Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

If you've noticed dark patches or spots appearing on your skin, you might feel frustrated or even a bit self-conscious about them. It's natural to wonder what's causing these changes and whether they'll fade.

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of all ages and skin types. The good news is that there are ways to manage them effectively, and knowing what’s happening beneath your skin is the first step to finding the right solution for you.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation happens when certain areas of your skin produce more melanin - the natural pigment that gives your skin its colour - than usual.

When melanin concentrates in specific areas, it creates darker patches that you may see on your face, hands, or other parts of your body. There is no need to worry, these spots are usually harmless and don’t pose any health risks.

It’s normal to feel concerned about changes in your skin. The truth is, hyperpigmentation is actually more common than you might think, and many women experience it at some point in their lives. The good news is that there are effective ways to manage and reduce these dark spots.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Several factors can trigger your skin to produce extra melanin, and knowing these can help you and your doctor choose the right care and treatment approach.

The trigger can be:

• Sun exposure:
  • It’s the most common cause. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, it produces more melanin as a protective mechanism. Over time, this sun damage can lead to visible dark spots.
• Hormonal changes:
  • If you’re pregnant, taking birth control pills, or going through hormonal fluctuations, you might notice pigmentation changes.
• Skin inflammation or injury:
  • If you have acne, a cut, or any skin irritation, the healing process sometimes triggers extra pigment production in that area.

Using certain medications or having health conditions can also contribute to your hyperpigmentation. If you’re unsure what’s behind your dark spots, your dermatologist will help identify what’s causing them.

Common types of hyperpigmentation

Not all dark spots are the same. Let’s take a closer look at different types of hyperpigmentation so you can better understand what your skin is going through.

Freckles

Freckles are light brown, small, flat spots that tend to appear on sun-exposed areas, especially on your cheeks and nose.

They usually show up at a young age and may become more noticeable after long-term sun exposure. When you stay out of the sun for a while, these spots may fade a bit - and that’s normal.

Freckles are harmless. Using regular sunscreen can help you prevent new ones from forming and lighten existing ones.

Age spots (solar lentigines)

Because of the name, many people think age spots are caused by ageing. However, they are actually caused by years of sun exposure.

Age spots, also called sun spots or solar lentigines, are brown spots or patches that usually show up on areas that get a lot of sun, such as your face, arms, and legs. Age spots start to appear after the age of 30 and can slowly increase over time.

Like freckles, age spots are harmless and won’t turn into skin cancer. They may thicken over time and develop into a benign growth called seborrhoeic keratosis. This isn’t something to worry about, but you may want to consult your doctor to receive the right care.

Melasma

If you see brownish patches spreading across your cheeks, forehead or upper lips, this might be melasma.

This type of pigmentation is especially common in Asian skin and affects more women than men. The patches don’t have clear edges, they look more faded and spread out compared to freckles or age spots.

Melasma usually appears or worsens during pregnancy, that’s why it’s sometimes called “mask of pregnancy”. It’s one of the more challenging types of pigmentation to treat because it can recur. However, with the right and consistent care, you can manage it effectively.

Hori’s naevus

This type mainly affects Asian women between the ages of 30 and 50. It appears as discrete brown-to-greyish spots, usually on your upper cheek and the bridge of your nose.

Both genetic and hormonal factors contribute to Hori’s naevus. The pigmentation is darker than melasma and sits deeper within your skin layers, so topical creams alone aren’t enough. Instead, your doctor will suggest laser therapy, which is quite effective in lightening these spots.

If you're unsure which types of pigmentation you’re dealing with, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our dermatologist will examine your skin, identify the type, and create a personalised treatment plan that's right for you.

How is hyperpigmentation treated?

Hyperpigmentation is treatable, and there are several treatment options that can help you manage it. Your doctor will assess your skin condition to find the approach that best suits your skin type, pigmentation conditions, and lifestyle.

Treatment may include topical creams, laser therapies, or a combination of both to address concerns such as melasma, age spots, and freckles. Alongside treatment, it’s equally important to prevent sun spots by protecting your skin from daily sun exposure.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Sunscreen:
  • It’s an important part of any treatment plan.
  • To protect your skin against both UVA and UVB radiation, you should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Lightening creams:
  • Topical therapies like lightening creams usually contain ingredients such as arbutin and hydroquinone that help reduce pigmentation from within the skin.
  • Your doctor will help you choose the right products for your needs. These creams need time to work, so patience is key.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy:
  • This therapy uses broadband light to target pigmented areas.
  • The improvement is subtle, and you’ll usually need 4 to 6 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
• Laser treatment:
  • Pigment laser treatment can be really helpful because it targets specific concerns, and each type of laser addresses different issues.
  • You may feel a quick snapping sensation during treatment and have some redness and mild scabbing afterward. However, these heal within a few days.
• Chemical peels:
  • Chemical peels are especially effective for melasma and surface-level pigmentation.
  • Your doctor will suggest the peel strength based on your skin’s needs.

These treatments take time, usually 3 to 6 months to see improvement, so don’t give up if you don’t see changes right away. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan to help you achieve the best results.

How to prevent hyperpigmentation

When it comes to dark spots, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some effective ways you can do to protect your skin:

• Apply sunscreen daily:
  • Try to make it a routine, even on rainy days.
• Avoid peak sun hours:
  • UV rays are strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM, so if you need to go outside at this time, make sure you wear hats and sunglasses.
• Be gentle with your skin:
  • Picking at acne or scratching irritated areas can lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation, so it’s better to avoid it.
• Use gentle skincare products:
  • Choose products that won’t irritate or inflame your skin. If you're unsure which products suit your skin, consult your dermatologist for advice.

If you notice new or changing spots, or if you're feeling uncertain about what you're seeing, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our dermatologist can assess your skin, determine what type of hyperpigmentation you have, and create a personalised treatment plan that works for you.

FAQ

How can I reduce existing pigment spots?

Can I treat hyperpigmentation at home?

How long will I have hyperpigmentation?

Does hyperpigmented skin go away?

Does vitamin C help hyperpigmentation?

What can be mistaken for hyperpigmentation?

The information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.