What Is Hyperpigmentation? Causes, Types, and How to Treat It Effectively
Dealing with acne marks, sunspots, or large purplish patches on your face or the body, such as your arms, shoulders and back? If yes, you might be dealing with hyperpigmentation! It has been found that about half of the world’s population faces some types of pigmentation symptoms that need effective hyperpigmentation treatment.
As of 2025, around 50% of the world's population experiences at least one form of pigmentation disorder, such as sunspots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that requires effective hyperpigmentation treatment.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to the skin that becomes darker than the surrounding skin. This discoloration of skin can occur anywhere on your skin, but it is mostly seen in sun-exposed areas, such as your face, neck, hands, chest or arms.
Although increased pigmentation isn’t harmful, it can be a sign of another medical condition. Let’s get a deep understanding of the different types of hyperpigmentation and the best ways lessen your dark spots flawlessly.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Understanding the main reasons of hyperpigmentation can help you prevent and manage them effectively. Let’s check out the most common causes of dark spots:
1. Sun Exposure
When your body is exposed to the sun, it starts producing extra melanin to protect itself from sun damage. However, it can lead to the formation of sun spots, liver spots, or uneven skin tone, known as dark spots.
2. Aging
After the age of 40, your body starts losing the ability to regenerate and repair your skin. t may take longer for your skin to heal sunburns, inflammation, or even minor injuries, leading to skin marks or pigmentation.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalance, especially during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, can lead to hyperpigmentation. Melasma is often considered to as the mask of pregnancy as it is commonly activated by the hormonal changes at this phase.
4. Genetics
There is no doubt in saying that your genetic makeup directly influences every psychological function in your body, including the production of melanin. Therefore, if someone in your family is dealing with pigmentation issues, there are higher chances that you might experience it too.
5. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
If you have cuts, acne, burns, or rashes, your skin starts producing extra melanin leading to darkened areas on the skin once the injury or inflammation heals. People with medium to dark skin tones are more prone to PIH.
6. Medical Disorders
Addison’s disease, liver disease, hemochromatosis, and thyroid disorder are the most common medical causes of discoloration of skin. Moreover, medications such as hormonal, antibiotics, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
7. Vitamin Deficiencies
Although all vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining your skin, there are specific vitamins that can directly leads to pigmentation. For instance, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E is important to support a healthy skin pigmentation.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation generally falls into three categories, such as:
1. Melasma
It has been found that female sex hormones, such as, estrogen and progesterone, increases the formation of melanin when the body comes contact with UV rays. The increase in melanin production causes hyperpigmentation. It mostly rises during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills. This skin condition mostly affects your face, such as forehead, cheeks, upper lip, or nose. In few cases, it also occurs on neck or forearms.
2. Sun Induced Hyperpigmentation
Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to age spots, particularly known as sunspots. These are the small dark areas that often occur on your hands, face, chest, arms, and other sun-exposed areas of your body. They are light to dark brown and are most common in people over 40, but can appear earlier if your skin is highly exposed to sun. Using quality sun protection creams having ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, and retinoic acid, can help you fade your dark spots easily.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
If you have dark spots that are developed from eczema, acne, or even a minor scratch or cut, you might be having post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When your body heals from acne, burns, cuts, etc., it may leave dark marks that becomes hard to lighten. It is usually brown, black, or purplish, and is mostly shown in dark skin tones.
Treatment Options
Wondering how to treat hyperpigmentation in the best possible manner? Treating hyperpigmentation is a journey, but with the right approach, you can achieve a clearer, more complexion. Here’s what works best in 2025:
1. Sun Protection
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. UV rays worsen all types of hyperpigmentation. Therefore, using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours is the best hyperpigmentation treatment for face. Always use quality sun protection that prevent dark spots and reinforces skin barriers perfectly. Look for ingredients, such as Aloe Vera Extract, Ceramides, Niacinamide, Zinc oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin. These ingredients prevent dark spots and pigmentation caused by the sun exposure.
2. Topical Treatments
Topical dark spot solutions are the most popular ways to prevent dark spots. Using creams and serums containing ingredients such as, Retinoids, hydroquinone, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Kojic Acid, are the best dermatologist-recommended treatment for pigmentation.
Niacinamide: Lessens melanin transfer and inflammation, helping fade hyperpigmentation.
· Licorice Root Extract: Naturally brightens and calms irritated skin.
· Retinoic Acid: Increases cell turnover, fading pigmentation over time.
· Other actives: Vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid blocks the development of melanin.
3. Professional Treatments
· Chemical Peels: Remove damaged outer layers, revealing brighter skin.
· Laser Therapy: Targets melanin directly for faster results, especially for deeper pigmentation.
· Microneedling & Exosome Therapy: Stimulate skin renewal and even out tone.
Note: Always consult a dermatologist before starting professional dark spot solutions.
4. Consistent Skincare Routine
· Gentle cleansing: Avoid harsh scrubs that can worsen PIH.
· Targeted serums: Apply products with niacinamide, licorice, or retinoids after cleansing.
· Moisturize: Maintain a healthy skin barrier to prevent further irritation.
Conclusion
With the professional information and right skincare routine, you can enjoy a clear and spotless skin seamlessly. At Mesoderm RX, we offer the top-rated hyperpigmentation treatment solutions for all skin types. All our products are free from sulphates, parabens, synthetic dyes, and harsh chemicals.
Get in touch with us to start your journey to flawless skin. You deserve to glow every day!