What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

• Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its brownish color. People with darker skin have more natural melanin than those with lighter skin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin forms deposits in certain areas of skin, making those areas darker than the surrounding areas. When these deposits form as a result of sun damage, they are called liver or age spots. These spots, often found on the face, hands and arms, may get darker over time with additional sun exposure but typically do not fade on their own.
  
  Hormones from pregnancy or birth control pills can cause large patches of hyperpigmentation on the face, called "the mask of pregnancy." After pregnancy or the cessation of medication, these areas sometimes fade or disappear on their own over time, but frequently will remain unless treated.
  
  Post-acne hyperpigmentation is the skin's natural response to a wound or area of damage. This type of hyperpigmentation usually does fade with time, but may take up to two years to disappear completely.
  
  

Treatment Options

• Because hyperpigmentation results from excess melanin, treatment typically involves bleaching the skin to lighten the dark areas. Topical ointments containing bleaching agents can help lighten the skin to the point where the dark spots fade and blend with the surrounding skin, while exfoliators will remove the outermost layer of your skin, smoothing its appearance and encouraging cell turnover.
  
  When looking for over the counter treatments, choose a lotion or ointment that includes ingredients such as hydroquinone, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, beta hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent and the acids stimulate cell turnover, helping your skin to renew itself more quickly.
  
  When selecting an exfoliator or "scrub," choose a mild level first, as your skin may become more sensitive with the application of a bleaching ointment. Use it once a week to start, gradually increasing the usage to three or four times a week as your skin allows.
  
  You can try mixing your own bleaching agents such as lemon juice, tomato juice, whole milk, cucumbers or other mild acids. Test these concoctions for irritations on the inside of your forearm before applying them to your face, and keep them well away from your eyes.
  
  While you are working to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, make sure a strong sunblock is part of your daily skin care regimen. Not only will it protect the areas you're treating, sunscreen also will keep additional areas of hyperpigmentation from occurring. Look for SPFs of 45 or higher, as these levels will protect you from even incidental exposure to the sun.