What Is Hyperpigmentation? Causes, Types, and How to Treat It

What Is Hyperpigmentation? Causes, Types, and How to Treat It

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns worldwide. However, the majority of people who struggle with it don’t know how they got it or how to treat it. Here, we will break down everything that you need to, including causes, types, treatment options.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a skin concern where areas on the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This happens due to excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone or type, and commonly appears on the face, hands, shoulders, and parts of the body.

What Does Hyperpigmentation Look Like?

Hyperpigmentation shows itself as dark spots or patches on the face or body. Depending on your skin tone and levels of melanin, these spots can appear as brown, black, gray, or even red or purple. These spots can vary in size, and are flat (not raised) on the complexion. If you are dealing with spots that are darker than your natural skin tone, they do not itch or hurt, and they appear or seem to get worse after acne, sun exposure or irritation, you may be dealing with hyperpigmentation. 

 

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

There are several causes of hyperpigmentation, ranging from lifestyle and environmental factors to hormones and skin irritation. 

The most common causes include:

1. Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is the #1 cause of hyperpigmentation. UV rays trigger melanin production, leading to:

  • Sun spots
  • Age spots
  • Uneven pigmentation

This is why SPF is the most important step in your skincare routine. Besides causing hyperpigmentation, UV exposure can also accelerate signs of aging. 

2. Inflammation or Skin Injury

When the skin is damaged, melanin is sent to the affected area to assist in the healing process. This leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which often occurs after:

  • Acne
  • Cuts or burns
  • Trauma to the skin, such as picking or improperly performed extractions

3. Hormonal Changes

Conditions like melasma are linked to:

  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Hormonal fluctuations

4. Skin Irritation

Products that are too active or over-exfoliation of the skin can trigger pigmentation, as again, the body sends melanin to these affected areas to aide in healing the skin

What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a type of hyperpigmentation that occurs after skin inflammation or injury.

Common examples:

  • Acne hyperpigmentation (dark spots left behind after pimples heal)
  • Marks after improperly done chemical peels or laser treatments
  • Discoloration after cuts, irritation or trauma done to the skin

PIH is especially common in those with medium to darker skin tones since their skin naturally produces more melanin. 

Are Freckles, Sun Spots, and Age Spots Hyperpigmentation?

The short answer is yes, but there is some nuance to these specific concerns. While all three of them involve an excess produc

Our Favorite Hyperpigmentation Treatments

Are Freckles, Sun Spots, and Age Spots Hyperpigmentation?

The short answer is yes, but there is some nuance to these specific concerns. While all three of them involve an excess production of melanin, they differ in how they form and behave.

Freckles

Freckles are usually small, light brown spots. They commonly occur in childhood and are highly influenced by genetics. They can darken with sun exposure and do tend to lighten without sun exposure. Freckles do not involve an increase in melanocytes (pigment cells) themselves, but instead are the result of an increase in melanocyte activity. They are usually harmless, and more common in lighter skin tones, especially those with Western European ancestry.

Sun Spots

Sun spots are, as shown by the name, a direct result of cumulative exposure to the sun. They appear as flat and well defined, and do not fade easily, even when exposure wanes. They are often a sign of both long term sun exposure and sun damage. They can lay dormant for decades and often appear in middle age. 

Age Spots

Age spots, sometimes called liver spots, share the same root cause of sun spots, but are more often associated with signs of aging. They are mostly found on the face, hands and arms, and do not tend to fade on their own. 

The Key Difference

While all three of these can be attributed to hyperpigmentation, it is important to note that freckles are temporary, reactive and genetic, and sun and age spots are harder to fade and show cumulative sun damage to the complexion. 

By understanding this, you can better discern what issue you are experiencing, and how to treat it. 

Is Hyperpigmentation Permanent?

The answer depends on the type and cause. Some hyperpigmentation will fade over time, whereas others can last months or even years. For the average person, a skincare regimen with brightening actives that prioritizes sun protection can often be the solution. For others who have deeper pigmentation, specialized treatments such as peels or lasers can be the best solution.

So, while it may seem that the pigmentation is permanent, overwhelmingly, it can be repaired. Since the damage is usually deeper into the skin, treatment times can feel long, but this is just a part of the process. 

How Long Does Hyperpigmentation Take to Fade?

As stated above, pigmentation does fade, but due to it’s unique nature, it can take a bit longer than most people expect it to take. 

A general timeline is:

  • Mild cases: 1–3 months
  • Moderate cases: 3–6 months
  • Severe cases: 6–12+ months

There are several factors that come into play here, such as skin type, severity of pigmentation, sun exposure, and skincare routine. 

An individual with a medium to deep skin tone may take longer to repair their hyperpigmentation than someone with fair skin, based solely on the fact that their skin naturally produces more melanin. The person who sun worshipped and did not use SPF will also have a longer treatment window than someone who spent too much time in the sun for a long weekend. 

Can Hyperpigmentation Be Reversed or Removed?

In most cases, yes! If you are struggling with hyperpigmentation, the best place to start is your skincare routine! Your routine should incorporate brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C or niacinamide. You should also add in a chemical exfoliant, as this helps to reveal the undamaged layers of fresh skin. Most importantly, you need to be applying SPF daily and liberally. SPF is more often than not, the most important step in your routine when it comes to diminishing your hyperpigmentation.
Other ways to treat this concern would be with professional treatments, such as peels or lasers. These can be especially helpful for those who have struggled with pigmentation for long periods of time, or for those who find their pigmentation does not respond well to topicals. 

Why Is My Hyperpigmentation Not Going Away?

If your spots are not fading, it is most likely due to one of the following:

To treat hyperpigmentation effectively, you need to address it from multiple perspectives for best results. This is not the type of skin concern that is easily reversed by only doing one thing.

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that is caused by excess melanin production. It is triggered by several factors, such as sun exposure, acne and skin inflammation. While normally harmless, it can be stubborn and hard to fade. Luckily, with the right routine, treatments and lifestyle adjustments, hyperpigmentation will diminish over time!

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