from there.
Book your New Client Facial Here!
FAQ
1. How long does it take to see results?
- As you’d expect, results can vary depending on your skin and the type of pigmentation, but most clients begin to see improvement within a few months. Consistency with treatments, homecare, and sun protection plays a big role in how quickly you see progress.
2. Will my pigmentation come back?
- Pigmentation can return, especially if underlying triggers like sun exposure, heat, or hormones aren’t managed. With the right treatment plan and consistent SPF use, we can help reduce and maintain your results long-term.
3. Do I need SPF?
- Daily SPF is essential when treating pigmentation. Without it, progress can be slowed or even reversed. Consistent sun protection is one of the most important steps in maintaining an even skin tone.
4. Can pigmentation be permanently removed?
- This one’s tricky because so many factors are at play, and what’s possible is based on the type of pigmentation. Are you liberal with the SPF? Are hormones in balance? Is there underlying inflammation in the body, and has it been addressed? All of these are key in eliminating pigmentation.