Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of all ages and ethnicities. It can show up as dark spots, melasma, or uneven skin tone, but it’s all caused by the same thing: excess melanin.
Let’s dive into what causes hyperpigmentation and—most importantly—what you can do about it. (Here’s a quick teaser: prevention is key, but even if hyperpigmentation has already shown up on your skin, it doesn’t have to be permanent.)
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to excess melanin production. These spots are sometimes called age spots, sun spots, or liver spots.
Skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. When skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they may produce too much melanin (the “hyper” part of hyperpigmentation) to compensate. When melanin clumps together, skin discolorations start to appear. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, and can appear anywhere on the body or focused on just one area. It’s often triggered by things like sun damage, hormonal changes, or injury.
In short, hyperpigmentation is one of the ways your skin responds to stress, leading to excess melanin that affects the way your skin looks.
The main causes of hyperpigmentation
Many factors can lead to hyperpigmentation, but here are some of the most common causes.
Sun exposure
Life wouldn’t exist without the sun, but it’s not the best thing for our skin. When skin is exposed to sunlight, the body ramps up melanin production as a defensive mechanism. But with too much sun exposure, that defense can lead to:
- Sun spots
- Freckles
- Scars that linger
Sun exposure can also cause milasma (more on that in the next section).
Hormonal changes (milasma)
Milasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that can occur during events that cause hormonal shifts, like pregnancy, birth control, or hormone therapy. Melasma is often symmetrical, meaning it appears on both sides of the face. It can last just a few months (such as during pregnancy) or continue for years. It is harmless and not painful in any way, but it can make people feel self-conscious.
Inflammation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can happen after inflammation or injury—think acne, eczema, or even bug bites. PIH is more common with medium to dark skin tones and can take weeks to months to fade.
Skin injuries
Burns, cuts, aggressive cosmetic treatments (like lasers or chemical peels), and harsh exfoliators or scrubs can lead to lingering dark patches as the skin tries to repair itself.
Certain medications or products
Some medications—like antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs or hormonal treatments—can trigger hyperpigmentation. Fragrance-heavy or skincare products that aren’t right for your skin type can also make things worse.
Who is at risk for hyperpigmentation?
Anyone can experience hyperpigmentation, but it is most common for people in the following groups/risk categories:
- People with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI (medium to deeper skin tones)
- Those going through hormonal shifts (like pregnancy or menopause)
- Individuals with a history of acne, eczema, or melasma
How to prevent hyperpigmentation
You don’t need to wait for dark spots to appear before taking action—the best way around hyperpigmentation is to take steps now to prevent it from happening. Here are some tips to stay ahead of it:
1. Use sunscreen every day
And we mean every day. Even during the winter. Even when it’s cloudy. Even when you’re inside all day. Unless you’re hibernating in a cave, your skin soaks up sunlight every day, even if you’re not outside in its direct path all day.
Apply your favorite board-spectrum sunscreen every day (at least SPF 30). If you’re outside, reapply every two hours. Don’t forget high-risk areas, like your chest, hands, and neck!
2. Avoid picking or scratching
As tempting as it may be to pick at that scar that’s healing over or scratch that itchy spot, you’ll be glad later if you resist. Our skin does a good job healing itself, but we need to leave it alone to let it do its work.
3. Use gentle skincare products
Harsh scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and products with a heavy fragrance can irritate your skin and cause damage you can’t see—at first. Instead, refresh your skincare products (if needed) with the following:
- Fragrance-free formulas
- Non-comedogenic moisturizers (moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores)
- Hydrating cleansers with minimal or mild surfactants
4. Use antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect your skin (and the rest of your body) from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress—another great reason to eat your fruits and veggies every day. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark chocolate, leafy greens, and beets can all support overall skin health, and topical products with vitamins C and E, niacinamide, and green tea can further protect the surface of your skin and help prevent hyperpigmentation.
5. Manage stress (and hormones)
Chronic stress and hormonal fluctuations can throw off your skin’s pigment production. Support a healthy balance by:
- Getting enough sleep (7–9 hours per night)
- Eating fewer high-sugar and ultra-processed foods
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking plenty of water
Stress and hormones are tightly intertwined, so anything you can do for one will likely yield benefits for the other as well.
When to see a professional
If you’re not seeing improvements after lifestyle changes or trying home remedies, it may be time to consult a licensed dermatologist or skin expert. They can identify what is causing the pigmentation, recommend safe and effective treatment that fits your needs, and help prevent skin issues from worsening further.
Prevention will always be your best line of defense—and it starts with what you do each day. So whether you plan to see a provider or continue monitoring things on your own, your daily habits will be the foundation for how your skin looks and feels.
Final takeaway
Hyperpigmentation is common, but that doesn’t mean your only choice is to accept it as part of your life. Now that you know what causes it and how to prevent it, you can adopt skin-friendly habits today to protect your skin’s natural coloration and prevent dark spots from forming in the first place.
Keep an eye on Shed, too—helpful skincare solutions are coming soon! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest skincare trends and tips.
FAQs about hyperpigmentation
How long does hyperpigmentation last?
It depends. Many types of hyperpigmentation—especially post-inflammatory ones like acne marks—can fade after a few months with proper care and sun protection. Other types may last years, or keep creating new spots after old ones have faded. Some cases may require professional treatment to fully resolve.
Can hyperpigmentation go away on its own?
Sometimes. Hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes often resolve on their own, such as after pregnancy or menopause ends. Acne scars and other skin injuries fade over time; with regular sunscreen use and a gentle skincare routine, these blemishes can go away more quickly. More severe cases will likely require medical treatment.
Are people with darker skin more likely to get hyperpigmentation?
Anyone—no matter their skin tone—can get hyperpigmentation, but it is more likely with those with medium to dark skin tones, as these skin types naturally create more melanin.
Is hyperpigmentation dangerous?
No. Other than dark spots, you shouldn’t have any other symptoms, and hyperpigmentation is not cancerous. However, if you notice itching, burning, or any strange colors (not brown), consult your doctor immediately, as these may be signs of a different issue.
Is there a cure for hyperpigmentation?
The best “cure” is prevention. While treatment options exist to lighten skin spots and improve overall skin tone, your best bet is to practice daily habits like regular sunscreen use that protect your skin.
