In discussions about skin and skin care, you may have come across the term hyperpigmentation and understood that it’s some kind of skin discoloration with brown spots suddenly appearing on skin. But what exactly is it? Is it something to worry about? And if you have it, can it be treated? Board-certified dermatologist Angela Lamb, MD, explains here…
Simply put, hyperpigmentation is a localized abnormally high level of pigmentation that causes a darkened appearance in the skin. The substance in the skin that gives it its color is a pigment known as melanin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when something triggers increased production of melanin in an area of skin. Hyperpigmentation is relative—meaning that an area of skin that looks dark compared with the rest of your skin could be right in line with someone else’s overall skin tone. Hyperpigmentation involves an area of darker skin, not simply dark skin.
Hyperpigmentation may be caused by injury and its resulting inflammation or by hormonal changes. It can appear anywhere on the body. Because people with darker skin naturally have more melanin, hyperpigmentation is more common and more stubborn for them. While sun exposure is not usually a cause of hyperpigmentation, it can make it worse.
Any kind of trauma to the skin can result in hyperpigmentation because the inflammatory healing process may trigger increased melanin production. Examples: When a cut or scrape heals, it might leave a patch of hyperpigmented skin. People who kneel frequently, such as teachers of small children, may have hyperpigmentation on their knees. Elbows are also susceptible because they frequently rub against surfaces.
In the absence of injury, hyperpigmentation may be caused by pregnancy or birth-control pills and may be a symptom of a hormone-related condition known as melasma. In those cases, it may produce tan, blue-gray or brown spots on skin, especially on the chin, cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Less commonly, the spots may appear on the neck or arms. Hyperpigmentation or melasma often fades after pregnancy or once the underlying hormonal imbalance is resolved. But in some cases, it may persist or take time to lighten, requiring additional treatments such as topical creams, laser therapy or sun protection.
What’s not hyperpigmentation: Freckles, moles and birthmarks.
Hyperpigmentation is not cause for worry—it is purely a cosmetic concern—and it is treatable by dermatologists or by using over-the-counter products.
Caution: DIY remedies such as rubbing the area with lemon juice or applying at-home peels don’t work and even could make the problem worse.
Effective topical or oral prescription and over-the-counter medications for hyperpigmentation disrupt the production of pigment. Examples include tranexamic acid, kojic acid and mandelic acid. Products to treat hyperpigmentation may contain one or more of these ingredients, and they often must be used for weeks at a time. Depending on the cause of your hyperpigmentation, you may need to continue using the product even after the darkness has faded. OTC products to consider: LaRoche Posay Melasyl, which has an entire line for hyperpigmentation… MadHippie Super A Serum.
Also: Use sun protection to avoid causing the hyperpigmentation to recur.
