While skin pigmentation or face pigmentation refers to the natural colour of your skin, hyperpigmentation means that patches of your skin have become darker over time. This is usually due to excess melanin production triggered by internal factors, such as hormonal shifts or inflammation, or external factors, such as sun exposure or environmental stressors. While hyperpigmentation often doesn’t indicate a greater problem, it can make some people feel insecure.
Hyperpigmentation can be due to a variety of factors – some of which are unavoidable. Different triggers often lead to distinct types of hyperpigmentation.
Sunspots often appear as light brown or black spots that are exceedingly small and flat. As the name suggests, this type of hyperpigmentation often occurs due to excess skin exposure. As well as appearing on the face, sunspots can also occur on exposed areas such as the hands and forearms.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation also looks like flat spots on the skin, often ranging from tan to black – or sometimes even blue or grey-tinged tones. This type of hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of cell-surface damage or irritation. This can be because of an injury or something like a skin infection.
Hyperpigmentation is characterised by the dark patches on your skin and can appear anywhere – although exposed areas such as the face are often more prone and more noticeable when affected. It can be differentiated from normal skin pigmentation by its uneven nature; hyperpigmentation will affect certain spots, even if these are quite large, whereas standard pigmentation on your face should appear much more uniform.
There are lots of steps you can take to prevent hyperpigmentation before it even occurs. One of the most important precautions, particularly for avoiding sunspots, is using good quality sun protection. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day and always put it on before your makeup (but after your skincare).
You can also take other steps such as limiting sun exposure and avoiding picking at or scratching your skin, as this may lead to irritation and inflammation. Consider adding brightening products to your beauty routine, such as skincare rich in vitamin C.
Once hyperpigmentation has occurred, there are also steps you can take to help minimise its appearance. Our Bright Reveal Serum is clinically proven to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots. It helps to even out your skin tone with a powerful concentration of niacinamide which has both hydrating and anti-ageing effects. It’s suitable for all skin types, with a non-sticky and ultra-comfortable texture and can be used morning and evening.
Understanding hyperpigmentation and its causes is an important first step in adapting your skincare routine to suit you and deciding whether to embrace or correct any existing effects.
How long hyperpigmentation lasts depends on many factors, including the cause of the hyperpigmentation and its ongoing impact. Incorporating specially designed skincare products for hyperpigmentation into your routine is one of the most reliable ways to fade dark spots over time.
Fortunately, hyperpigmentation is rarely a sign of anything more serious – although you should speak to a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Hyperpigmentation can show up differently on each person but is characterised by darker areas of skin often visible on the face. These can range from light brown to black to grey and can appear as spots or as patches.
Yes, freckles are a form of hyperpigmentation and are often caused or exacerbated by sun exposure.
Vitamin C is brightening, so it’s often used in skincare products to target hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
