Hyperpigmentation is a medical term used to describe darker patches of skin from excess melanin production. It can be caused by everything from acne scars and sun damage to hormone fluctuations. Hyperpigmentation is often harmless and may require no treatment at all, but some people may prefer to remove it. There are various treatment methods and home remedies that can help, including topical creams that contain ingredients that can lighten the skin, such as niacinamide and licorice extract. A dermatologist can also perform procedures that may help reduce its appearance, such as skin acids, retinoids, peels, and lasers.
There are different types of hyperpigmentation, including age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. A doctor can identify the type and cause of hyperpigmentation by examining the skin, asking about medical history, sun exposure, and other lifestyle events or habits, and in some cases, taking a biopsy, or a small sample of skin, to help rule out skin cancer.
While there are many products available for treating hyperpigmentation, it is important to purchase products from retailers and manufacturers that you trust. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using caution when purchasing OTC skin lighteners, as they may contain traces of harmful ingredients.
