Hyperpigmentation: A Science Backed Approach
Hyperpigmentation: The Ultimate Guide
Dealing with hyperpigmentation can really put you in a tough spot. Instead of having an even skin tone, you have seemingly random spots all over your face. What’s that all about? As it turns out, hyperpigmentation could be caused by a few different things. Once you understand the cause, you can come up with the best possible treatment plan to lighten these spots and achieve a seamless glow.
What is Hyperpigmentation and What Does It Look Like?
Hyperpigmentation appears as dark spots on the skin that tend to stand out because they don't match the same tone as the rest of the skin. These areas of the skin tend to produce more melanin, which is the pigment that provides color to your hair, eyes, and skin.
The appearance of dark spots tends to vary based on your normal skin tone. As a result, hyperpigmentation looks very different on those with lighter skin compared to those with darker skin. The appearance of hyperpigmentation may also vary depending on the root cause. For example, some causes may contribute to spots that have a brown appearance, while others may have a gray appearance.
As a result, it’s important to explore the different types and causes of hyperpigmentation so that you can effectively treat it. That being said, it’s necessary to note that in most cases, hyperpigmentation isn’t harmful and is nothing to be concerned about. However, it can affect your self-confidence, and that’s where it becomes something worth addressing.
But before you start to worry about dealing with insecurity from hyperpigmentation for the rest of your life, you should also know that these spots are largely treatable and can be effectively evened out and prevented.
What Are the Different Types of Hyperpigmentation?
While you may view all hyperpigmentation the same way, that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, hyperpigmentation differs depending on the appearance and the initial cause. Here are a few different types of hyperpigmentation that you should know about in order to properly treat the root causes of the condition itself rather than just the symptoms:
Sun spots appear as brown, tan, or black spots that occur as a result of long-term sun exposure without proper SPF protection. They may also be known as age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines due to the fact that they commonly appear on older adults as the effects of sun damage build up in the skin throughout the years. Sun spots typically affect areas of the body that experience a lot of sun exposure, such as the legs, hands, and face
Melasma appears as large patches of darkened skin. Also known as chloasma, this condition is likely caused by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. As a result, pregnant women, those taking hormonal birth control pills, and those undergoing hormone therapy are more likely to develop melasma. Additionally, stress and thyroid issues are thought to be other potential causes of this condition. Areas of melasma tend to appear on the forehead, face, and stomach.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, appears as small spots or larger patches of darkened skin that appear in specific areas as a result of skin inflammation. For example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Additionally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also occur as a result of injuries to the skin including cuts, scrapes, and burns. This condition usually develops on the face or neck and tends to affect African Americans with darker skin more so than other groups. In fact, more than 65% of African Americans experience signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation to Develop?
If you’re confused by the sudden development of hyperpigmentation on your skin seemingly out of nowhere, you’re not alone. It’s very common for hyperpigmentation to develop with no clear cause, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.
Thankfully, there are some common causes of hyperpigmentation you can consider in order to come up with the best possible treatment plan for your areas of hyperpigmentation:
Now that you know that “sun spots” are a distinct type of hyperpigmentation, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that long-term sun exposure is a common cause of these annoying spots. Over the years, your skin becomes more and more damaged by the sun, causing it to produce more melanin in particularly damaged areas. As a result, you should always wear adequate sun protection in the form of a broad-spectrum SPF product.
Hyperpigmentation often results from skin inflammation. For example, you seem to develop acne marks after dealing with a particularly bad blemish on your face. In other cases, you may develop a darker scar after the healing of a cut or burn. In these cases, hyperpigmentation is nothing to be concerned about and is simply a part of the healing process. Hyperpigmentation could also be caused by inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Also known as atopic dermatitis, it is a common skin condition of which there is no known cause. This condition is more commonly seen in children and can lead to the development of symptoms like dry skin, scaly skin, flushed skin, and itchy skin. Eczema can be triggered by environmental factors such as irritants, allergens, microbes, and foods.
It is a skin condition in which your skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As a result, you can develop rough, bumpy, and red skin patches that may also be covered with white scales. These patches commonly occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, it may be related to your genes and immune system.
It is a skin condition in which the blood vessels in your face swell up and fill with blood, contributing to symptoms such as facial redness, facial swelling, red bumps on the face, eye problems, and an enlarged nose. While rosacea often gets mistaken for acne, these two conditions are not the same. A variety of different factors can trigger a bout of rosacea, for example drinking hot beverages, drinking alcoholic beverages, eating spicy foods, exercising, or exposure to sunlight.
Hyperpigmentation is commonly experienced by women as it often results from an increase in estrogen. Things like pregnancy or taking hormonal birth control pills can affect the estrogen levels in your body. While you can’t necessarily avoid this from occurring during pregnancy, if you’re experiencing it as a result of your hormonal birth control pills, you should speak with your healthcare provider about possible alternatives. It is also important to note that melasma caused by hormones tends to affect those with darker skin at higher rates.
If you’ve noticed spots of hyperpigmentation after taking a new medication, the drug could actually be causing these spots to develop. Certain medications are known to cause hyperpigmentation, specifically chemotherapy drugs, antimalarial drugs, and tricyclic antidepressant drugs. These medications may cause your areas of hyperpigmentation to have a gray appearance when compared to the rest of your skin. If you experience hyperpigmentation as a side effect of medication, speak with your doctor about possible alternatives to avoid this undesirable side effect.
Hyperpigmentation could be caused by an actual disease called Addison’s disease. While rare, this endocrine condition can cause areas of hyperpigmentation in areas like the elbows, knees, knuckles, toes, or lips. Other symptoms of Addison’s disease include fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, stomach pain, and dizziness. If you experience hyperpigmentation alongside any of these other symptoms, you should consult with your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.
Another disease that may be causing your hyperpigmentation is hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is an inherited medical condition that causes the body to contain too much iron, thereby leading to hyperpigmentation. Other symptoms of hemochromatosis include fatigue, stomach pain, joint pain, and weight loss. As stated above, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any additional symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation to determine the root cause and come up with a proper treatment plan.
Where Do Areas of Hyperpigmentation Commonly Occur?
While areas of hyperpigmentation can technically appear anywhere on the body, there are certain places where they’re more likely to develop. For example, areas of hyperpigmentation commonly occur on the stomach and face, particularly around the mouth and forehead. Areas of hyperpigmentation may also appear around the eyes, known as periorbital hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation appearing on the face shouldn’t come as a surprise, as you now know that hyperpigmentation is commonly a result of long-term sun exposure that is routinely seen on the face.
DIY Treatments To Lighten Areas of Hyperpigmentation
We all love a good DIY face mask! If you’re looking to get a head start on lightening stubborn areas of hyperpigmentation on your face before you make any changes to your daily routine, here are some natural remedies that you can try out:
Turmeric brightens skin as honey soothes it -- making these ingredients definitely two that you want to combine for an effective face mask that fights hyperpigmentation. Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of raw honey. Generously apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 10-20 minutes before washing off with warm water.
Castor oil is just as good for your skin as it is for your hair. This is because castor oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that can target dark spots and suppress pigmentation. All you need to do is apply one tablespoon of castor oil directly to your face before gently massaging it on for about 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm water.
Instead of making lemonade with your lemons, make a face mask! Lemons contain citric acid that effectively exfoliate and brighten the skin. For the best face mask, slice and juice a lemon and apply the juice to your face. You can add in soothing ingredients like honey or aloe vera to counteract the harshness of the lemon, if needed. Rinse off the juice after 10 minutes for brighter skin that’s clean, soft, and revitalized.
Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine and healing for thousands of years, you can use it to heal your skin as well. Licorice root can effectively lighten and brighten the skin. Mix in one tablespoon of licorice root with three tablespoons of water to form a paste. Lather the paste onto your face and leave on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Yogurt has properties that benefit your digestive system internally and your skin externally thanks to its lactic acid. Lactic acid slows down the production of the cells that produce melanin and can act as an effective exfoliator to remove dull and damaged areas of hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin. Use a plain, unflavored yogurt as a mask for your face and let it sit for 20 minutes to have the full effect. Rinse the mask off and apply three times a week for the best results.
Sandalwood is known to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, exfoliate the skin, soothe burns and wounds, improve signs of aging, and reduce areas of hyperpigmentation. Mix a bit of sandalwood powder with rose water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your areas of concern and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Other Ways to Effectively Combat Hyperpigmentation
In addition to DIY face masks, there are tons of other ways that you can effectively get rid of hyperpigmentation that vary in terms of intensity and cost. For example, there are over-the-counter treatments that you can try at home in addition to in-office treatments that you can receive at a dermatologist’s office.
The effectiveness of each treatment tend to vary depending on your skin tone, so review some of these different treatment options and consult with your dermatologist to find the option that best works for you:
Chemical peel: This treatment option is applied by your dermatologist to essentially peel off the top layers of the skin and reveal the smoother, more even skin underneath. Chemical peels are similar to chemical exfoliants, although they use more potent ingredients that require the application and monitoring of a medical professional. Potential side effects of the strong acids in chemical peels include redness, irritation, blistering, and sun sensitivity. There are many different types of peels out there that have the potential to treat your hyperpigmentation, so talk with your dermatologist to choose the right one for you.
Laser skin resurfacing: This treatment option uses concentrated light from lasers to precisely target problem areas on the face. When it comes to laser skin resurfacing, there are two different types to consider: ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers are more intense and can get you great results, but also come with more side effects since they actually remove layers of your skin. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, do not remove any layers of skin and simply encourage the skin to produce more collagen to effectively heal hyperpigmentation.
Intense pulse light therapy (IPL): This treatment option is a type of non-ablative laser treatment that utilizes pulse light therapy to boost collagen production within the skin to aid with pigmentation issues, texture issues, or even signs of aging.
Microdermabrasion: This treatment option involves the removal of the top layer of skin in order to effectively remove areas of hyperpigmentation caused by superficial scarring. A microdermabrasion tool is lightly swiped across the skin to remove skin cells and reveal new, healthy skin. Microdermabrasion will likely require multiple different treatment sessions in order to see results.
Dermabrasion: This treatment option is more invasive than microdermabrasion, as it involves removing multiple layers of skin all the way down to the top part of the dermis. It requires the use of a tool similar to that used in microdermabrasion and can improve the appearance of deeper skin flaws including acne scars, age spots, injury scars, wrinkles, and sun damage. Since dermabrasion is a more intense procedure, results are seen faster than with microdermabrasion.
Over-the-counter topical lightening cream: This hyperpigmentation remedy is accessible and affordable as you can buy it at any drug store for a reasonable price. Over-the-counter lightening creams are used as spot treatments for areas of hyperpigmentation and contain lightening agents such as Vitamin C, licorice root extract, and kojic acid. These creams can have good results so long as you carefully follow the product’s instructions. They can take some time to take effect, so it’s important to remain patient and consistent in your treatment.
Prescription topical lightening cream: If you’ve tried the over-the-counter stuff to no avail and want to try something that packs a bigger punch, you could get a prescription from your dermatologist for a stronger lightening cream. Many of these creams contain hydroquinone, which is effectively a skin bleaching agent. Hydroquinone is a stronger ingredient compared to more natural ones like Vitamin C and licorice root extract, and as a result, you need to be extremely careful with following the instructions of your doctor in order to avoid undesirable side effects such as sun sensitivity and over-bleaching your skin.
Exfoliation: Hopefully, exfoliation is already a part of your skincare routine. There are two different kinds of exfoliation to consider: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves physically scrubbing the skin with rough particles to remove dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves chemical reactions that eliminate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. When it comes to the best exfoliation method for treating hyperpigmentation, chemical is definitely the way to go. You should look for products with acids in them that have the necessary chemical properties to properly exfoliate your skin. Some of the best exfoliating acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, and citric acid. Since many of these acids are quite strong, we recommend only using them once or twice a week to avoid sensitivity.
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation From Appearing
Even though it is possible to effectively treat hyperpigmentation, it’s better to prevent it from appearing in the first place. While some causes of hyperpigmentation can’t necessarily be avoided, there are things you can do to help prevent the appearance of these pesky little marks.
The best way that you can prevent hyperpigmentation from appearing is by practicing diligent sun protection. As you now know, sun damage is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin with SPF on a daily basis -- no matter the weather or your plans for the day -- is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Additionally, you can protect your skin by wearing protective clothing and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
Another way that you can prevent hyperpigmentation from appearing is to stop touching your face. Yes, this is easier said than done but it’s so important not to pick at things like scabs and scars to prevent more intense scarring and hyperpigmentation from occurring. So the next time you’re tempted to pick at a mark or scar on your face, just think about how much worse it will look later on as a result of your actions now.
The last way that you can prevent hyperpigmentation from appearing is to effectively treat acne that often causes acne scars. By clearing up your skin and eliminating a major cause of hyperpigmentation, you won’t have to worry about treatments like dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. When you take PROVEN’s Skin Genome Quiz, you can receive a custom formula that simultaneously fights your acne and fades current areas of hyperpigmentation. Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree oil are just a few of the amazing anti-acne components offered by your PROVEN products.
The Best Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation
Speaking of skincare routines, perhaps the best treatment for hyperpigmentation is a tailored skincare routine that effectively targets your unique skin concerns. If you’ve simply been using the first face wash or moisturizer you see on the shelf at the store, you’re going about skincare all wrong.
Everyone’s skin is different and requires different care. For example, if you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation and aren’t using products that are specifically designed to treat this issue, you’re going to continue to struggle with it.We totally understand that it can seem like an impossible task to come up with the right skincare routine on your own -- which is why we created PROVEN Skincare.
PROVEN customizes skincare formulas for your unique skin -- totally eliminating the need to scour the shelves to find the right products. Instead, all you have to do is take our Skin Genome Quiz and provide information about your skin concerns, skin history, heritage, lifestyle, and environment. From there, we come up with the best possible formula for you in the form of a cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream.
But this three step system is more than meets the eye. In fact, these three simple products can comprise your entire skincare routine -- eliminating the need for multiple products and complicated steps. For example, our cleanser also contains exfoliating and toning properties for a 3-in-1 product perfect for those with busy schedules. At the same time, our moisturizer also includes SPF 40 so you can have the peace of mind that you’re always protected from the sun without needing to apply any additional products.
Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation
If you’re looking for the best possible skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation, we are here to help. We have done all the hard work for you through tons of research to find out the best ingredients for every skin concern. Here are some of the best skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation that you can expect to find in your customized PROVEN skincare products:
Final Thoughts on Hyperpigmentation
While hyperpigmentation may be an unsightly and stressful experience that can certainly affect your self-confidence, you’re not doomed to deal with it forever. With the proper treatment, you can safely and effectively lighten areas of hyperpigmentation to match the rest of your skin. In fact, investing in a proper skincare routine that is designed to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation is one of the best things you can do.
After all, think of all the money you’ll be able to save on the variety of full-coverage foundations and concealers you use to hide your areas of hyperpigmentation and achieve an even skin tone! PROVEN skincare can help you ditch the heavy makeup for good and embrace your natural skin by lightening and brightening areas of hyperpigmentation.
Here Is Why Personalized Skincare Is Better
Personalized skincare comes with a host of benefits
  |   | |
|---|---|---|
| Formulated and made-to-order for you | No | |
| Targeting your unique Acne needs | No | |
| Optimized for your lifestyle + environment | No | |
| Easy 3-step system for all your skin needs | No | |
| Made by Stanford scientists and AI tech | No |
OUR TEAM
We're industry leaders in skincare
Dr. Yuan is a Computational Physicist from Stanford University
Proven co-founder, Dr. Amy Yuan, fixed her skincare woes by using her computer science background to analyze the effectiveness of more than 20,238 skincare ingredients, 100,000 products, 20 million testimonials, and more than 4,000 scientific journal articles. Now she is applying that to create the perfect skincare for you.
Your Skin Routine In 3 Simple Steps
Your Personalized Cleanser
Ensures any dirt from the day is removed to reveal glowing, healthy and fresh feeling skin
Your Personalized Day Moisturizer
Helps prevent the skin from drying out, while targeting other issues you may have.
Your Personalized Night Cream
Restores elasticity and delivers intensive nourishment to repair, plump and firm skin while you get your beauty sleep.
