Pigmentation in your 40s hits different. Here's what an expert wants you to know.

Thanks to our brand partner, Australian Skin Clinics

From your 40s onwards, it can feel like the rules suddenly changed — and no one gave you the memo. Especially when it comes to your skin.

One minute you're cruising through your skin routine with a basic moisturiser and the next you're noticing changes in tone and texture that weren't there before.

And the common suspect? Pigmentation.

While it can be normal, understanding what's behind it — and what options might help — can make all the difference.

To help make sense of it, we spoke with Alana Van Der Schouw, Head of Education at Clear Skincare, Australian Skin Clinics and SILK Laser Clinics.

With nearly 20 years of experience in clinical skin education, she's seen just how common pigmentation is and how overwhelming it can feel.

So, what is pigmentation?

"Pigmentation refers to the colour of the skin tone," Alana explained.

"It's caused by melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes. Over time, due to sun exposure, hormonal changes and the natural ageing process, those cells can become dysregulated. That's when uneven skin tone or darker patches, known as hyperpigmentation, can develop."

While pigmentation can affect people at any age, Alana said it often becomes more visible as you start to age in your 40s and beyond.

"By this stage, most people have had years of UV exposure. When you add declining oestrogen levels and increased skin sensitivity into the mix, pigmentation tends to stand out more."

How do I know if it's pigmentation? 

Alana explained that pigmentation can show up in all sorts of ways.

"There are lots of different types — like age spots, freckles, melasma, hypopigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," she said. "And each one might need a different approach when it comes to treatment."

Take melasma, for example. It's particularly sensitive to heat, so some lasers or thermal-based devices may not be recommended. Meanwhile, freckles or sunspots may be more suitable for certain targeted treatments — depending on the individual and the treatment plan.

"The key is understanding what you're working with," Alana said. "Because without the right advice, some treatments may not be suitable or effective and could potentially irritate the skin further."

What's the first step?

She stressed that having a personalised consultation with a qualified clinician isn't just important — it's essential.

Your skin expert will consider the bigger picture — including your lifestyle, medical history and current skincare habits. This helps them develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin and its specific needs.

"There's a lot of noise out there regarding the treatment of pigmentation," said Alana.

"People try harsh scrubs, deep peels or strong acids, thinking they're helping, but some of these approaches may end up irritating the skin or not addressing the underlying concern. A professional can help you understand what's happening and guide you toward safe, evidence-informed options."

"We're here to help you cut through the confusion," she said. "It's not about doing all the things — it's about finding what works best for your skin, safely and effectively."

Pigmentation isn't just a physical concern.

Alana shared that some clients describe their skin as looking uneven, dirty or patchy, and this can understandably lead to feelings of frustration or self-consciousness.

That's why empathy and personalised support are such important parts of the consultation process.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? Keep it simple — and don't rush into treatments without professional guidance. With the right care and informed advice, it's possible to feel more confident about managing changes in your skin.

What can I do about it?

One professional in-clinic option for supporting pigmentation is mesoestetic's cosmelan, available at Clear Skincare, Australian Skin Clinics and SILK Laser Clinics across Australia.

Alana explained that cosmelan is not a one-off treatment: "It's a three-phase program that usually takes three to six months. It starts with skin preparation, followed by the in-clinic depigmentation treatment and continues with a carefully personalised homecare routine."

The program aims to reduce the appearance of pigmentation while calming and regulating the pigment-producing cells over time, using patented ingredients and advanced delivery technology.

"Cosmelan is supported by scientific research and uses active ingredients designed to target pigmentation at its source," she said.

"Many clients see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of pigmentation and the treatment may also help strengthen the skin's resilience to future flare-ups. However, results can vary depending on individual skin types and conditions."

To find out if cosmelan is right for you, book a consultation at your nearest Clear Skincare, Australian Skin Clinics or SILK Laser Clinics.

Alana Van Der Schouw is an employee of Wesfarmers Health, with comments supplied on behalf of Wesfarmers Health.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Feature Image: Supplied/Canva.

Australian Skin Clinics, Clear Skincare, and SILK Laser Clinics are leaders in personalised, results-driven aesthetic care across Australia. Australian Skin Clinics focuses on empowering clients through tailored treatments; Clear Skincare offers accessible, effective therapies with a self-care ethos and SILK Laser Clinics is known for exceptional service and long-lasting results, driven by passionate professionals.