What is hyperpigmentation

What is hyperpigmentation? In dermatological terms, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of a specific area of skin fibers or finger/toe nails that is caused by an increase in the melanin in that specific area.
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage, inflammation as well as any other skin injury, including those that are related to the common skill issue known as acne, or acne vulgaris. Individuals with darker skin, such as Africans, Mediterranean’s, or Asians are typically more prone to hyperpigmentation, and even more so if they have an excess of sun exposure. However, this does not mean that it cannot afflict lighter skinned individuals.



Many types of hyperpigmentation are caused by some sort of excess in the production of melanin. Hyperpigmentation can be either focal or diffuse, which is in regards to the affecting of such areas like the face and the back of the hands. Melanin is primarily produced by melanocytes at the very bottom of the epidermis. Melanin is a specific class of pigmentation that is responsible for the production of color in the body throughout places like the eyes and the hair as well as the skin. During the aging process, melanocyte distribution begins to become less diffuse and the regulation of it is less controlled by the body. With exposure to UV light, the melanocyte activity of a specific area becomes amplified. In response to that, hyperpigmentation occurs in those areas where the melanin production is heightened. Essentially speaking, this is what the skin issue of hyperpigmentation is.

Hyperpigmentation treatments

There are several key treatments to this particular skin disease. Each one of them works in specific situations and within specific intensity of the hyperpigmentation. These treatments are as followed:

• Chemical Peel- This is a TCA peel or a deeper phenol peel that are used to treat hyperpigmentation. When using these peels, great care should be taken in the observation of potential pigment irregularities. Scarring can also occur if one is not careful about the usage of these peels. When using one of these peels, follow up by a physician is always recommended.
• Laser Peel- This is a variety of laser treatments meant to resurface the skin and delete the hyperpigmentation afflicted area. These lasers are typically CO2 lasers or fractional lasers, but there are some other brands of lasers that are used to eliminate the afflicted area.
• IPL- This is also known as photofacial treatment. It uses intense pulsed light or a photofacial. This is one of the most recommended treatments for those suffering from hyperpigmentation. However, if this is not properly administered, IPL treatment is proven to actually make hyperpigmentation worse, so it is very important for anyone using the method to consult a physician.
• Topical Skin Lightening products- this is usually only used for lesser cases of hyperpigmentation. It uses chemicals such as retinoids, Kojic acid, Vitamin C, or hydroquinone to reduce the darkening of the skin. Though they work for cosmetic appeal, they do not eliminate the blotches.

General Hyperpigmentation Information

Hyperpigmentation is a typically harmless condition. The only thing that it truly affects is the cosmetic appeal of a certain area. It is for this reason that topical ointments and products are the most widely administered products to be used on Hyperpigmentation. However, because it can occur on just about any part of the body, it is also something that people are afraid of occurring because it can potentially take a large amount of effort to get rid of the melanin excessive areas of the skin.

Many of the ways that can get rid of the spots permanently can be painful or costly, so people are more reluctant to try those methods. However, Hyperpigmentation is a benign affliction that causes no need to worry. At the very most it creates a birth- mark like area of the skin that may not look the best, but is otherwise harmless.