First, what is hyperpigmentation?

The cells in our bodies make melanin. It’s the major pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color. Sometimes, we produce too much melanin, perhaps because something has irritated the skin or our bodies trigger more production. Hyperpigmentation is the over-production of melanin. (The word part hyper-, which means “over,” “above” or “beyond,” in other words, too much.) “Dark spots” is another way to describe it, and though there are different types of hyperpigmentation (we’ll get into them below), the word describes any area of your skin that is darker than the area around it. And, hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere, not just on your face.

Who gets hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is very common. It affects people of all skin types and tones. However, the discolorations it causes may be more noticeable on skin that is lighter in color. And some hyperpigmentation, like that caused by sun exposure, could be more common as we age.

Types of hyperpigmentation

Sure, spots are spots. However, when you look into what causes each type, you get a clearer view into whether you can prevent it again and, of course, what to do so you don’t go back to square one again.

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: These spots occur after an irritation or injury, like a cut, a scrape or a breakout, or an invasion procedure such as surgery. They’re areas of darker skin that marked where the skin trauma happened. Their causes may be hard to avoid but you can minimize the risk of getting this sort of hyperpigmentation by keeping your hands off blemishes or skin that is healing after a cut or abrasion.

• Sun exposure-related hyperpigmentation: The name says it all. These spots appear after spending too much time in the sun without sufficient protection. They are often brown or reddish in color and are common on the face, shoulders, hands—anywhere the sun hits. They are commonly called sun spots, age spots, or liver spots and while they get more common as we age, don’t be fooled. We all need to wear sunscreen every day, re-applying it as needed. It’s also wise to wear hats with wide brims, big sunglasses, light-colored, lightweight clothes that keep you covered instead of shorts and tank tops that exposure skin.

• Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation looks more like patches of discoloration than spots. Melasma tends to appear above the upper lip, on the cheeks, chin, forehead and bridge of the nose. It’s more common in women than men, and it tends to run in families. Melasma is also common during pregnancy and could be a side effect of oral contraceptives and other medications.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation

1. First, make a commitment to daily sunscreen use: Not just during the warmer months, not just when the sun is bright as you leave the house, but every single day. And re-apply it when needed, so bring it along with you or stash an extra tube in your bag or desk drawer. Avoiding sun exposure is the right thing to do for your health, and for the current and future condition of your skin, too. With time, the hyperpigmentation you have now will fade ~if~ but staying out of the sun helps prevent new spots from appearing.

Choose a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Look for “Broad Spectrum SPF” on the label. Zinc oxide is an ingredient to look for. You’ll find it in Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. It’s weightless, absorbs quickly (with minimal white cast) and leaves behind no greasy residue.

2. Next, choose skincare that will help lighten dark spots: Products that targets hyperpigmentation, used consistently, will help lighten its appearance.

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum improves the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Apply a few drops to clean, dry skin before continuing with the rest of your skincare routine. This lightweight serum contains:

• 3% tranexamic acid, which can improve the look of UV-induced hyperpigmentation

• 4% niacinamide, which studies show helps keep extra melanin from reaching the surface of our skin, where it becomes more visible.

3. Up next, prevent future appearances of hyperpigmentation: In addition to using sunscreen daily, if you are prone to hyperpigmentation, choose skincare with ingredients that can help hinder its return.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner soothes and helps improve the look of dull, uneven skin. Use it twice daily, applying after cleansing and before any serums. (Tip: wash your face, dry it, apply Niacinamide Brightening Toner, then Discoloration Correcting Serum, then complete your skincare routine.) This toner contains:

• 3% niacinamide, which, as you read above, helps prevent hyperpigmentation

• 2% arbutin, which improves the look of hyperpigmentation

• licorice root extract, which soothes

4. And finally, reveal brighter, smoother skin. Exfoliating your skin helps to resurface and renew by smoothing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores for visibly radiant skin. Just don’t over-do it! Follow directions on any product because in this case, too much exfoliation can irritate your skin.

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment is a great twice-weekly product that helps your complexion look smooth and clear. This treatment contains:

• glycolic acid and lactic acid, which are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). They go to work on the surface level of your skin, removing dead skin cells for smoother and even textured skin

• salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is used primarily for signs of breakouts but it also helps reduce hyperpigmentation

Bonus: Treat hyperpigmentation on skin that’s on your body by using the same approach as you would for the skin on your face: establish a consistent routine that includes sun protection.

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Body Treatment hydrates and contains dark spot-preventing niacinamide and an advanced form of tranexamic acid to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Apply it to the areas where you have hyperpigmentation, morning and night.

When to Call a Dermatologist

It may take some time to see improvement with hyperpigmentation. Be patient and again, be sure you’re using sufficient sunscreen so that you aren’t undoing the progress you’ve made. But if you feel like your skin still isn’t responding as you’d like, consult a dermatologist. This medical doctor might suggest treatment options such as prescription-strength medication, chemical peels or laser therapies.

To Wrap Up

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that has a variety of causes. Some are related to heredity: if people in your family have had hyperpigmentation, you might, too. In other cases, hormonal changes or medications can make you more susceptible.

But some kinds of hyperpigmentation can be prevented or at least lessened. Be gentle with your skin: don’t touch blemishes, cuts, scrapes or scratches as they heal. Avoid sun-exposure related hyperpigmentation by being consistent in protecting your skin with sunscreen and covering your skin.

If you do experience hyperpigmentation, choose skincare products that target this concern. Use them consistently and be patient. Remember, improving hyperpigmentation that you have today isn’t the same as preventing future occurrences. Continue to use sunscreen daily and build a skincare regimen with products that contain ingredients that help hyperpigmentation-prone skin.