After a fun and sun-filled summer, your skin might be showing signs of overexposure - dark spots, uneven tone, or melasma.

While a golden glow can be flattering, too much sun can trigger melanin overproduction, leaving behind pigmentation that can linger long after your holiday ends. But with the right skincare and habits, you can restore your skin’s radiance and deal with post-summer spots...

Melanin is your skin’s natural defense against UV rays, but excess sun exposure can cause an uneven buildup, resulting in hyperpigmentation.

Other factors, like hormonal changes, inflammation and genetics, can also make skin more prone to discolouration. But post-summer spots? Those are usually a result of enjoying too much sun without the proper protection. While prevention is key, effective treatments can help fade existing pigmentation.

The easiest way to fight pigmentation is to stop it before it starts. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) is non-negotiable - apply generously and reapply often. Protective clothing, sunglasses and shade are also essential. Another hero? Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant not only helps brighten skin but also shields it from free radicals that exacerbate pigmentation.

If your skin's already showing signs of pigmentation, here are a few ways to restore your radiance:

BRIGHTEN: Vitamin C is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling pigmentation. This antioxidant-rich ingredient helps brighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production, which can fade dark spots and even out your skin tone over time. Other effective ingredients include niacinamide, kojic acid and arbutin, which work to even out skin tone over time.

EXFOLIATE: Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) help your skin renew itself by encouraging cell turnover - helping pigmentation fade faster. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, as over-exfoliating can cause irritation and worsen discolouration.

HYDRATE: Healthy, well-moisturised skin is key to a faster recovery and a glowing complexion. Try incorporating hyaluronic acid or ceramide-based moisturisers to keep your skin barrier strong and hydrated, and support healing.

TARGET: If you’ve got spots that refuse to budge, professional treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion can work wonders. Talk to a dermatologist or skin expert to find what’s best for your skin.

Pigmentation isn’t permanent, but consistency is key. With diligent sun protection, targeted skincare and patience, your skin can bounce back to its natural, even-toned glow. These products can help, too:

This powerhouse body oil from local brand Tronque will become one of your year round faves, with a fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula that leaves your skin glowing. It's packed with an ultra-potent Vitamin C THD, that's 50x more effective than regular Vitamin C, plus advanced ceramides and lipid complex - which worn in unison to focus on pigmentation, reducing the look of your pores and any pesky sun damage.

Vida Glow's antioxidant-rich Radiance+ capsules feature a clinically proven Mela-Tech™ complex - made from grapeseed and licorice root extract, and vitamin C - to help regulate melanin, reduce pigmentation and brighten your complexion. As simple as taking a little green pill each day!

An ultra-rich but gentle cream that's powered by three potent forms of Vitamin C, plus antioxidant-rich cacao, CoQ10 and blackcurrant seed extracts - which help fight environmental stressors, nourish and even out any hyperpigmentation. Also: look at that cool packaging!

Keep the summer glow going, but in a sensible way, with this serum that helps protect your skin while indoors against blue light while adding a natural sun-kissed bronze. Made to be worn with makeup or skincare (like sunscreen!), it’s buildable so you can play around with how much you want to layer it.

Prevention is the first, and easiest, step when it comes to pigmentation. That means finding a sunscreen that you love and will actually use each day.

Mother SPF's Universal Face SPF50 has a creamy, lightweight formula that's perfect for your face, with hyaluronic acid and organic non-comedogenic botanical ingredients like kakadu plum, jojoba oil and sea buckthorn oil.

Grown Alchemist's SPF30 sunscreen is a natural, mineral option made with Zinc Oxide, hyaluronic Acid and Rosehip Oil.