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Hyperpigmentation describes the development of dark spots or patches on the skin that occur when the skin has more melanin than normal. Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment that is produced by special skin cells called melanocytes that are found in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Melanin is transferred to other types of skin cells and the amount of melanin in these cells determines the overall skin colour. Increased production of melanin and its accumulation in the epidermis results in areas of skin hyperpigmentation.1
Hyperpigmentation can be a feature of many different clinical conditions, some of which can be inherited and others that are not inherited – these are termed acquired hyperpigmentation disorders.1 While the areas of hyperpigmentation are due to excess melanin, triggers for this overproduction or abnormal accumulation of melanin can include skin injury or irritation, changes in hormones, sun exposure, and medications.1,2
Everyone has melanin, no matter what their skin colour is. But because the amount, type, and distribution of melanin in the skin cells contribute to skin colour, different types of hyperpigmentation disorders may be more likely to affect people with certain skin types.1,2 Find out more below.
Freckles are small, defined, flat dark spots, often light brown, tan, or red in colour. They are more common in people with light skin and hair colours and usually start forming during childhood on skin exposed to the sun.1,2
Solar lentigines are brownish flat spots up to 2 cm in size that develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face and the backs of hands. They are also more common in people with lighter skin types and are associated with acute sun damage (i.e., sunburn) or long-term exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation.1,2
Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder where patches of brown discolouration develop on areas of the face including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, usually affecting both sides in a symmetrical fashion. It most commonly affects women with darker skin types, although it can affect other skin types and men too. Factors associated with melasma include genetics and sun exposure, as well as hormones – it occurs frequently during pregnancy or in people taking hormone therapy.1,3
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation describes spots or patches of discolouration that develop in areas of skin that are recovering from injury or irritation. Conditions that can precede postinflammatory hyperpigmentation include acne, eczema, burns, and insect bites. People with darker skin types are more likely to experience postinflammatory hyperpigmentation than people with lighter skin types.1,4
When it comes to hyperpigmentation, prevention is a key part of management – and because sunlight can trigger melanin production, prevention means taking steps to protect your skin from the sun every day.
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If you want to heal hyperpigmentation, it can be challenging, and management options can depend on your skin type and the severity of hyperpigmentation. Some people some may only need strict sun protection and over-the-counter skin products, while others may need specialist treatments undertaken by a dermatologist.1,4
Products that help to cover up dark spots or even out skin tone may be helpful when managing hyperpigmentation, including tinted sunscreens and make-up. Other management options for hyperpigmentation include anti-ageing skin products or skin lightening agents – some of which can be purchased over the counter.1
Topical treatments are applied directly to the affected area of your skin. Topical treatments that claim to remove hyperpigmentation often contain anti-ageing and skin-lightening ingredients such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid. Some of these products require a prescription, so it’s important to talk to a GP or dermatologist to figure out what products could be appropriate for your skin.1,3,4 Find more information about ingredients that can help with hyperpigmentation here.
If you are concerned about dark spots on your skin or potential hyperpigmentation, consider consulting a dermatologist for professional advice. Rosemary Health can help. As a virtual healthcare provider, our clinical skincare specialists are available online – start your online visit for hyperpigmentation today.
Hyperpigmentation describes the development of dark spots or patches on the skin that occur when the skin has more melanin than normal. Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment that is produced by special skin cells called melanocytes that are found in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Melanin is transferred to other types of skin cells and the amount of melanin in these cells determines the overall skin colour. Increased production of melanin and its accumulation in the epidermis results in areas of skin hyperpigmentation.1
Hyperpigmentation can be a feature of many different clinical conditions, some of which can be inherited and others that are not inherited – these are termed acquired hyperpigmentation disorders.1 While the areas of hyperpigmentation are due to excess melanin, triggers for this overproduction or abnormal accumulation of melanin can include skin injury or irritation, changes in hormones, sun exposure, and medications.1,2
Everyone has melanin, no matter what their skin colour is. But because the amount, type, and distribution of melanin in the skin cells contribute to skin colour, different types of hyperpigmentation disorders may be more likely to affect people with certain skin types.1,2 Find out more below.
Freckles are small, defined, flat dark spots, often light brown, tan, or red in colour. They are more common in people with light skin and hair colours and usually start forming during childhood on skin exposed to the sun.1,2
Solar lentigines are brownish flat spots up to 2 cm in size that develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face and the backs of hands. They are also more common in people with lighter skin types and are associated with acute sun damage (i.e., sunburn) or long-term exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation.1,2
Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder where patches of brown discolouration develop on areas of the face including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, usually affecting both sides in a symmetrical fashion. It most commonly affects women with darker skin types, although it can affect other skin types and men too. Factors associated with melasma include genetics and sun exposure, as well as hormones – it occurs frequently during pregnancy or in people taking hormone therapy.1,3
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation describes spots or patches of discolouration that develop in areas of skin that are recovering from injury or irritation. Conditions that can precede postinflammatory hyperpigmentation include acne, eczema, burns, and insect bites. People with darker skin types are more likely to experience postinflammatory hyperpigmentation than people with lighter skin types.1,4
When it comes to hyperpigmentation, prevention is a key part of management – and because sunlight can trigger melanin production, prevention means taking steps to protect your skin from the sun every day.
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