5 Causes of Hyperpigmentation and How to Treat It

Many people experience skin discoloration throughout their lives. Acne scars, sun damage, and dark spots are different types of hyperpigmentation that may cause some areas of the skin to be darker than others. 
While we all suffer from skin problems from time to time, hyperpigmentation can be equally worrisome for those affected. These dark spots on your skin can make you feel self-conscious or even embarrassed, but there are many different treatment options available. 

Where does hyperpigmentation come from? What steps can you take? Read on to learn about some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation and how to treat them. What is hyperpigmentation? 

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes the skin on the face and body to become darker. "Pigment" refers to the color of the skin, while the word "super" means "extra" or "extra." So hyperpigmentation means extra color. 

In terms of skin, hyperpigmentation is an area of ​​skin that is typically darker or darker than the surrounding areas. It occurs when the skin produces extra melanin, causing skin discoloration from brown and black to pink or red. 

Hyperpigmentation is a sign of a compromised skin barrier and can also lead to rough, dry skin, premature aging and risk of skin cancer. Hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, but is most noticeable on the face and chest. Although it's usually harmless, it can affect your self-confidence, which is why many people choose to seek treatment. 

What are the causes of hyperpigmentation? There are many causes of hyperpigmentation. Therefore, the reasons why you have them may be different from the reasons why someone else has them. Fortunately, hyperpigmentation is usually not a medical condition to worry about. However, if you notice hyperpigmentation and want treatment, you should see a dermatologist. 

The main cause of hyperpigmentation is increased melanin production, but what causes hypermelanin and what are the main causes of hyperpigmentation? Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation on the face and body. 

Sun exposure: Lack of sunscreen can lead to hyperpigmentation. UV rays can darken the skin, which is why many of us get a tan from outdoor activities. However, this exposure can also exacerbate existing hyperpigmentation, especially in people with darker skin tones. 

Eventually, the skin produces more melanin to protect itself from harmful UV rays, causing dark spots or patches on the skin, often called sunspots. 

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can affect your skin in many ways and lead to hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is common during pregnancy due to the rapid and dramatic hormonal changes women experience. However, taking birth control pills or having hormonal imbalances can also cause hyperpigmentation. 

This type of hyperpigmentation is called melasma. drug/ Some medications may cause hyperpigmentation. In some cases, hyperpigmentation is a possible side effect. For example, people who take birth control pills may develop hyperpigmentation until they stop taking them. 

However, many other drugs can also cause hyperpigmentation, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, psychoactive drugs such as antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and others.  under certain conditions. Certain medical conditions may cause hyperpigmentation. For example, Addison's disease and thyroid disease, which affect hormone production, can cause skin discoloration. 

Additionally, discoloration is common in people with skin inflammation, which may also include other skin conditions, such as acne or eczema. irritate or hurt. Many people develop skin discoloration from skin inflammation caused by acne scars, eczema, and injuries such as cuts or burns. This discoloration, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), is chronic but may improve spontaneously. 

How do you know if you have hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity or gender. If your face is hyperpigmented, you will notice dark spots or discoloration. 

However, there are usually no other symptoms. These discolorations won't itch or feel any different than the rest of your skin. The only difference is the color, which can be black, brown, grey, pink or red. 

Age spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation and are caused by sun damage. If hyperpigmentation is caused by sun damage, small, dark patches of skin will appear on the face, hands, and other parts of the body most exposed to UV rays. You may also notice that these spots become darker after exposure to sunlight. 
On the other hand, if your hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal changes caused by an underlying health problem, pregnancy, or birth control, you may develop spots that resemble age spots but are larger. On the other hand, hyperpigmentation due to other causes, such as acne, may cause discoloration long after symptoms have resolved. 

If you have hyperpigmentation, your dark spots may be worsened by sun exposure because the melanin in your skin absorbs UV rays, darkening them. How is hyperpigmentation treated? 


Although hyperpigmentation is common, many people choose to seek treatment. If you're worried about spots on your skin, you should see a dermatologist to make sure it's not more concerning than discoloration. 

For example, skin cancer can also show up as dark spots on the skin. Once melanoma has been ruled out, you can choose from a variety of methods to remove dark spots on your face and body, such as: skin care treatments There are many skin care treatments that can help brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

Creams, serums and moisturizers contain ingredients that lighten dark spots while supporting overall skin health. For example, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol can promote cell turnover and restore the skin barrier. You should also protect your skin from harmful UV rays every day of the year. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose a sunscreen product that's right for you. For example, you might prefer a chemical-free mineral sunscreen to a traditional sunscreen. beauty care Cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing are more aggressive ways to eliminate hyperpigmentation. 

Chemical peels reduce the appearance of dark spots by removing the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). Laser resurfacing is another effective option that uses light needles to stimulate collagen production in the dermis, thereby reducing the appearance of discoloration. You can also try intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), also known as facial phototherapy, which stimulates collagen growth and treats pigmentation issues. home remedies Many people swear by their home skin care regimen. 

However, you should be careful when using any new product on your face, especially if it contains ingredients that are not suitable for your facial skin. Some common home remedies for treating hyperpigmentation include: Apple cider vinegar (ACV): Apple cider vinegar contains essential vitamins and acids that exfoliate the skin, which is why many people use it to treat acne scars. 

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a common skin care ingredient that many people use to treat sunburn. There is little scientific evidence that this plant can reduce hyperpigmentation, but it may be beneficial to the skin due to its moisturizing properties. Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage. With its anti-inflammatory effects, it supports skin healing and prevents the overproduction of melanin that causes discoloration. 

How to prevent hyperpigmentation? 

UV rays can aggravate hyperpigmentation and cause hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure is one of the main contributors to hyperpigmentation, although there are other factors such as medications, medical conditions, and hormonal changes. Avoid Sunlight: Avoiding direct sunlight is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. You can check the UV Index in your favorite weather app to get an idea of ​​the expected UV intensity determined by solar radiation. The higher the UV index, the more dangerous the sun's rays are. 

Wear sunscreen: Even in winter, you should apply sunscreen every day. Even if winter weather is gray and cloudy, it's still important to protect your skin from UV rays, which can cause sun spots no matter the season. You already know the importance of skin care, but you should consider using products with SPF to protect visible skin when you leave the house. Wear a hat: Sunscreen protects your skin, but sweat and water can cause it to separate from your skin. If you don't carry sunscreen when you're outdoors, consider wearing a hat to protect your face from the sun. 

Also consider purchasing UPF sun protective clothing. Unfortunately, hyperpigmentation is not always preventable. While UV rays can exacerbate skin darkening, there are many other possible causes of hyperpigmentation, such as hormonal changes and existing skin conditions. While you can't always prevent skin discoloration, you can treat it. Eliminate dark spots and enjoy a clearer complexion Hyperpigmentation is a fairly common skin problem. 

While it's not harmful to your health, it can make you feel unsafe. While there are many causes of hyperpigmentation, there are many treatment options, and we are here to help you. Our mineral sunscreen is designed to protect your face from the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing discoloration and more serious health problems. Additionally, our skin care treatments are designed to minimize the appearance of dark spots while leaving you with a more youthful complexion. Browse our range today to reduce dark spots and protect your skin from the sun.