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A pigmentation plan built around your skin
Pigmentation Treatment in Amsterdam
Sun spots, melasma or pigmentation after a breakout? At SKIN in Amsterdam we treat pigmentation with a tailored plan: from IPL and chemical peels to PRX-T33 and the more intensive Cosmelan programme. Our skin therapists always start with a skin analysis, so the approach fits your skin type and the type of pigmentation. Consultations are available in English.
How is hyperpigmentation treated in Amsterdam?
Pigmentation caused by sun, hormones or old scarring is treated at SKIN with IPL, chemical peels, PRX-T33 or the more intensive Cosmelan programme. The skin therapist chooses the approach based on the type of pigmentation and your skin type, since not every treatment suits every skin tone. Pigmentation treatments require consistent SPF use afterwards, even on cloudy days.
- Best options
- IPL, peel, Cosmelan
- Price from
- €100 per session
- Consultation
- From €100, incl. skin analysis
Treatment options
How we approach pigmentation
Pigmentation forms in different ways, so there is no single fix. Our skin therapists combine clinical techniques into a plan that suits your skin and the type of spot. These are the treatments we use most often across our Amsterdam clinics.
IPL Treatment
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) breaks down superficial pigmentation and sun damage with pulses of light. Effective for isolated sun spots and an uneven tone. From €100 per session, usually as a short course.
Learn moreChemical Peel
A peel with acids stimulates cell renewal and fades pigmentation for a more even tone. Suitable for a range of skin types and easy to combine into a wider plan. From €100 per session.
Learn morePRX-T33 Peel
A needle-free biorevitalising peel that targets pigmentation while firming and brightening the skin. Minimal downtime. From €130 per session, often as a course.
Learn moreCosmelan Programme
An intensive depigmentation programme for stubborn melasma, combining an in-clinic treatment with homecare. From €850, including guidance from your skin therapist.
Learn moreCurious about the causes of pigmentation and the difference between sun spots and melasma? Read more about hyperpigmentation.
Our approach
Why see a skin therapist for pigmentation
Treating pigmentation without knowing its cause often ends in disappointment, or even makes the pigment worse. Our skin therapists are trained at HBO level (Dutch professional bachelor level) and know how to recognise the different types of pigmentation: from superficial sun spots (lentigines) to hormone-driven melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne or an injury. That diagnosis determines which treatment is appropriate, and which is not.
Every treatment starts with a skin analysis. We assess the type of pigment, how deep it sits, your skin type on the Fitzpatrick scale and any triggers such as the contraceptive pill or pregnancy. From there we build a realistic plan with a timeline and an honest picture of what to expect.
Safety comes first. IPL, for instance, is not suitable for darker or recently tanned skin, because the risk of extra pigment or a burn is too high. We also postpone certain treatments during pregnancy, alongside an active course of isotretinoin, or on freshly tanned skin. A skin therapist knows these contra-indications and chooses the safe route.
SPF is not an afterthought but the core of every pigmentation treatment. Without consistent protection against UV light, pigment returns, however good the treatment was. That is why every plan includes advice on homecare and sun protection. As an expat, note that if we suspect a suspicious mole or skin lesion, we refer you to a GP (huisarts) or dermatologist, as that falls outside a skin therapist's scope of practice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does pigmentation treatment cost in Amsterdam?
Pricing depends on the type of pigmentation and the approach. An IPL treatment starts from €100, a chemical peel from €100 and a PRX-T33 from €130 per session. The more intensive Cosmelan programme for stubborn melasma starts from €850, including the homecare that comes with it. During the consultation (from €100) you will hear which approach suits your skin and what the expected cost is.
How long does it take before pigmentation visibly fades?
For superficial sun spots, IPL often shows a difference after 1 to 3 sessions. Melasma and deeper pigmentation require more patience: a chemical peel or Cosmelan programme works gradually over several weeks to months. The exact timeline depends on the type of pigmentation, your skin type and how consistently you use SPF.
Is pigmentation treatment covered by Dutch health insurance?
Pigmentation treatments at SKIN count as cosmetic skin care and are not covered by the Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). Some supplementary policies offer limited coverage for skin therapy, so check with your own insurer beforehand.
Is pigmentation treatment suitable for every skin tone?
Not every treatment suits every skin type. IPL, for example, works less well and can carry risks on darker or recently tanned skin, whereas chemical peels and the Cosmelan programme can suit a broad range of skin types. During the consultation, the skin therapist assesses which approach is safe for your skin tone.
Is there any downtime after a pigmentation treatment?
After IPL, the pigment may first darken and then flake off as small specks after a few days; this is normal. After a chemical peel or PRX-T33, the skin may flake mildly and feel sensitive for a few days. The Cosmelan programme involves a more intensive reaction in the first week. Your skin therapist always explains the aftercare beforehand.
Can pigmentation spots be removed permanently?
Pigmentation treatments can visibly reduce spots and even out the skin, but we cannot guarantee they disappear completely and permanently. Pigment can return through sun exposure, hormones or a tendency toward melasma. That is why consistent use of a high SPF, even on cloudy days, is part of every treatment, and maintenance is sometimes needed.
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