HYPERPIGMENTATION
aka ‘AGE SPOTS OR SUN SPOTS’
TREATMENT OPTIONS
What is Hyperpigmentation?
overview
Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns we see — and one of the most treatable. It refers to areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding complexion, caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour.
symptoms
Hyperpigmentation typically presents as flat, darkened patches or spots that can range from light brown to deep grey-brown. It may appear on the face, neck, chest, or hands — anywhere the skin has been exposed or affected.
Common types include sun spots and age spots (solar lentigines), melasma (hormonal pigmentation, often across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — darkening left behind after acne, injury, or skin trauma — and general uneven skin tone.
triggers
The most common triggers are UV exposure, hormonal changes (pregnancy, the contraceptive pill, menopause), inflammation or skin trauma such as acne or eczema, and certain medications. In most cases, sun exposure is either the cause or the thing that makes existing pigmentation significantly worse — which is why daily SPF is the single most important step in both prevention and treatment.