Hyperpigmentation What causes dark spots and how can I reduce them?

Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe areas of uneven pigmentation in the skin.

Hyperpigmentation appears as darkened patches or spots that make the skin look uneven, and these spots are known as age spots or sun spots. Hyperpigmentation is also at the heart of skin conditions such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

People with dark skin are normally more affected by hyperpigmentation marks than those with a lighter skin tone, because skin pigmentation is stronger in dark skin.

Also known as chloasma, melasma is a condition where larger patches of hyperpigmentation develop mainly on the face.

Although it can affect both men and women, melasma is most common in women and is thought to be triggered by changes in hormone levels. Melasma occurs in 50% of pregnant women in the UK and in 10-25% of women taking oral contraceptives,¹ and so it is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”. You can read more about melasma in What causes melasma and how can I reduce dark patches on my skin?

1. The International Dermal Institute, Melasma Unmasked by Dr Claudia Aguirre quoting Kang, H. Y., & Ortonne, J. P. (2010). What Should Be Considered in Treatment of Melasma. Annals of Dermatology, 22(4), 373-378.

Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation, as it is sunlight that triggers the production of melanin in the first place. Melanin acts as your skin’s natural sunscreen by protecting you from harmful UV rays, which is why people tan in the sun. But excessive sun exposure can disrupt this process, leading to hyperpigmentation.

Once dark spots have developed, sun exposure can also exacerbate the issue by making age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots even darker.

Hyperpigmentation is also symptomatic of a number of illnesses, such as certain autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

It can also be triggered by chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, antimalarials and anti-seizure drugs.

The Eucerin Anti-Pigment range has been specially formulated to reduce hyperpigmentation for more even, radiant skin. All four products in the range – a day cream, night cream, serum, pigment control and spot corrector – contain Thiamidol, an effective and patented ingredient that acts at the root cause of hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production. It has been clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce dark spots and prevent their reappearance. The first results are visible after two weeks, and the skin improves continuously with regular use.

Furthermore, with SPF 30 and UVA filters, Eucerin Anti-Pigment Day offers effective protection from the sun and prevents the formation of additional sun-induced pigmentation spots.

Dermatological treatments such as chemical peels and laser therapy can help to reduce hyperpigmentation:

• Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the face, neck and hands to exfoliate the skin, i.e. remove dead skin cells. This, in turn, stimulates the growth of new skin. Read more about chemical peels in What are chemical peels and how do they work? 
• Laser therapies have much the same effect, but tend to be more precise. This is because the dermatologist has more control over the intensity of the treatment. These therapies involve ‘zapping’ the affected areas with high-energy light. The mildest treatments work just on the skin’s epidermis (surface layer), while the more intense treatments can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Find out more in Laser therapy: how should I care for my skin after treatment?

Dermatologists may also prescribe and/or use hydroquinone, which is still regarded as the most effective topical agent for reducing hyperpigmentation. It can, however, only be used for limited periods of time because, like other forms of chemical peel and laser treatment, it can irritate the skin and actually cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in people with darker skin.