The Ultimate Guide to Treating Hyperpigmentation

Words by Jennifer George

Hyperpigmentation (commonly referred to as just pigmentation) is something that most people will notice crop up on their skin at some point, especially as you get older. And though it’s common, it’s luckily also very often treatable with the right skincare ingredients and approach. From spotting it to sending it packing, here’s everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation. 

“Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the ‘normal’ surrounding skin” explains Dr Marwa Ali, an aesthetic doctor with a diploma in cosmetic dermatology (based at Harrods’ Wellness Clinic), “and the cause depends on the type of hyperpigmentation the individual has.” 

Essentially anything that hurts or upsets the balance of your skin can lead to pigmentation problems. Dr Barbara Sturm, aesthetic expert and founder of Dr Barbara Sturm skincare, explains that “hyperpigmentation is often an inflammatory response and can be caused by ageing, sun exposure and commonly by hormonal changes like pregnancy which cause a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma.” Melasma often shows in larger blotches of darkened skin, usually on the cheeks, forehead, chin and upper lip. Dr Sturm also explains that darker skin tones, or melanin-rich skin “is especially sensitive to hyperpigmentation and can experience an ‘inflammation cascade’ - a response to injury of the skin during which the healing process of damaged tissue stimulates the production of melanin, leading to post-inflammatory pigmentation.”

Firstly, prevention is key, says Dr Sturm. “Use SPF daily” is her first and most vital piece of advice, as sun exposure causes serious inflammation to the skin. She also advises not to pick or pop blemishes, “as breaking the skin can cause inflammation which can lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring. And by touching irritated or blemished skin, you can increase bacteria in the area, leading to more breakouts.” Essentially, you could be creating a vicious cycle. She also advises to be wary of ingredients that might be too harsh for your skin, as they can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin. Lastly, she promotes consistency with your skincare routine: “being consistent and using products that hydrate, brighten and even skin tone while keeping your skin barrier intact is essential in preventing and treatment hyperpigmentation.”

When it comes to your daily skincare, both experts agree that a number of ingredients are perfect to help when it comes to this skin issue, so you can tackle pigmentation from the comfort of your own bathroom…