What to do about hyperpigmentation?

2023-12-07 Cathy Molenaar

Have you ever noticed brown spots or discolorations on your face? These can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, medications, hormonal changes, acne, inflammation, aging, over-exfoliation, and more. Let’s take a closer look at these spots and how to deal with them.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This occurs because there is more pigment (melanin production) than normal. This is often in response to triggers such as sunlight, inflammation, hormonal changes or skin damage due to incorrect use of cosmetics, resulting in discoloured skin. But spots on the face can also occur with normal skin aging.

Hyperpigmentation causes

There are different types of hyperpigmentation with different causes.

Pigment spots due to sun

Long-term exposure to the sun can lead to a build-up of pigment, resulting in dark spots on the skin, especially on the forehead, cheeks and nose. Read 10 tips for safe sunbathing here .

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

This occurs after inflammation, such as acne or skin irritations, and often leaves dark spots on the areas where the inflammation has occurred.

Hyperpigmentation in dark skin

In people with darker skin tones, the spots are often more intense and can be more difficult to treat.

Hyperpigmentation during pregnancy

Especially during the ^2nd and ^3rd trimester, pigment spots can develop under the influence of hormones. This is also called a pregnancy mask, because it often concentrates on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks.

Hormonal pigment spots

For example, the use of a contraceptive pill can cause pigment spots. This is called melasma on the face. Melasma is a pigment spot caused by hormone changes. A pigment spot caused by the pill often remains visible after stopping the pill.

Pigment spots peeling

In the past decades, many intense peels for home use have been marketed with high % BHA and AHA or glycol. At first, it may seem that the skin improves, but with long-term use, it is possible that these peels actually cause more pigmentation. The skin is damaged deep down and not properly repaired. This can occur if, for example, the instructions (stay out of the sun) are not followed properly. Always follow the instructions of skin specialists or instructions for use.

A mild peeling can help make pigment spots less visible.

Try the Food for Skin Apple Peeling, a mild fruit acid peel.

Pigment spots as you get older

Age spots are caused by skin aging. The older you get, the more spots you get. Heredity also plays a role. Some people get age spots at a relatively younger age, because their development lies in the genes.

Pigment spots due to sun

Finally, sun exposure is a major factor. The more sunlight your skin has seen, the more and earlier in life age spots will appear.

There are 4 types of age spots:

1. Sun spots skin. Lentigo solaris (liver spots)

These age spots are the most common and the most well-known. They are known as “liver spots” or “sun spots”.

2. Verruca seborrhoica (age warts)

These age spots are usually wart-like or cauliflower-shaped and can sometimes grow to large sizes of up to several centimeters in diameter. However, some age spots are flattened and light or dark brown in color and therefore look very much like liver spots or even normal moles.

3. Senile angiomas (blood blisters, ruby spots)

These age spots are unlike liver spots and age warts not brown but red or purple in color. They are also known as blood blisters. The English terms are ruby spots or cherry spots named after the color. These spots are also completely harmless.

4. Idopathic guttate hypomelanosis (white age spots)

A difficult name but they are better known as "white age spots". In addition to dark age spots, you also have light or white age spots. We see white round spots of about 3-8 mm on mainly arms and legs and on other sun-exposed parts such as the décolleté. What is striking about these white round spots is that they never merge into larger spots.

Do pigment spots go away on their own?

Once you have these spots, it is very difficult to get rid of them completely, because the pigment disruption takes place deep in the skin. So it is better to prevent pigment spots.

Treating hyperpigmentation

Although it's difficult to completely get rid of hyperpigmentation on your face, here are some tips to reduce it.

Important: If you are unsure what the spots are, always consult a doctor. Unfortunately, it is possible that they are not harmless spots, but a form of skin cancer.

If you are sure it is not skin cancer, there are several ways to address and reduce hyperpigmentation.

1. Apply SPF: Protecting your skin from the sun is essential to prevent further pigmentation. On all sunny days, use a good, natural sunscreen with a minimum SPF30 that protects against both UVA and UVB, such as Food for Skin SPF30 .

2. Wear a hat: The sun will cause the hyperpigmentation to darken, so avoid direct sunlight on your face to prevent the spots from getting darker.

3. Topical treatments: Hyperpigmentation creams and hyperpigmentation serums that contain ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, glycolic acid or niacinamide can help fade pigment spots. All Food for Skin products contain vitamin C.

4. Medical treatments: for very severe cases, there are treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy and microdermabrasion that can be recommended by dermatologists. Make sure you do this at a good institute because this treatment can also cause hyperpigmentation if it is not done properly and the aftercare is not followed properly (for example, staying out of the sun for 2 months after treatment).

What to do against pigment spots? Tips for daily care

1. Cleanse your face regularly with a mild cleanser (preferably without foam!) to remove impurities and keep your skin healthy. For example with the Carrot Cleanser .

2. Use super mild products that won't irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitivity or acne.

3. Use a mild SPF with UVA factor 30 and UVB protection on all sunny days and apply regularly when you are outside. For example, the SPF30 from Food for Skin .

4. Consult a dermatologist for tailored advice and a treatment that best suits your skin type and the severity of the pigmentation.

Use a mild exfoliator twice a week.

Conclusion what helps against hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can be a challenge, but with proper care, sun protection and appropriate treatments, it is possible to reduce the spots and allow the skin to heal.

Remember: it is important to be patient, as reducing pigmentation is a gradual process. And remember that a healthy lifestyle and good skin care are the foundation for strong and radiant skin, no matter your age.

Keep shining!

Frequently asked questions about hyperpigmentation

What is hyperpigmentation and what causes it?

Hyperpigmentation means that certain areas of the skin darken because the skin locally produces more melanin, or pigment. This can have various causes, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin aging, or inflammation and skin damage, for example after acne. Skin irritation can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunlight can then darken existing pigment spots, making good sun protection important to prevent new pigmentation as much as possible

What are the best ingredients for skin brightening for dark spots?

By skin brightening, we mean reducing dark pigment spots, not lightening your natural skin tone. Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinoids, and AHAs, such as glycolic acid, can help make hyperpigmentation and dark spots less visible. Which active ingredient works best depends on the cause and depth of the pigmentation.

For example, a mild exfoliant with AHAs can help remove dead skin cells and gradually reduce the visibility of pigment spots. The Food for Skin Apple Peeling contains approximately 5% natural AHAs and is developed for mild exfoliation. Always combine this with at least SPF30 during the day, as sunlight can re-intensify pigment spots.

Which creams help with hyperpigmentation in the face?

A cream for hyperpigmentation works best when it contains ingredients that have a proven effect on pigmentation, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, or retinoids. For stubborn hyperpigmentation or melasma, a dermatologist can recommend stronger treatments. Equally important is daily sun protection with at least SPF30 and good UVA and UVB protection. A regular nourishing face cream can support the skin barrier, but it will not simply remove hyperpigmentation. At Food for Skin, we therefore recommend a mild routine: cleanse, nourish, and protect, possibly supplemented with the Apple Peeling, and always use SPF30 during the day to prevent hyperpigmentation from darkening due to sun exposure.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin locally produces more melanin, or pigment. This can have various causes, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin aging, acne, inflammation, or skin damage. Sunlight can also darken existing pigment spots.

Can you remove pigmentation spots yourself?

Completely removing hyperpigmentation yourself is difficult, but you can sometimes make it less visible. Daily sun protection with at least SPF30 is important for this. Additionally, ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, and AHAs can help. A mild exfoliant, such as the Apple Peeling with natural AHAs, can help to gradually make hyperpigmentation less visible.

What is the best remedy for hyperpigmentation?

There is no single remedy that removes all hyperpigmentation. The best approach depends on the cause of the pigmentation, but good sun protection is almost always the foundation. Therefore, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 daily, and combine this with suitable active ingredients or a mild peel if necessary. After using a peel, stay out of the sun and apply sunscreen diligently.

Can baking soda lighten hyperpigmentation?

Baking soda is not a proven treatment for hyperpigmentation and can actually irritate the skin. This is particularly unfavorable for hyperpigmentation, as skin irritation and inflammation can cause new or darker dark spots. Therefore, it is better to opt for proven ingredients and protect your skin well from the sun.

How do I get rid of hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation doesn't always disappear completely, but pigment spots can become less visible over time. Protect your skin daily with at least SPF30, avoid unnecessary skin irritation, and opt for mild products. The Apple Peeling can be used twice a week for mild exfoliation. For stubborn or changing pigment spots, it's best to consult a dermatologist.

Cathy Molenaar, co-founder Food for Skin

About the author

Written by Cathy, co-founder of Food for Skin.

I worked as a skin specialist with my own salon for 30 years. At Food for Skin, I write about ingredients and skincare, aiming to provide a nuanced and complete picture. My focus is on explaining what does and doesn't work, so you can make informed choices based on good information.