Understanding Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Uneven skin tone and dark spots are common skin concerns. You may notice darker patches after acne, a cut, an insect bite, a rash or prolonged exposure to the sun. This darkening is often caused by hyperpigmentation, a condition in which certain areas of the skin produce or retain more melanin than usual.

Hyperpigmentation isn’t usually harmful, but it can take time to fade and may become more noticeable when the skin is repeatedly exposed to sunlight or irritation.

For people with darker skin tones, including many Nigerians, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be particularly noticeable after skin inflammation or injury.

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the factors that cause hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of existing dark spots.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when an area of skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin because of increased melanin production or changes in how melanin is distributed.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin, hair and eye colour. Hyperpigmentation can appear as:

• Small dark spots
• Patches of darker skin
• Dark marks left after acne
• Uneven facial complexion
• Darkened areas following an injury or inflammation

It can occur anywhere on the body but is particularly noticeable on areas such as the face, neck and hands.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

There isn’t one single cause.

Common triggers include sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, skin injuries and certain medications or medical conditions.

READ ALSO – The Quick Guide to Building a Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type

1. Sun Exposure

UV exposure can stimulate melanin production.

Repeated sun exposure can therefore make existing pigmentation darker and contribute to the development of new dark spots.

Obagi Medical Sun Shield Broad Spectrum –  ₦160,000– ₦165,000

This is why daily sun protection is one of the most important parts of managing hyperpigmentation.

You don’t have to be at the beach to experience UV exposure. Everyday exposure while walking, driving or spending time outdoors can contribute.

2. Acne and Other Skin Inflammation

One of the most common causes of dark marks is inflammation.

When acne, eczema, an insect bite, a cut or another skin problem heals, the affected area may remain darker than the surrounding skin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Importantly, the dark mark may remain even after the original spot or injury has healed.

This is why repeatedly picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk of lingering marks.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can contribute to a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma.

Melasma often appears as larger, irregular patches of pigmentation, particularly on the face. It can be associated with:

• Pregnancy
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Sun exposure

Melasma can be persistent and may require professional treatment.

4. Skin Injuries

A burn, cut, scratch or other injury can leave behind darker pigmentation as the skin heals.

The same can happen after some cosmetic procedures if the skin becomes inflamed.

If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, protecting the skin from unnecessary irritation can help reduce the risk of new dark marks.

5. Irritating Skincare Products

Skincare should improve your skin and not repeatedly irritate it.

Products that cause significant burning, stinging, redness or peeling can trigger inflammation and potentially contribute to pigmentation.

This is especially relevant when using strong active ingredients.

More isn’t always better. Introduce active ingredients gradually and stop using a product if it causes significant irritation.

Why Is Hyperpigmentation More Noticeable on Darker Skin?

People with darker skin generally have more melanin, which provides important natural protection against UV radiation. However, darker skin can also be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following acne, eczema, injuries and other forms of inflammation.

This means preventing unnecessary inflammation is particularly important if you’re prone to dark marks. The answer isn’t to avoid skincare altogether.

It’s to use products appropriately, protect your skin from UV exposure and treat underlying skin conditions rather than repeatedly irritating the skin.

How Can You Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

Prevention is often easier than trying to fade established pigmentation.

1. Use Sunscreen Every Day

A broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect your skin from UV radiation and reduce the darkening of existing pigmentation.

Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to exposed skin.

Reapply when appropriate, particularly after sweating, swimming or prolonged outdoor activity.

If you’re dealing with melasma or significant pigmentation, consistent sun protection becomes even more important.

Shop sunscreen at Purelife Beauty →

2. Don’t Pick Your Acne

Squeezing or picking spots can increase inflammation and damage the skin.

That can make post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation more likely.

If acne is persistent, painful or leaving dark marks, treating the acne itself is often more effective than repeatedly trying to remove the resulting pigmentation.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Skin Irritation

Be cautious with harsh scrubs, excessive exfoliation, products that repeatedly burn or sting, unregulated skin-lightening products, and combining several strong active ingredients without guidance.

A healthy skincare routine should be consistent rather than aggressive.

How Is Hyperpigmentation Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and cause of pigmentation. The objective is usually to reduce excess pigmentation while preventing additional pigmentation from developing.

Common approaches include skincare ingredients and, when appropriate, professional treatments.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant commonly used in skincare.

It can help support brighter, more even-looking skin and may help reduce the appearance of some forms of pigmentation over time.

If you’re introducing a vitamin C product, start gradually and follow the product’s instructions.

2. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is commonly used in products designed to improve uneven skin tone.

It can also support the skin barrier, making it a useful ingredient for people who want a relatively gentle addition to their skincare routine.

3. Retinoids

Retinoids can increase skin-cell turnover and are used for several skin concerns, including acne and pigmentation.

They can be irritating when first introduced, so gradual use is important.

Some retinoids are prescription medicines, while others are available in lower-strength cosmetic formulations.

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, speak with a healthcare professional before using retinoid products.

4. Exfoliating Acids

Ingredients such as glycollic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid may be used to improve skin texture and pigmentation, depending on the specific product and skin concern.

However, over-exfoliation can cause irritation and potentially worsen pigmentation. Introduce one active product at a time rather than combining multiple exfoliating products immediately.

5. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is another ingredient commonly used for acne and pigmentation.

It can be particularly useful when pigmentation is associated with acne because it may help address both concerns.

For a more detailed routine, read The Complete Guide to Building a Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type.

How Purelife Can Help

Managing hyperpigmentation starts with understanding what is causing it.

Purelife can help you find appropriate skincare products for everyday skin concerns, including products such as:

• Sunscreens
• Facial cleansers
• Moisturisers
• Vitamin C skincare
• Niacinamide products
• Acne-care products
• Other skincare essentials

For persistent, severe or unusual pigmentation, a pharmacist can also advise when you should seek assessment from a doctor or dermatologist.