Pigmentation & Melasma
Even tone needs three things: vitamin C, 4nB and relentless SPF.
Uneven skin tone develops when melanin production becomes patchy — after sun exposure, around blemishes, or from hormonal shifts. Melasma is the hormonally-driven form: symmetrical brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, and it is notoriously quick to return with sun exposure.
No single product erases pigment overnight. The evidence-led combination is a pure vitamin C in the morning, a targeted pigmentation active such as 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nB), and daily sun protection — without which everything else stalls.
Expect gradual change over months, not days, and know that melasma in particular is managed rather than cured.
Essential routine
£220.00 RRP
£198.00
The daily backbone of every even-tone plan. Please note: a separate broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen is required daily for pigmentation and melasma and is not included in this bundle — Zinc Shade (SPF15, rated 23) is an everyday top-up, not sufficient standalone photoprotection.
- 1
Hydroxy Cleanser£35.00£31.50150mlA pH-balanced, soap-free cleanser ESK formulates for skin prone to pigmentation — it prepares the skin for actives without disrupting the barrier.
- 2
C Forte£69.00£62.1050ml16% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid, held at the ideal pH in airless packaging — one of the best-evidenced antioxidant combinations for brighter, more even-looking tone.
- 3
Peptide Primer£66.00£59.4050mlA paraben- and sulphate-free lightweight moisturiser with peptides that hydrates without interfering with the actives above.
- 4
Zinc Shade£50.00£45.0050mlA non-greasy, matte mineral SPF15 (rated SPF 23) that works under makeup — sun exposure is the engine of pigmentation, so this is the step that holds every other gain.
You save £22.00 with ReGen's 10% discount · free UK delivery over £60
Advanced routine
£77.00 RRP
£69.30
A single evening addition to your essential routine — a targeted 4nB pigmentation moisturiser that replaces your evening Peptide Primer on the nights used, introduced gradually.
- 1
Enlighten Gold£77.00£69.3050mlCombines 0.3% 4nB — described by ESK as a gentle and highly effective pigmentation fighter — with 3% PHA, 5% niacinamide and retinal, for the stubborn darker patches other products leave behind.
You save £7.70 with ReGen's 10% discount · free UK delivery over £60
Morning protocol
- 1
Hydroxy Cleanser — Cleanse with the pH-balanced wash formulated for pigmentation-prone skin.
- 2
C Forte — Apply the 16% vitamin C serum — ESK's strongest antioxidant morning serum.
- 3
Peptide Primer — Follow with the lightweight daily moisturiser.
- 4
Zinc Shade — Finish with Zinc Shade as your lightweight everyday SPF — for pigmentation and melasma, make a broad-spectrum SPF50+ your primary daily protection (see precautions).
Evening protocol
- 1
Hydroxy Cleanser — Cleanse the day away.
- 2
Enlighten Gold — Advanced evening swap: replaces your evening Peptide Primer on the nights you use it — ESK's most powerful uneven-tone product. Introduce gradually — there is no automatic step-up to nightly use; frequency follows the product's official instructions, your individual tolerance and practitioner guidance.
- 3
Peptide Primer — Essential nights: moisturise with Peptide Primer when not using the advanced cream.
How often to use
- ·C Forte every morning; Peptide Primer morning and evening; Zinc Shade every morning.
- ·Enlighten Gold is a lightweight cream ESK describes as suitable for long-term daily use — apply in the evening.
- ·Introduce Enlighten Gold gradually so you can monitor tolerance.
Precautions
- ·Photoprotection first: for uneven tone and melasma a separate broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen is required every morning — it is not included in the ESK routine bundle. Reapply every two hours during sun exposure and after sweating or swimming. Zinc Shade (SPF15, rated 23) is a lightweight everyday top-up, not sufficient standalone photoprotection. We will recommend a suitable SPF50+ at your consultation; official ESK guidance on a higher-SPF product is pending.
- ·Melasma is hormonal — while skincare helps manage its appearance, medical assessment and in-clinic treatment often form part of the plan. Book a consultation to discuss yours.
- ·Enlighten Gold contains retinal and must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If melasma appeared in pregnancy, ask us before choosing products.
- ·SPF is non-negotiable: pigmentation rebounds quickly with sun exposure. Reapply as directed on the pack when exposed for long periods.
- ·Be patient — uneven tone improves over months of consistent use, not days.
General skincare guidance built from the official ESK product information — not medical advice. If you are being treated in clinic, follow the aftercare your practitioner gave you rather than changing your routine, and book a consultation before combining this guide with clinical treatment.