Everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is an extremely common (and usually harmless!) skin condition that can look a little different for everyone. Maybe it’s stubborn sunspots that won’t shift for love nor money, or perhaps it’s prominent darker patches that have set up shop all over the body. Regardless of skin type or tone, anyone can be susceptible to hyperpigmentation, so it’s worth brushing up on a few of the basics to help you protect your complexion in the future. In this article, we’re getting to grips with exactly what it is and what causes it, along with some of the best hyperpigmentation treatments on the market.

Note: If you notice any bleeding/itching or are concerned about a change in the size and colour of any hyperpigmentation you have, it’s best to consult your GP or dermatologist before trialling any treatments.

What is hyperpigmentation, and what causes it?

Hyperpigmentation is caused by the excess production of the body’s natural pigment, melanin. When the body produces more melanin than usual, it can cause patches to appear that are darker than the surrounding skin. There are a few things that can trigger hyperpigmentation, but here are the main ones to know:

• Sun exposure—Repeated and prolonged UV exposure without SPF protection can speed up melanin production and cause brown spots (a.k.a. sunspots) to develop.
• Hormones—Increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone can trigger the overproduction of melanin. This type of hyperpigmentation is known as melasma and is commonly associated with pregnancy.
• Inflammation—When your skin experiences a period of inflammation (e.g. an acne or eczema flare-up), darker spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can occur.
• Health conditions – Certain illnesses can cause an increase in melanin production, e.g. Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis.

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Hyperpigmentation treatments

Like many other skin conditions, there is no quick fix for hyperpigmentation, and what might work for one person’s skin might not be as effective for your own. However, there are some tried-and-tested treatments and techniques that can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and prevent new patches from developing.

Skincare

When dealing with hyperpigmentation, it’s a good idea to switch up your skincare regime to focus on specific ingredients. Whether it’s creams, serums, gels or toners, look for products that contain vitamin C to help brighten and even the skin tone, as well as retinol and niacinamide to help speed up cell turnover and encourage fresh skin to come to the surface.

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Also, introducing chemical exfoliators called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) is a well-known way to combat hyperpigmentation. Lactic and glycolic acids are popular AHAs that slough away surface-level skin cells, helping to fade darker patches and give you an unbeatable glow in the process.

Professional treatments

If your hyperpigmentation is particularly stubborn or affecting your self-esteem and wellbeing, it could be worth chatting to your GP or dermatologist about professional treatments such as:

• Chemical peels – They involve applying a chemical solution to the face (in a higher strength than at-home skincare), causing the outermost layer of skin to eventually peel off. This treatment helps to remove surface-level hyperpigmentation and brighten the complexion.
• Microneedling – This process involves tiny needles puncturing the skin to break down hyperpigmentation patches and stimulate collagen production, encouraging newer, healthier and more even skin to form.
• Laser – Also known as skin resurfacing, this hyperpigmentation treatment uses targeted laser beams to remove layers of the skin and break down excess pigmentation.

How to prevent hyperpigmentation

Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day (yep, even in winter!). Giving your skin this added protection will help to keep existing hyperpigmentation from worsening and prevent new patches from forming. In the summer months, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun during peak hours for extra security.

Also, to reduce the chances of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, try to avoid picking spots or wounds. This can make the complexion more prone to infection and, in turn, trigger increased melanin production. 

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