Do you have brown, tan, gray or red patches on your face? You’re not alone. These are called hyperpigmentation and are very common among many individuals. While these marks are generally harmless, they can affect your self-confidence. Discover some of the common hyperpigmentation causes, effective treatments and how to prevent them.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for any type of skin discoloration anywhere on the skin but is most evident on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, hands, arms and legs. Depending on your skin complexion, the colors can be red, brown, tan, black or purple. It appears when melanin — the substance in your body that produces skin, hair and eye pigmentation — starts overproducing pigment.

Common Types of Hyperpigmentation and Their Causes

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hyperpigmentation. The proper treatment will depend on the type of hyperpigmentation, which may fall into any of the categories:

1.Melasma

Melasma is a common skin issue characterized by patchy discoloration. It may appear on the face, neck, arms and other body parts. These spots are darker than your natural skin tone and may look like freckles. Women who are taking birth control pills or are pregnant are most susceptible to this condition.

Hyperpigmentation causes: Hormonal changes and sun exposure

2. Age Spots

Also known as liver spots, these patches are flat, small, and dark. They are usually common among older people, especially those who spend most of their time in the sun. These are non-cancerous marks, but people get treated for them to enhance their appearance and self-esteem. 

Hyperpigmentation causes: Sun exposure and genetics

3. Freckles

Freckles have long been associated with natural beauty and youthfulness. Also called ephelides, these brown or tan marks develop due to sun and heat exposure. Freckles aren’t usually a cause of insecurity. In fact, many people want to have it so much that they get semi-permanent freckle tattoos due to the desire to look more natural as influenced by beauty trends.

Hyperpigmentation causes: Skin tone, sun exposure and genetics

4. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PIH refers to patches of discoloration that develop after experiencing skin trauma. Triggers such as irritation, hormonal changes, acne breakout, wounds, medications or other skin conditions can cause PIH. This skin issue is common among people with medium to dark skin tones.

Hyperpigmentation causes: Skin rashes, acne and sunburns

5. Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)

Have you experienced an acne breakout only to be left with flat, red spots afterward? These marks are called PIE. There are various types of acne, including hormonal, bacterial and medication-induced. PIE happens when blood flow is disrupted during the inflammation stage, causing dilation and damage to blood vessels. 

This is not to be confused with PIH, which happens when pigment skin cells are stimulated during the wound-healing process.

Hyperpigmentation cause: Acne

Effective Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of treatment options available to you. The right solution will depend on the cause of discoloration, so it’s best to assess your condition properly before purchasing skin care products. Better yet, ask your dermatologist for targeted recommendations. Generally, these are the most common effective treatments for hyperpigmentation.

Topical Medications

Over-the-counter medications like azelaic acid, glycolic acid and kojic acid can help fade discoloration. These acids have exfoliating properties, which help get rid of dead skin cells, making way for new, healthy cells.

Niacinamide

This type of B vitamin is a powerful skin care ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve your skin tone. Niacinamide comes in different forms, such as serum and cream.

Vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C are scientifically proven to help treat hyperpigmentation. This ingredient has powerful antioxidants that help shield the skin from damage caused by external aggressors, including the harmful sun rays.

Retinol

Retinol is a type of vitamin A used to reduce acne and signs of skin aging. By boosting cell turnover, it can also help reduce the appearance of discoloration caused by sun damage, hormonal changes or acne scarring.

Chemical Peels

Dermatologists offer this treatment to help resurface your skin and lighten dark marks. Depending on your skin concerns, a chemical peel can be done alone or combined with another type of treatment.

Microdermabrasion

This minimally invasive dermatological technique involves using a hand-held device to remove the skin’s outer layer. It’s a specialized exfoliation process that helps increase collagen production, making your skin more youthful.

Microneedling

As its name suggests, this treatment requires using a device with tiny needles to create small wounds in the skin to stimulate collagen production. The skin can heal better as the small tears heal, leading to an even skin tone.

Laser and Light Therapy

This solution is often suggested to people with severe hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The light beams help reduce discoloration by promoting collagen and new skin cell production. 

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation

1. Wear Sunscreen

Sun damage is one of the primary causes of hyperpigmentation. However, less than 30% of women and 15% of men use sunscreen daily. Wearing sunscreen is the easiest way to prevent the harmful UV rays. Use a product with at least a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to ensure proper protection. When spending long hours outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or wear sunglasses.

2. Moisturize Your Skin

While lightening the marks is your primary goal, protecting your skin barrier is also important. Moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help boost cell turnover, which helps lighten the marks.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

Skin health starts from within, so nourish your body with the right foods. Nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables can help promote a healthy skin appearance. Incorporate foods with antioxidants to help aid cell turnover. For instance, avocados contain vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent premature aging and hair weakening.

Bell peppers contain vitamin C, which helps promote the production of collagen, an essential protein for your skin and hair health.

Protection Is Key

Sun damage is the common cause of discoloration, and you can do wonders for your skin by applying sunscreen daily. Using products that contain lightening properties can also help in your battle against this condition.