Hyperpigmentation
Areas where the skin looks darker or uneven — like post-blemish marks, sun spots, or melasma — caused by extra melanin in the skin.
Hyperpigmentation is a general term for patches or spots where the skin looks darker than the surrounding area. It happens when skin produces extra melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It's very common, affects all skin tones, and shows up in a few different ways.
The most common types are post-inflammatory marks (the darker spots left behind after a breakout or irritation), sun-related spots that build up from years of UV exposure, and melasma, a hormonally influenced pattern that often appears as larger, symmetrical patches. Understanding which pattern you're seeing helps set realistic expectations, because they respond differently and at different speeds.
When it comes to skincare, the single most important step is daily broad-spectrum sunscreen — UV is the biggest driver of uneven pigment, and without sun protection other efforts are easily undone. Beyond that, ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid are used to support a more even-looking complexion and help soften the look of dark marks over time. Progress is gradual, usually measured in weeks to months, so consistency and patience matter more than any single product.
An important safety note: this is about the cosmetic appearance of even-looking skin, not a medical treatment. If a pigmented spot is new, changing in size, shape or colour, itching, or bleeding, don't try to manage it with skincare — see a doctor to have it checked. And if pigmentation is persistent, widespread, or affecting your confidence, a dermatologist or skincare professional can help you understand what's driving it and what options suit your skin.
The most common types are post-inflammatory marks (the darker spots left behind after a breakout or irritation), sun-related spots that build up from years of UV exposure, and melasma, a hormonally influenced pattern that often appears as larger, symmetrical patches. Understanding which pattern you're seeing helps set realistic expectations, because they respond differently and at different speeds.
When it comes to skincare, the single most important step is daily broad-spectrum sunscreen — UV is the biggest driver of uneven pigment, and without sun protection other efforts are easily undone. Beyond that, ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid are used to support a more even-looking complexion and help soften the look of dark marks over time. Progress is gradual, usually measured in weeks to months, so consistency and patience matter more than any single product.
An important safety note: this is about the cosmetic appearance of even-looking skin, not a medical treatment. If a pigmented spot is new, changing in size, shape or colour, itching, or bleeding, don't try to manage it with skincare — see a doctor to have it checked. And if pigmentation is persistent, widespread, or affecting your confidence, a dermatologist or skincare professional can help you understand what's driving it and what options suit your skin.
Skin concerns
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