Pigmentation

Pigmentation Protocol

Pigmentation is the slowest condition in skincare to correct and the easiest to make worse. The products matter, but the discipline matters more: any protocol without daily sun protection will fail regardless of what else is in it.

3 steps

The steps

Some products in this routine are temporarily unavailable. They are marked out of stock and left out of the total — you can still add the rest, and open any unavailable product to be notified when it is back in stock.

Step 1BothOut of stock
Cleanser (AM and PM), Dr Levy 3Deep Cleanser or Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser
Dr Levy 3Deep Cleanser / Fast Mask 150ml
Dr Levy · 150ml · £39
Nothing dramatic here by design. Aggressive cleansing and scrubbing can worsen pigmentation, particularly post inflammatory pigmentation in deeper skin tones, because inflammation is what triggers the pigment response in the first place.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock
Step 3BothOut of stock
Dr Levy Pigment Control Drops
Dr Levy Pigment Control Drops 30ml
Dr Levy · 30ml · £90
A targeted treatment for existing pigment, layered under moisturiser. Apply to the whole affected area rather than spot treating individual marks, since surrounding skin is usually on the same trajectory and patchy treatment produces patchy results.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock
Step 6PMOptionalOut of stock
Weekly, Dr Levy R3 Cell Matrix Mask
Dr Levy R3 Cell Matrix Mask 50ml
Dr Levy · 50ml · £61
A recovery step to keep the barrier stable while multiple actives are in use.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock

What to expect

Give this 12 weeks minimum before judging it, and 6 months for meaningful change in melasma. Progress is gradual and best tracked with photographs in consistent lighting rather than by memory.

Important

Melasma, post inflammatory pigmentation and sun damage behave differently and respond differently. If pigmentation is worsening, appears suddenly, or a single mark is changing in size, shape or colour, see your GP or a dermatologist before treating it yourself. Prescription strength options exist for stubborn pigmentation and are worth discussing with a prescriber.