If you’ve ever battled post-acne marks that seem to linger for months, or noticed new dark spots crop up every summer despite your best SPF efforts, you’re not alone.
Hyperpigmentation shows up in different ways—melasma, sun spots, freckles, or the aftermath of a breakout—and treating it isn't always straightforward. Especially when you're juggling oily-dry combination skin or falling down skincare rabbit holes that promise quick fixes but actually worsen the issue (looking at you, lemon juice hacks).
The truth is, hyperpigmentation needs targeted care and patience. What works for one may not work for another (or even make things worse). We’ll guide you through the most effective treatments, why they work, and what to consider.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Genetics
Some are more predisposed to hyperpigmentation because of how their skin naturally produces melanin. At the root of this is how your melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) behave. How active they are and how efficient they deliver melanin to surrounding skin cells is largely determined by your genes.
In darker skin tones, melanin tends to be more densely packed and evenly distributed, which offers more natural sun protection. But even in these skin types, genetics can influence how easily hyperpigmentation forms after injury, inflammation, or hormonal changes.
Sun Exposure
Sunlight is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it produces more melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its color—as a way to protect itself. This process is called melanogenesis, and it's your body’s natural defense against UV damage.
But too much sun exposure can cause melanin production to go into overdrive and leave dark spots or lingering discoloration. Some develop long-lasting pigmentation or patches that stay visible for months or years after initial sun exposure.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
PIH is a type of darkening that appears on the skin after it’s been inflamed or injured. Think acne, eczema, insect bites, burns, or even cosmetic procedures like lasers or chemical peels. Once the inflammation settles, some people—especially those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III to VI)—are left with flat, discolored patches that can last for months, even years.
Irritated skin sends out inflammatory signals that trigger melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to create more melanin than usual. Coupled with generic factors, the hyperpigmentation or discolouration can appear either closer to the surface (this type fades over time), or much deeper in the skin (stubborn and long-lasting).
Melasma
Melasma, often called the “pregnancy mask,” is one of the most well-known forms of hormonally-driven hyperpigmentation. It affects about 1% of people worldwide and is much more common in women than men.
Melasma shows up as patchy brown or gray-brown marks, usually across the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, or jawline. While it’s often triggered during pregnancy, it’s not limited to pregnant women — anyone experiencing shifts in estrogen or progesterone levels (like those on birth control, hormone therapy, and even menstruation) can be affected.
Heat
Oh come on — heat? That sounds like a stretch, right? But it’s not. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high temperatures can actually kickstart melanin production, especially in already pigment-prone skin.
This sets off a chain reaction in the skin: heat stimulates certain receptors that kick off a signal cascade, prompting skin cells to send out messages that ramp up pigment production. Over time, this heightened activity can lead to visible darkening — especially in areas that are regularly exposed to warmth, like your face, neck, or even where a warm device rests.
That’s not to say you need to avoid heat entirely. But if you're constantly exposed to high temperatures without protection, or you're using heated tools often, you could be making existing pigmentation worse.
Certain Medications
Some medications can leave behind stubborn pigment too. Certain drug classes like antibiotics, antimalarials, anti-inflammatories, and some heart or psychiatric meds can directly trigger excess melanin production, build up in the skin over time, or react to sunlight to deepen the pigmentation.
Though the hyperpigmentation does face over time, it can look different depending on the drug. If a dark patch on your skin appears after starting a new medication, it’s worth flagging with your provider.
Best Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
1. Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine
Hyperpigmentation isn’t something you can fix overnight — and that’s exactly why consistency matters. A well-structured skincare routine that you can actually stick to is one of the most important foundations for improving uneven skin tone.
What should that routine include? Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable — UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of pigmentation. Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated and plump, which supports healing and enhances the skin’s tolerance to other actives. And retinol (or retinoids) can gently speed up skin cell turnover, helping to fade dark marks over time while also improving texture.
2. Melanopro Peel
For stubborn pigmentation that won’t budge with at-home routines or over-the-counter options, a professional Melanopro Peel treatment can offer a more intensive reset. This is a two-phase program designed to visibly reduce dark spots and brighten the skin in 6 weeks or less.
Because the formula includes active ingredients, it’s important that your skin is prepped beforehand — especially if you’re not used to exfoliants or retinoids.
3. Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be a powerful option for targeting hyperpigmentation, especially when formulated with the right blend of active acids. Ingredients like Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid (both Alpha Hydroxy Acids) help speed up cell turnover, lifting away surface pigment and revealing brighter, more even-toned skin.
For those also dealing with congestion or oiliness, Mandelic Acid — a lipophilic AHA — can work deeper to address excess sebum and acne-related pigmentation.
If you’re considering a cosmetic-grade peel, look for formulations that include these targeted ingredients. That said, not every skin type responds the same way — which is why it’s best to have a personalised consultation with a qualified skin expert at Laser Clinics United Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Hyperpigmentation is a tricky one because it’s not just about what caused it, but how your skin responds to different things over time. The real progress comes from pairing the right treatment with realistic expectations and a long-term approach. That might mean layering consistent at-home care with occasional in-clinic treatments to stay ahead of flare-ups or stubborn patches.
If you’re unsure where to start, a personalised skin assessment can help you skip the guesswork. The team at Laser Clinics United Kingdom can tailor a treatment plan just for you.
Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about your options.
