What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. It is a result of increased melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Types of hyperpigmentation include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where the skin darkens after inflammation or injury; melasma, involving symmetrical patches of pigmentation; and age spots, which develop with ageing and sun exposure.

Understanding hyperpigmentation

  • Who is affected?

    Hyperpigmentation affects people of all ages, ethnicities and skin types. Skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis differ from person to person, mostly dictated by genetics and hormones. But there are factors that make people more prone to developing the condition, including having a darker skin tone, spending a lot of time in the sun and inflammatory skin conditions.

  • What causes hyperpigmentation?

    Hyperpigmentation occurs when there’s an overproduction or irregular distribution of melanin in the skin, leading to dark patches. Triggers for increased melanin production include UV radiation, skin trauma, inflammation, hormonal changes, medications and certain medical conditions.

  • How to treat hyperpigmentation

    Look for depigmenting agents in skincare, including retinoids, niacinamide and ascorbic acid, along with azelaic acid, kojic acid and hydroquinone, which inhibit melanin production. Chemical peels and laser therapy will target stubborn areas of pigmentation at a deeper level. The most effective form of treatment, however, is prevention, and so a high-level, broad-spectrum SPF should be applied every day.

Melanin and pigmentation

Melanin is a pigment that produces different shades of skin, hair and eye colour. Our colouring is determined by the amount of melanin in our melanocyte cells. Melanin is typically evenly distributed throughout the skin, but sometimes gathers in spots or patches. We all have the same number of melanocytes, but we produce different amounts of melanin. If we produce more melanin, our skin is darker. If we produce less melanin, our skin is lighter. 

Technologies

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