Posted On: 2025-01-28 11:12 AM
Are you noticing darker spots on your face or body? Hyperpigmentation is when skin appears darker in certain areas, often on the neck, chest, arms, upper lip, and cheeks.
The condition can be caused by things like sun exposure, medications, pregnancy, or health conditions like Addison’s disease. Treatments for hyperpigmentation often involve special creams or products.
Hyperpigmentation is not a disease, but rather a term used to describe skin that’s darker than usual. It can:
- Appear as small spots
- Cover larger areas
- Affect the whole body
Although it’s usually not harmful, hyperpigmentation can sometimes be a sign of another health issue. Learn more about the causes, types, and treatments for hyperpigmentation.
Skin Discoloration and Pigmentation
Pigmentation is determined by melanin, the substance that gives your skin its color and protects it from the sun. Your skin has cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin.
Discoloration can occur in different areas of the body because of changes in melanin levels. If your body makes too much melanin, it can cause dark spots on the skin.
Hyperpigmentation is when the skin becomes darker than its natural color. On the other hand, hypopigmentation happens when the body produces too little melanin, leading to lighter skin areas.
Most cases of hyperpigmentation are harmless, but it’s important to look for other signs to make sure there aren’t any other skin problems.
There are a few common types of hyperpigmentation:
Melasma is a skin condition where darker spots appear on the skin, usually on the face. It is more common in women, with about 90% of those affected being female. It’s also called chloasma and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” because it frequently occurs in pregnant women.
In most cases, melasma doesn’t need treatment. However, if treatment is needed, options like skin peels or topical steroid creams are commonly used.
Melasma typically appears on the face in symmetrical patterns, and areas that get a lot of sun, like the cheeks, forehead, chin, and bridge of the nose, are most affected. While it’s usually not a serious condition, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor if you notice these dark spots.
The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but people with darker skin tones are more likely to develop it.
Hormonal changes, such as taking birth control pills or hormone therapy, can trigger melasma. It’s also linked to thyroid disease and excessive stress.
Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are caused by too much sun exposure over time. These spots usually appear on areas that get a lot of sun, like the face and hands.
This happens after the skin has been injured or inflamed, such as from acne. It leaves dark spots where the skin has healed from the injury or irritation.
What Are the Symptoms and Risk Factors?
The main symptom of hyperpigmentation is - the darker areas of skin. Those patches can vary in size and can appear anywhere.
The biggest risk factors for hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, both of which can increase melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) production.
The more time you spend in the sun, the higher the chance of developing dark spots.
Other risk factors for hyperpigmentation, depending on the type, may include:
- Using oral contraceptives or being pregnant (as seen with melasma)
- Having darker skin, which is more likely to develop pigmentation changes
- Taking medications that make you more sensitive to sunlight
- Skin trauma, like a wound or superficial burn, can lead to dark spots as the skin heals
Most medications, including tricyclic antidepressants and antimalarial drugs, can cause your skin to become hyperpigmented. In some cases, an allergic reaction can make your skin appear gray.
Addison’s disease is a condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. It can lead to skin darkening. Particularly, you see it on the cheeks and lips. If you notice unexplained dark patches on your skin, it’s important to consultyour doctor.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens when the skin produces too much melanin after an injury or irritation. It includes -
- Acne
- scars,
- Allergic reactions, or
- Other skin inflammation.
You need to address the underlying inflammation. Once the inflammation reduces, your skin will naturally lighten over time. It helps to fade dark spots.
Some skincare products may cause your skin to darken, especially on the face. The reason is - it is more sensitive than the rest of your body. Harsh
products can lead to -
- Dry patches,
- Age spots,
- Blemishes, and
- Hyperpigmentation.
Additionally, some cosmetics with toxins can trigger acne and scarring. It causes your skin to appear darker and discolored.
As you get older, your skin cells produce less melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color.
However, the existing skin cells increase in size and become more concentrated.
The imbalance leads to uneven dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface. That's why age spots often appear in your forties. These can be a sign of premature aging.
You can't prevent all types of hyperpigmentation, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Try not to come out between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Whenoutdoors, sit under a sun umbrella or in the shade to reduce sun exposure.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It helps brighten skin and reduce signs of aging.
Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day, even during cooler months, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Scratching or picking at spots can cause inflammation. It leads to darker pigmentation. Don’t touch your face, and always wash your hands before applying skincare or makeup.
Hyperpigmentation is usually not harmful and is rarely a sign of a serious health problem. In some cases, dark spots may fade on their own if you use good sun protection. However, in other cases, more intensive treatment may be required. Even with treatment, there’s no guarantee that the dark spots will completely disappear.