Dark spots, acne marks, sun spots, melasma—no matter what form they take, hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns people experience. The good news? With the right care and consistency, you can fade it and stop new spots from forming.
What Exactly Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for any area of skin that becomes darker than your natural skin tone.
These dark patches can show up as:
- Spots left behind by acne
- Sun spots (sometimes called liver spots)
- Melasma (patchy pigmentation usually caused by hormones)
Hyperpigmentation can appear any time of the year. While summer sun is the most common trigger, winter irritation and dry air can also lead to inflammation that turns into dark marks.
Why Does Hyperpigmentation Happen?
As per dermatologists sun exposure is the #1 cause, especially on areas that get frequent sun like the face, chest, hands, and arms.
But UV rays aren’t the only culprits.
Pigmentation can develop due to:
- Inflammation (think acne scars or bug bites)
- Skin injuries
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Skin irritation from harsh products
In all these scenarios, the skin responds by activating melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. More activity = darker spots.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a more stubborn form of hyperpigmentation. It appears as blotchy brown patches, mainly on:
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Nose
- Upper lip
It can also show up on the chest and arms.
Think of it this way:
All melasma = hyperpigmentation.
But not all hyperpigmentation = melasma.
What Causes Melasma?
Unlike regular dark spots, melasma is heavily influenced by hormones.
Common triggers:
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills
- Hormone therapy (including treatment during menopause)
- Heat and sun exposure
- Stress
Melasma is often called “the mask of pregnancy” because many women first notice it during that time. Even after hormones stabilize, sun or heat can reactivate it—making melasma unpredictable and prone to flare-ups.
Treatment usually requires consistency and sometimes prescriptions like hydroquinone or oral tranexamic acid, under a dermatologist’s supervision.
Who Is More Prone to Hyperpigmentation?
Anyone can get hyperpigmentation, but people with medium to darker skin tones are more likely to develop it, and it can linger longer.
Genetics also plays a strong role—some people naturally produce more melanin in response to inflammation or sunlight.
How Do You Treat Hyperpigmentation and Melasma?
Both dermatologists recommend a simple foundational strategy:
Daily sunscreen + targeted skincare activities.
Your morning routine should include:
- Vitamin C serum
Brightens skin, reduces free-radical damage, and helps fade dark spots. - Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Prevents spots from worsening and stops new ones from forming.
Over time, vitamin C can improve radiance, reduce fine lines, and even out skin tone.
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation (Most Important Step!)
Treating dark spots takes time—but prevention is instant.
- Use SPF 30 or higher every single day (even indoors—UV can pass through windows).
- Reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re outdoors.
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.
Once your skin becomes prone to pigmentation, it can continue forming spots easily—so prevention is everything.
