Spring & Summer Skin Awareness:

Pigmentation – The Unwanted Souvenir of Sunshine

Well… look who finally decided to join us!

Spring is waving goodbye, summer has finally arrived, and we have actually been treated to some sunshine. I know — we nearly had to check the weather app twice because we weren't sure our eyes were working!

After months of grey skies, rain, and wondering if our winter coats had accidentally become a permanent part of our wardrobe, it’s lovely to see everyone outside enjoying the brighter days.

And in true British fashion, the second the sun appears we all rush outside like we have been released from hibernation.

Coffee in the garden? Yes please.

Walking everywhere because “it’s sunny”? Absolutely.

Sitting outside for longer than planned because we got carried away chatting? Every single one of us!

And just to remind us how quickly the year is flying by, in just a few days we will reach the longest day of the year. How is that even possible? It feels like we were only just putting away the winter coats!

But while we are busy enjoying that lovely sunshine, our skin is quietly taking notes.

And believe me… skin has a very good memory!

This time of year I always start hearing:

"Alison, I don't know what has happened but this brown patch has just appeared!"

Or my personal favourite:

"It wasn't there yesterday!"

Now, unless your skin has secretly developed magical powers overnight, that little patch probably didn’t just appear out of nowhere.

It has most likely been quietly building up in the background — sometimes for years — and has finally decided:

"Right, I think I'll make an appearance now."

Usually just before a holiday, wedding, birthday, or when you suddenly start taking more selfies!

Because of course… skin always has perfect timing.

So let’s talk about pigmentation — why it happens, what your skin is trying to tell you, and most importantly, what we can do to help.

What Actually Is Pigmentation?

Before we start blaming our skin for those little brown patches that appear, let’s remember something very important…

Our skin is amazing.

It is our largest organ, our first line of defence, and it is constantly working behind the scenes to protect and repair us.

Honestly, our bodies are clever little things — most of the time it is us humans that make their job a little harder!

Pigmentation happens when our skin produces more melanin, which is the natural pigment that gives our skin its colour.

Think of melanin as your skin’s own built-in sun protection system.

When UV rays reach the skin, melanin gets to work helping protect the deeper layers.

It is your body’s way of saying:

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this!”

The problem is, sometimes after years of sunshine, hormones, inflammation, heat, and just general life happening, the skin can become a little too enthusiastic with its protection.

Melanin can start gathering in certain areas and before we know it…

Hello brown patches.

Hello uneven skin tone.

Hello me standing in front of the mirror moving my face around in different lighting trying to work out where that came from!

(Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this!)

If your skin feels hot or you notice it becoming pink or flushed after being outside, that is your skin communicating with you.

It is not just a “lovely little glow” — it is your skin saying:

“That’s enough sunshine for now please!”

A tan is actually your skin responding to UV exposure. It is your body trying to protect itself, not a sign that your skin is completely happy.

Why Some People Tan and Some People Don’t

Have you ever wondered why some people can sit in the sunshine and go beautifully golden, while others look like they have had a close encounter with a tomato?

The answer is your DNA.

The amount and type of melanin your skin naturally produces is determined by genetics.

For people with naturally darker skin tones, their higher levels of melanin are part of their body’s incredible natural protection system. Their DNA has helped create a skin type with more pigment because their ancestors adapted to different levels of sunlight.

However — and this is really important — darker skin still needs sun protection.

Melanin provides more natural protection, but it is not an invisible force field.

UV rays can still cause damage, pigmentation changes, premature ageing, and skin cancers in all skin types.

The difference is that sun damage can sometimes show itself differently in darker skin tones, which is why skin awareness is so important for everyone.

Your skin colour is your body’s amazing way of adapting and protecting you.

But even the best bodyguard needs a little help sometimes!

The Sun – Wonderful for the Soul, But a Little Naughty for the Skin

The sun is amazing.

It lifts our mood, gives us that feeling of happiness, and after a long winter it genuinely feels like a gift.

But the sun can also be a little bit naughty when it comes to our skin.

The pigmentation you notice today may actually be from sun exposure years ago.

Skin damage is sneaky like that.

It quietly sits there waiting for its moment before popping up to say:

“Hello, remember me?”

Usually at the exact time you have a holiday, wedding, or special occasion booked!

The SPF Rules

Before everyone says:

“But Alison, I wear SPF!”

Good!

So do I.

But the question is… are we applying enough?

Are we covering the hairline?

The ears?

The neck?

Are we remembering to reapply?

Because putting SPF on once in the morning and expecting it to protect us until bedtime is a bit like brushing your teeth on Monday and hoping they stay fresh all week.

Sadly, skin doesn't work like that.

A good rule of thumb is: if you are out and about on a hot sunny day, reapply your SPF every two hours.

Why?

Because your body is clever — it sweats to cool you down — and unfortunately that can mean your beautifully applied SPF is slowly disappearing too.

So whether you’re walking, gardening, sitting outside with a coffee, or just “popping out” and somehow three hours later you are still outside (we’ve all done it!), remember to top it back up.

And please don’t forget those little areas we often miss.

The hairline, ears, neck, and chest are all areas I often see signs of sun exposure.

Your hair is not a magic hat!

Sadly.

The Driving Test

One of my favourite facts to share with clients is that many people notice more sun damage on one side of their face.

Why?

Years of driving.

The sun comes through the car window, and because we don’t feel ourselves burning, we don’t always think about UV exposure.

Your daily commute could secretly be giving one side of your face a little extra sunshine.

When Pigmentation Needs More Than SPF

Whilst prevention is always better than cure, sometimes we need to give our skin a little helping hand.

This is where treatments such as SQT Bio Microneedling can be an absolute saviour.

I honestly love this treatment because it works with the skin’s natural renewal process.

SQT Bio Microneedling can be amazing for improving concerns such as:

✨ Melasma

✨ Acne

✨ Acne scarring

✨ Uneven texture

✨ Dull, tired-looking skin

It encourages the skin to renew itself and supports healthier, stronger skin.

And the best thing?

We are not forcing the skin to do something unnatural — we are supporting what it already knows how to do.

Your skin is actually incredibly clever when we give it the right tools.

Skin Awareness

Now for the important bit.

You all know how much I talk about skin awareness, and this is something I feel very strongly about.

After 35 years in this industry, I have looked at a lot of skin. Whilst I don’t diagnose, I am trained to recognise when something doesn’t look quite right and when it should be checked.

Most pigmentation is completely harmless.

However, not every brown mark is just pigmentation.

If something changes, grows, bleeds, becomes itchy, crusty, or simply looks different, please get it checked.

Your health always comes first.

And as I always say — if something is harmless and suitable to remove, you all know how much I love getting my machine out!

The Good News

The good news is pigmentation can often be improved.

Depending on what type of pigmentation we are dealing with, treatments may include:

✨ Chemical peels

✨ SQT Bio Microneedling

✨ IPL

✨ Medical-grade skincare

✨ Targeted pigmentation treatments

✨ Bespoke skin programmes

The important thing is understanding your skin first because every skin is different.

And Finally…

Don’t sit at home zooming into your face and convincing yourself you have 47 different problems thanks to Google.

Come and see me.

We can have a look, have a chat, and make a plan.

And one last thing…

If you enjoyed this blog, found it helpful, or learnt something new about your skin, I’d love to know.

Give it a little heart ❤️ and leave me a comment — I always love hearing your thoughts and questions.

And if you didn’t enjoy it… well, you can tell me that too! (I promise I won’t be offended… much! 😂)

Your feedback helps me create blogs that are useful, interesting, and hopefully bring a little bit of skincare knowledge (and a few laughs) along the way.

Enjoy the sunshine, protect your skin, and remember:

The sunshine feels amazing, the tan might look lovely, but pigmentation is that unwanted little souvenir that sometimes decides to stay long after summer has finished.

Much like that one guest who says:

“I’ll only stay for one drink…”

…and is still sitting on your sofa three hours later!

Alison x