Close-up of a face with freckles and brown pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation describes patches that look darker than the surrounding skin because of increased melanin, the pigment responsible for colour. It includes several different concerns, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.

What it is

Hyperpigmentation is a broad term for areas of skin that look darker than the skin around them. It can have different causes, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, or inflammation and injury. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a type of dark mark that can appear as skin heals after inflammation or injury. The cause and appearance vary, so a clinician can help identify what is happening.

Melasma, marks left after acne or irritation, and sun-related spots can all look like darker patches, but they are not the same condition, and treatment depends on the cause. A dermatologist can assess your skin and discuss suitable options. Avoid starting a treatment based only on a website description.

If a spot is new or changing in size, shape or colour, or is itching or bleeding, arrange an assessment with a healthcare professional.

Sun exposure can darken existing pigmentation, so ask a healthcare professional what protection suits your skin.

Makeup can camouflage dark spots, but it does not make them disappear.

Learn more about hyperpigmentation

A few facts

  • Hyperpigmentation can affect all skin tones. Marks after acne or inflammation and melasma are more common on darker skin and often stay visible for longer.

  • Causes can include sun exposure, inflammation and hormonal influences, depending on the type.

  • Dark spots often take months to fade.

Cosmetic coverage, kept in perspective

Aspilon Foundation offers buildable coverage. Our shade finder can help you explore the available shades, but it is a guide, not a medical assessment or a guaranteed match.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can makeup cover dark spots?

Makeup can camouflage dark spots, but it does not make them disappear. Aspilon Foundation offers buildable coverage.
What causes hyperpigmentation?

It can have different causes, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, or inflammation and injury. The cause and appearance vary, so a clinician can help identify what is happening.
How long do dark spots take to fade?

They often take months to fade. Sun exposure can darken existing pigmentation, so ask a healthcare professional what protection suits your skin.
When should I have a spot checked?

If a spot is new or changing in size, shape or colour, or is itching or bleeding, arrange an assessment with a healthcare professional.
Is the shade finder a medical assessment?

No. It can help you explore the available shades, but it is a guide, not a medical assessment or a guaranteed match.

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your dermatologist about possible treatments.

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