Hyperpigmentation Treatment
A prescription cream built around your hyperpigmentation, skin tone and what caused it. Adjusted by your doctor course by course.
Most hyperpigmentation treatments take a generic approach that ignores your skin tone, the type of pigmentation you have and what caused it. We don’t. After a consultation with a doctor, we design a topical cream using prescription-strength ingredients chosen for your skin. Your treatment targets your type of pigmentation, your skin tone and your skin’s sensitivity, alongside any other concerns you have. The same doctor looks after you throughout and adjusts each course based on how your skin responds. And because everything happens online, your treatment is designed and delivered without you leaving home.
Step 1
Choose a form or video consultation with your doctor.
Step 2
Treatment plan with a cream designed for you.
Step 3
Follow-up to refine your treatment plan and reduce side effects.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common and usually harmless condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area. It happens when the skin produces excess melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) and can affect all skin types and any part of the body including the face, neck, hands, back, arms and legs. The main causes of hyperpigmentation include sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, age and genetics. The most common types of hyperpigmentation are:
Each type behaves differently and responds to different ingredients, which is why the right treatment starts with knowing which type you have.
Why a Treatment Built for Your Skin Tone Works Better
Hyperpigmentation is not one condition. It varies by type, depth, cause and how your skin tone responds to treatment. So someone with melasma on lighter skin needs a very different formula from someone with deep post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on darker skin. A treatment that fades pigmentation safely in one person can cause irritation or even worsen dark marks in another. This is especially true in medium and deeper skin tones, which are more prone to hyperpigmentation and where irritation from an aggressive treatment can itself trigger further darkening. That’s why we build every prescription-strength treatment around you and review it at the end of each course. Your doctor can increase, reduce or swap ingredients based on what is actually happening with your skin, rather than keeping you on a fixed formula that may not be working.
Hyperpigmentation Treatments at City Skin Clinic
Your cream is built around four things: the type of pigmentation you have, your skin tone, your medical history and what you want to change. Two people with dark marks will rarely get the same formula. After your consultation, your doctor designs your treatment, then refines it at the end of each course, taking your wishes and preferences into account as much as possible. There are two protocols, depending on what your skin needs:
- HYPR: A single once-a-day treatment cream. It’s our standard protocol for mild to moderate hyperpigmentation, and for maintaining results once your pigmentation has improved. Depending on the ingredients your doctor selects, HYPR can also support overall skin tone, texture and ageing.
- HYPR+: A two-product protocol, one for morning and one for evening, for more severe or resistant hyperpigmentation. It gives more intensive coverage and is typically used for a defined period of up to 6 months before stepping down to HYPR for maintenance.
Your doctor will recommend the right pathway at your consultation and can move you between protocols at the end of each course as your skin improves.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment Fees
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION£30
Your doctor designs your treatment and looks after you throughout. Consultation fee credited in full against your first treatment.
HYPR£90
A once-a-day cream (30g) for mild to moderate hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. Delivery and your doctor's ongoing aftercare included. Usually lasts 3 months on the face.
HYPR+£150
A two-product protocol, morning and evening (30g each), for more severe or resistant hyperpigmentation. Typically used for up to 6 months before stepping down to HYPR. Delivery and your doctor's ongoing aftercare included. Usually lasts 3 months on the face.
Treatment Time
15 Minutes
Duration of effect
3-4 Months
Back to Work
Same Day
There is no subscription and no auto-renewal. Each course is a single order you place yourself.
Treating Hyperpigmentation on Face, Body and Neck
Although this is the most common area, hyperpigmentation doesn’t just affect the face. We also regularly treat dark spots, uneven tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the neck, back, arms, legs and other areas of the body. Depending on the size of the affected area, your treatment may last less than 3 months. If the area is larger than the face, you may need to order your next course sooner. Your doctor will advise on this during your consultation. Please note we do not treat sensitive areas such as the genitals or perineal region.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment for All Skin Tones
We treat hyperpigmentation across all skin tones, and we design each treatment to take this into account. Dark marks and patches are especially common in medium and deeper skin tones. They can also take longer to fade. That’s what makes the wrong treatment risky. A formula that’s too harsh can inflame your skin, and in pigmentation-prone skin, inflammation itself can make hyperpigmentation worse. Your doctor will design your formula with that risk in mind. They will choose ingredients, strengths and frequencies to suit your skin rather than opting for a generic formula. Even Hydroquinone and Tretinoin can be used in deeper skin tones under this kind of supervision. They may also add calming ingredients like Hydrocortisone or Niacinamide. Your doctor will also review how your skin responds at the end of each course and adjust your formula based on what they see.
Ingredients in Our Hyperpigmentation Treatments
Every formula is built for you and can be adjusted at the end of each 3-month course. We choose ingredients to target the specific drivers behind your pigmentation, protect against further darkening and support your skin’s overall health. As much as possible, your doctor will also take your wishes and preferences into account. These are some of the active ingredients we may use in our hyperpigmentation treatment creams:
- Tretinoin: A prescription retinoid we may use alone or with other ingredients in our hyperpigmentation creams. It speeds up skin cell turnover to help fade pigmentation, smooth texture and improve overall skin tone. It needs careful monitoring, particularly in darker skin tones where irritation can itself trigger further hyperpigmentation, as it’s up to 20 times more powerful than retinol.
- Hydroquinone: A prescription depigmenting agent widely regarded as the benchmark for stubborn pigmentation. It works by suppressing melanin production, and your doctor may include it for limited periods, in courses with breaks, in suitable patients when hyperpigmentation is the dominant concern. It’s suitable for all skin tones under your doctor’s supervision.
- Azelaic Acid: Has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and keratolytic (skin-renewing) properties. It fades uneven pigmentation while calming inflammation, which makes it particularly useful for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where redness and dark marks sit together, with a lower irritation risk than many alternatives.
- Tranexamic acid: Reduces pigmentation by calming the signals that drive melanin-producing cells to overproduce. It can be effective for melasma and other stubborn pigmentation, particularly when used alongside other actives.
- Niacinamide: Reduces redness and inflammation, helps even out skin tone and strengthens the skin barrier. Niacinamide works well alongside stronger depigmenting actives to support tolerability without adding harshness.
- Hydrocortisone: A mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin. We sometimes use it in the early stages to help skin adjust to active ingredients without excessive irritation. This matters in pigmentation-prone skin, where irritation can itself cause further darkening.
| Ingredient | Fades Pigmentation | Anti-Inflammatory | Improves Texture | Inhibits Melanin | Supports Tolerability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tretinoin | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Hydroquinone | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Azelaic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Tranexamic acid | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Niacinamide | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Hydrocortisone | ✓ | ✓ |
All prescription ingredients are used in our hyperpigmentation creams only where your doctor judges them safe, appropriate and suitable for you.
How Long Does Hyperpigmentation Treatment Take to Work?
Most patients notice early improvement after 8 to 12 weeks, with more meaningful progress developing over 3 to 6 months. However, this can be shorter or much longer. Hyperpigmentation treatment is not a quick fix. It works by gradually reducing excess melanin and changing how your skin produces and distributes pigment, so results vary from person to person. How quickly you see change depends on the type, depth and cause of your hyperpigmentation, your skin tone and how consistently you use your treatment. Deeper or hormonal pigmentation such as melasma may take longer and can need ongoing maintenance. How long hyperpigmentation treatments take to work sets out the typical response pattern for each ingredient.
In the first few weeks, some treatments can cause an adjustment phase, which may include mild dryness, irritation or temporary sensitivity. This is a recognised part of the process and one of the reasons we start at a strength and frequency suited to your skin rather than pushing maximum intensity from day one. Sun protection is essential throughout treatment. UV exposure is one of the main triggers of hyperpigmentation and can reverse progress or cause rebound darkening, particularly when using ingredients like Tretinoin or Hydroquinone.
Why We Focus on Custom Topical Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Hyperpigmentation has few oral options; the gold standard is topical. A custom topical treatment lets us combine several depigmenting and skin-improving ingredients in one formula, target them directly to the affected area and adjust the balance at the end of each course. For most patients, a well-designed topical treatment delivers meaningful improvement with lower risk than procedures like chemical peels or laser, which can themselves trigger further pigmentation in susceptible skin tones. Our service is built around topical prescription treatment. If your hyperpigmentation isn’t responding adequately, your doctor will discuss this with you and may suggest other options, including in-person treatment which we don’t offer.
Who is Suitable for Online Hyperpigmentation Treatment?
We treat a wide variety of hyperpigmentation types in different skin tones as well as areas of the body. This service may be right for you if you:
- Have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, eczema or skin injuries
- Have melasma or another form of hormonal hyperpigmentation
- Have sun damage, age spots or uneven skin tone
- Have hyperpigmentation on the face, neck or body (we don’t treat genital or perineal areas)
- Want a structured treatment plan with ongoing doctor follow-up, not a one-off prescription
- Prefer prescription-strength treatment delivered to your home
Our hyperpigmentation treatment is for adults aged 18 and over. If your pigmentation isn’t responding to topical treatment or needs further investigation, your doctor may recommend an alternative approach, including a more suitable service.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor know at your consultation. Most of the strongest pigmentation actives, including Hydroquinone and Tretinoin, aren’t suitable at that time, so your doctor will design a formula around ingredients that are, and leave out anything that isn’t.
Why Choose City Skin Clinic
We don’t believe in generic, fixed-formula treatment. Every treatment is prescribed by a doctor, built around your skin and adjusted at the end of each course based on how you respond, so your treatment evolves with you rather than staying the same. That standard of care is what sets us apart from other hyperpigmentation treatment services:
- Doctor-led care from day one: Your treatment starts with either a detailed form consultation or an in-depth video consultation with one of our doctors, whichever suits you. Your doctor reviews your concerns, assesses your skin and designs a plan that’s unique to you.
- Genuinely personalised: Your treatment is built around your pigmentation type, your skin tone and your skin’s sensitivity. It’s adjusted at the end of each course based on how your skin responds.
- Ongoing follow-up: After your consultation, you can email your prescribing doctor at any time for advice, a progress review and your next course.
- Delivered to your door: Your treatment arrives at your home with a clear plan, and aftercare is unlimited and included.
From your first consultation onwards, the same doctor designs your treatment, follows your progress and adjusts your formula as your skin changes.
| City Skin Clinic | Most Online Platforms | In-Person Clinics | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The same named doctor throughout | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Choice of consultation | Video or form consultation | Form only | In-person consultation |
| Several prescription actives in one formula | Yes, unique to your skin | Usually fixed or limited options | Varies |
| Adjusted at the end of each course | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Subscription required | No | Usually | No |
| Aftercare | Unlimited support from the same doctor | Care team model | Appointment-based follow-up |
Google Reviews
I would highly recommend City Skin Clinic. I have had a great experience with Dr Amel so far. She is extremely knowledgable and has explained my treatment plan in detail. I had a lot of questions initially and this was met with fast and in depth responses by Dr Amel. The ordering and delivery of the product is quick and easy and Dr Amel has remained in contact throughout my treatment to check progress. It has only been a couple of months but I have already seen an improvement in my hair and trust that I will continue to do so.
Fabulous company and fabulous service!
I have had the best experience ever, I was postpartum dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation on my face. I felt really seen, heard and listened to you. I was provided with the upmost care and kindness. Including in-depth explanation on how to use what I was prescribed And I felt well equipped to carry out the treatment. The outcome of the treatment has been the best thing ever for me. I look amazing and my skin is magnificent. I’ve been complimented by almost everyone I know, including strangers. This is genuinely changed my life and I would recommend this to anyone. So thankful to Amel and her team 🥹❤️
Amazing service and are always helpful with any query that I have. I always recommend them to friends and family 👍🏾
Very helpful and professional. I totally trust their advice. They show real care. I highly recommend.
Fantastic service. Super responsive and great clinicians. I have been using them for about a year now, for tretinoin. My skin has cleared and the formula and treatment was tailored to my skin. Really loved the outcome!
Can not recommend this place anymore. All the staff are super lovely, doctors lovely, has great chat and I'm so pleased with my results!
Such a professional experience, with amazing results that I couldn't have even imagined.
I’ve been going to see Amel for about a year now and am very happy with the results. The service she provides is very personalised and has made a real difference to how my skin looks and feels. I would definitely recommend City Skin Clinic even if you have tried other, similar services.
Dr Amel is fantastic - she was very transparent in her call with me in terms of what she thought would be best for me, and has over the course of the year since always been very prompt and generous in her responses to my email queries. Highly recommended!
City Skin Clinic allows me to get tretinoin delivered when I am running out rather than a subscription basis. Not only that but I cannot praise their customer service enough. They have been so helpful in all skincare advice not just the tretinoin. The response times are incredible and I feel like a valued customer with a personalised advisor. I have used other companies before and have been recommended others, but I’m not even tempted to move away from City Skin Clinic. They really are amazing.
I'm very pleased with the service and product I have received from City Clinic. The process for prescription is easy enough to follow and I'm very satisfied with my skin improvement.
Excellent results, I would highly recommend - Amel is really lovely and welcoming, she spends time making you feel comfortable and is honest about treatments and results.
Amel is a superstar. You can trust her entirely and know that she will not let you walk away disappointed. Highly recommend City Clinic.
I appreciate the prompt responses and the treatment I am receiving is going well.
I used the online consultation form and received a very quick response with detailed advice about a treatment plan. My two prescription products arrived a couple of days later in the post and I've already had great results in reducing pigmentation on my face after only 4 weeks of use. I'm really pleased with the results and the service and advice I've received from City Skin Clinic has been excellent.
City Skin Clinic helped me find a Treatment plan that really helped my skin problem of pigmentation /malasma.
Amel is amazing she always takes time to understand your concern and will always give you the best treatment and advice and the results have been amazing. Thank you!
I’ve been receiving treatment at City Skin Clinic with Dr Amel and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the start, Dr Amel was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive to my skin concerns — she took the time to listen and tailor a plan that suited my needs. Many aspects of the process were clear and reassuring, and I felt well supported throughout. What stood out most was the ongoing support: Dr Amel has continued to check in, answer my questions promptly, and adapt my plan as needed, which has made a real difference in my progress. Overall, a thorough, caring and highly recommended clinic experience.
I cannot recommend Dr Amel highly enough. She is genuinely the best skincare specialist I’ve ever worked with. From the very first consultation she took the time to understand my concerns in detail, explain the science behind everything, and create a personalised plan that actually delivered results rather than promises.
My skin has transformed under her care. Years of stubborn hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and texture that I thought I’d never get on top of have improved more than I thought was possible. Every step of the process has been guided, monitored and adjusted so thoughtfully. She never rushes, she always explains the why behind each change, and she makes you feel like you’re in the hands of someone who genuinely cares about your outcome.
What stands out most is how responsive and reassuring she is. Anytime I had a question or worry, she replied with real clarity and expertise. She pays close attention to detail, picks up on things I wouldn’t even notice, and makes you feel completely supported throughout the whole treatment plan.
If you want a clinician who is knowledgeable, meticulous, honest, and truly invested in achieving the best results for you, Dr Amel is exactly that. My confidence in my skin has never been better, and I’m so grateful to her for the care, patience and expertise she’s given me.
I got in touch having been frustrated with breakouts and early ageing signs. I have been so impressed by the level of communication, empathy and support I have received. It feels so much more caring/personal than booking with other well known brands in this space (who often more of a subscription based model) I would really recommend this company - and Dr Amel - to anyone wanting professional advice and support with their skin concerns
In desperation I trawled the internet looking for alternatives and found this wonderful company. From the very first video consultation, I was listened to and given a plan which worked! I cannot praise Amel enough. She has given such good advice; she responds almost immediately and is so very sensible. I feel cared forand know I am in the most professional and capable hands. My skin has improved significantly and is now brighter, more even toned and hydrated. I am impressed to the extent that I paid for my darling daughter to have a consultation as well. In her words- "Amel is just lovely. She is THE best!" What more can I say??? I won't be going anywhere else as I have complete faith in the company and highly recommend them.
I had a fantastic experience with CitySkinClinic. The online consultation was incredibly convenient and cost just £30 - excellent value for such a professional and personalised service. I was pleased and surprised that the cost of the consultation came off the price of the treatment Dr Amel was extremely easy to talk to, answering all my concerns with great care and professionalism. She was very prudent and thoughtful in her recommendations which made me feel confident and well looked after
Since using the cream my skin has noticeably improved in texture and firmness making me look healthier and less tired. My sun damage spots have also disappeared
I highly recommend CitySkinCity to anyone looking for expert skincare advice with a truly personal touch
I'm not even halfway through my treatment for hyperpigmentation and I've achieved amazing results thanks to City Skin Clinic. The service has been effortless, professional, reliable and most of all very personalised unlike some of the other online clinics where you just fill in a form and wait for treatment in the post. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants even looking skin!
Really great online service provided. Very friendly and approachable Doctors who are extremely quick to respond, and offer advice on not only services and products they offer, but also non prescription skincare products. Would highly recommend!
Frequently asked questions
We have different options in terms of the cream and use the one we feel is best for the patient's skin and the active ingredients we're using. Below are the ingredients for the main bases we use.
Light hydrating base: Purified water, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, isohexadecane, isododecane, stearyl behenate, cetyl alcohol, polyacrylate-13, polysorbate 60, PEG-75 stearate, polyisobutene, c13-c15 alkane, polyurethane-39, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, sodium bisulfite, benzoic acid (0.1%), sorbic acid (0.1%), polysorbate 20.
Emolliating (sensitive/dry skin) base: Aqua, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propanediol, Undecane, Tridecane, HEA/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polysorbate 80, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Rutin & Hydroxycinnamic Acid {from Cleome gynandra leaf extract}, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bisabolol, Edetate Disodium Dihydrate, Simethicone, Hyaluronic Acid Sodium Salt, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
Authored by:
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting GMC Registered - 7049611