What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Pigmentation concerns arise when melanin production is disrupted, often due to hormonal changes, sun exposure, skin trauma, or inflammation. Here are the key causes:
- Sun Exposure (UV Radiation)
One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, melanocytes produce excess melanin to protect the skin from damage, often resulting in:
- Sunspots (age spots/liver spots)
- Freckles
- Uneven skin tone
Prevention tip: Daily broad-spectrum SPF helps protect the skin and prevent further pigmentation.
- Hormonal Changes (Melasma)
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to melasma (chloasma)—a form of hyperpigmentation that appears as brown or greyish patches, primarily on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
- Common triggers:
- Pregnancy (Mask of Pregnancy)
- Oral contraceptives & hormone therapy
- Sun exposure combined with hormonal changes
Did you know? Women are more prone to melasma due to oestrogen and progesterone influencing melanin production.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH occurs when skin inflammation or injury triggers excess melanin production, resulting in dark spots after the skin heals.
- Common causes:
- Acne breakouts
- Cuts, burns, or insect bites
- Allergic reactions
- Aggressive skincare treatments
Skin healing plays a role: Deeper inflammation often leads to more stubborn pigmentation.
- Ageing & Skin Damage
As we age, pigmentation becomes more prominent due to sun exposure, slower skin cell turnover, and reduced collagen production.
- Age-related pigmentation types:
- Age spots (senile lentigines)
- Sun-induced freckles
- Uneven skin texture & tone
Collagen-stimulating treatments help rejuvenate and restore an even complexion.
- Skin Injury or Trauma
Pigmentation changes can occur following cuts, burns, laser treatments, or chemical peels due to melanin overproduction during healing.
- Results:
- Hyperpigmentation (dark marks) from excessive melanin production
- Hypopigmentation (light patches) from melanocyte damage
Gentle, restorative treatments can support faster healing and pigmentation correction.
- Genetic Factors
Your genetic makeup plays a role in how your skin responds to sun exposure, inflammation, and melanin production.
- Common genetic pigmentation types:
- Freckles (ephelides) – more common in fair skin.
- Melasma predisposition – often runs in families.
- PIH sensitivity – darker skin tones may be more prone to prolonged pigmentation after injury.
A personalised skincare approach is essential for long-term pigmentation management.
- Medications & Lifestyle Factors
Certain medications and lifestyle choices can trigger pigmentation changes.
- Medications that increase sun sensitivity:
- Birth control pills & hormone therapies
- Antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines)
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Retinoids & acid-based skincare without sun protection
- Lifestyle factors affecting pigmentation:
- Smoking & dehydration – accelerates oxidative stress, worsening pigmentation.
- Poor diet – deficiencies in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc can impair skin healing.
- Lack of SPF use – leading to cumulative sun damage.
Preventative skincare combined with professional treatments offers the best long-term results.
Treatment Options for Hyperpigmentation
Targeted topical treatments containing scientifically backed ingredients can help fade pigmentation and brighten skin tone.
- Key Ingredients for Pigmentation:
- Vitamin C – Brightens the skin and reduces melanin overproduction.
- Retinol (Vitamin A) – Stimulates cell turnover to fade pigmentation.
- Hydroquinone & Kojic Acid – Lighten dark patches and even out skin tone.
- Niacinamide – Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
- SPF 50+ Sunscreen – Essential for preventing further pigmentation.
SkinPen stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal, effectively reducing hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and melasma.
- How SkinPen helps:
- Encourages keratinocyte turnover for faster skin renewal.
- Restores normal melanin activity in hyperpigmented areas.
- Enhances topical product absorption, maximising results.
Safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones prone to PIH.
A chemical skin peel exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates new cell regeneration, helping to fade dark spots and discolouration.
- How Skin Peels Improve Pigmentation:
- Speeds up skin turnover, revealing brighter, even-toned skin.
- Reduces melanin accumulation, helping to fade sun damage & melasma.
- Enhances skin texture for a smooth, glowing complexion.
Customised peels are selected based on your skin type and pigmentation concerns.
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and break down pigment cells, allowing the body to naturally shed discoloured skin.
- Benefits of Cryotherapy for Pigmentation:
- Targets individual dark spots for precise correction.
- Breaks down melanin clusters, helping fade pigmentation.
- Stimulates natural skin renewal for clearer, even-toned skin.
Ideal for stubborn age spots and isolated pigmentation concerns.
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to break down melanin in hyperpigmented areas, promoting a more even skin tone.
- How IPL Improves Pigmentation:
- Shatters melanin clusters, allowing the body to absorb and eliminate dark spots.
- Stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin brightness.
- Targets sunspots, freckles, and age spots, reducing their visibility over time.
Best results seen with multiple sessions for long-term improvement!
Frequently Asked Questions
They’re caused by excess melanin from sun damage, hormones, or inflammation.
We offer laser treatments, chemical peels, and advanced skincare for targeted results.
A course of treatments is usually required. Your plan will be personalised.
Book Your Consultation Today
If pigmentation concerns are affecting your confidence, The Karma Clinic offers expert-led, advanced treatments to restore an even, glowing complexion.
Book your consultation today for a personalised skin assessment and treatment plan!
