Hyperpigmentation: What causes skin discoloration?
Dark patches, melasma, uneven skin tone - everybody‘s skin is different and changes over time. While freckles or birthmarks typically appear on the skin at a young age, there are other forms of pigmentation that usually only manifest later in life. Aside from genetics, several different factors can contribute to pigmentation disorders. The most common causes include sun exposure, hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy), skin injuries or inflammation.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by a local overproduction of melanin. This dark brown to black pigment is responsible for giving skin its color. When melanin is overproduced in certain areas, it results in irregular skin coloration and dark spots, which many sufferers find to be ‘unsightly’ and a great source of insecurity. However, there are many effective in-office hyperpigmentation treatments offered by dermatologists and aestheticians, and a targeted skincare routine can help to reduce hyperpigmentation as well.