What is hyperpigmentation? 

Hyperpigmentation is when patches of the skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin due to an excess of melanin and it can go into overdrive during the warmer months. This is because the melanocytes in our skin respond to heat and sunlight by producing more melanin in an attempt to protect us, and to protect the skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Malfunctioning of the melanocytes can happen in those who are more prone to hyperpigmentation from sun damage than others. What you see on the surface of the skin is the tip of the iceberg, with worse pigmentation in the deeper layers that rise to the surface over time.

What causes hyperpigmentation? 

Dr Yusra specialises in treating hyperpigmentation at her premium Harley Street and Liverpool clinics. She believes that prevention is better than cure and extols the virtues of high factor SPFs. This is because sun damage is cumulative and damage done in our 20s will show in our 30s and our 40s, with age spots appearing over time and becoming wider. However, once the damage is done, there are ways to reverse it.

Who is prone to hyperpigmentation?

​According to Dr Yusra, it’s easy to identify those most likely to be affected: “those at risk of hyperpigmentation tend to be Fitzpatrick skin type three, four or five – they will almost never burn and usually tan. Skin pigmentation can also be hormonal and women who are taking HRT, the oral contraceptive pill or who go through pregnancy can also find that their skin is prone to these changes.”

How do you treat hyperpigmentation?

Dr Yusra shares her advice on how to tackle hyperpigmentation:

Opt for medical-grade prescription skincare rather than over-the-counter remedies to treat pre-existing hyperpigmentation. 

These will penetrate into the deeper dermis, allowing cellular change and have formulations and enzymes aimed at reducing hyperpigmentation and improving cell turnover.

Some of the best products for hyperpigmentation are medical grade ones, with the best treatment being a combination of four percent hydroquinone with tretinoin, both of which are only available on prescription. Hydroquinone is the ‘gold standard’ for treatment of hyperpigmentation and is often used in combination with antioxidants and hydroxy acids retinoids. Tretinoin is also known as retinoic acid and is the generic name for synthetic vitamin A.  

When it comes to non-prescription or over-the-counter products, Dr Yusra believes that the best ones are mainly about prevention. She cites vitamin C as an essential buy, as it promotes collagen formation, reduces age spots, brightens the skin and helps to strengthen SPF eight fold. 

Choose in-clinic solutions, such as INTRAcel, the Obagi Blue Peel and the ZO three-step skin peel to expedite the treatment process, lifting pigmentation and improving skin texture and radiance.

Dr Yusra’s treatment of choice is the ZO three-step skin peel, which would need to be performed across three to six sessions monthly in order to see sensational results. This would need to be supported by daily use of bespoke medical grade skincare and Dr Yusra would recommend a four month course of medicated skincare. 

She also recommends INTRAcel treatments. This is an in-clinic procedure which combines micro needling with radio frequency, allowing deep penetration of the medicationslift any residual pigmentation and tighten up the skin. Unlike laser procedures or surgery, INTRAcel protects the surface of the skin from damage and the treatment is targeted at variable depths below the skin surface, meaning that healthy skin is left undamaged causing minimal pain and discomfort.

High factor SPFs are essential to preventing hyperpigmentation – but not all SPFs are created equal. 

Choose a stand alone SPF of over 30 and with a high PA factor, and apply it as the last step in your skincare routine. If you are acne prone, she suggests opting for a mineral spf with Zinc Oxide, which is healing on the skin.



An SPF evangelist, Dr Yusra believes those prone to hyperpigmentation should use a high factor product every day and states that sunbeds should be absolute no go for those affected.

She recommends topping up your SPF every two hours, and this can be with a powder or a mist. However, if your face is directly in the sun then topping up every 10 minutes is recommended.  

To control pigmentation, Dr Yusra recommends wearing a factor of 30 or above, alongside wearing wide brim sun hats and large sunglasses. Her recommended SPF would be a mineral with an SPF of 50, that offers UVA, UVB and infrared protection and this should be applied all over exposed areas. 

Also according to Dr Yusra, many products are actually chemical SPFs that are reliant on a chemical reaction to provide adequate protection, and those chemicals are absorbed into the body, with new evidence demonstrating that these can be endocrine disruptors. Chemical SPFs are cheap and found in most over the counter SPFs and she recommends avoiding these if you can afford a mineral SPF. When it comes to her own skincare, Dr Yusra always opts for a mineral SPF, with her preferred products being either Obagi SPF50 matte or Colorscience mineral face shield. A good combination of chemical and mineral SPF is Heliocare 360 which offers a high level of protection.

To find out more or to book a consultation, please contact us.

Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar

Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar

Dr Yusra is a distinguished dental surgeon and a skilled medical aesthetic clinician with a wealth of experience in maxillofacial head and neck surgery and skin cancer surgery. She holds an impressive academic background, having graduated with first-class honours in Medical Science and Healthcare Management from Imperial College London and earned Honours and Distinction as a dental surgeon from King’s College London. Dr Yusra is a Level 7 Trainer in medical aesthetics, in line with Ofqual guidelines, and is renowned for her expertise in providing natural-looking non-surgical facelifts and a range of aesthetic treatments. Her commitment to patient well-being and safety is unwavering, making her a trusted practitioner in the field.

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Alicia Redgrave
Alicia Redgrave
2023-09-21
I visited Dr Yusra’s clinic for non surgical rhinoplasty. I was so impressed with the whole experience from start to finish. Dr Yusra and her team were extremely professional, listening to my concerns and what I hoped to achieve from the procedure. I’d like to give a special mention to Lucy who looked after me pre and post treatment, she was so friendly, knowledgeable and made me feel completely at ease. I look forward to my next visit.
lucy Gibson
lucy Gibson
2023-09-19
Best clinic ever
J Hassan
J Hassan
2023-09-15
September 2023: I’ve been going to Dr Yusra’s clinic for the last nine months and can honestly say the change in my skin is so apparent that people on Teams calls at work tell me I’m glowing. Dr Lauren has been doing my skin treatments since May with Co2 laser (following secret pro with Olivia) and 3 rounds of subcision with skin boosters. Dr Lauren takes time to explain the science behind the treatments before we do them so I have a realistic idea of the healing and results process. Dr Yusra is also always on hand for any queries too and as soon as you enter the Liverpool clinic, you’re given such a warm and friendly greeting by the team. Despite it being far from me, it is without a doubt worth the drive to get high quality results. Update: I've had two sessions of SecretPro with Olivia and can see a huge difference in my skin so far. Olivia is so professional, patient and took the time to go through the process before and after treatment to ensure I was comfortable. Couldn't recommend Olivia and the team at Dr Yusra's enough! Having been to Dr Yusra’s clinic before, I’ve always found them to have a high standard of care. I’ve recently been in contact with Olivia to help me with the next stage of my skin journey and have been so happy with the helpful advice and assistance she’s given me. I decided to start treatment at Dr Yusra’s clinic because the treatments being offered are different to those I’ve seen elsewhere with really impressive results on other patients. I trust I’m in good hands and excited to continue this journey to finally sorting out my skin!!
Pavendip Kaur
Pavendip Kaur
2023-09-15
Really happy with the treatment I received. Thankyou
Emma Hoy
Emma Hoy
2023-09-13
I had 3 areas of Botox as well as masseter Botox with Dr Emily and she is so lovely, listens to any queries you have (even if you think it’s a silly question) and puts you at ease through your procedure. I have a lot of pain in my jaw when eating and grinding my teeth in my sleep, Dr Emily was able to talk me through the procedure for helping this and since having masseter Botox I haven’t had pain while eating and there’s no pain when I wake up. Would definite recommend the clinic and Dr Emily.
shiraz baqi
shiraz baqi
2023-09-12
I went to see Dr. Emily for a non-surgical nose job, and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Dr. Emily was super caring and understanding, and she made me feel totally comfortable. The results are amazing, and I already feel so much more confident. I'd definitely recommend Dr. Emily – she's really awesome at what she does!
ayesha a
ayesha a
2023-09-01
Me and my sister have recently had 2 treatments with the lovely Holly who is one of the skin therapists at the clinic, and we loved getting our treatments by her!! she was fantastic and stayed so professional and caring through out the treatments.. and quickly put us at ease as we were abit nervous to begin with! All I can say is you're in good hands here and I cannot recommend Dr Yusra’s clinic enough! all the staff members are so kind and accommodating cant wait to come back for more treatments x
Saman
Saman
2023-08-15
I have had treatments from Dr Yusra and team over the past few years and despite having to travel quite a distance for this clinic it is 10000% worth the journey. They are careful and expert in the treatments they deliver, and I always feel in safe hands. I would like to thank Dr Emily especially, I have not visited a different clinician or clinic since first seeing her for my treatments and I am always very happy with the results. As well as being talented she is just lovely and a pleasure to visit.
Matt Byrne
Matt Byrne
2023-08-12
Dr Yusra and the Gang and the best in the biz. High flyers, they are wildcats who know exactly what to do, whatever you need whether it’s skincare, dental or just needing a confidence boost. They’re the best in the biz.
Kiran
Kiran
2023-08-08
I have been with Dr Yusra for 3 years, and Ive never looked back, with some small tweaks she allowed me to feel confident again. If anyone is hesitant or looking for the perfect aesthetician I couldn’t recommend this clinic enough! Thank you!