A common skin concern, hyperpigmentation can affect all skin types and is typically caused by environmental stressors and aging. Although it’s usually harmless, face hyperpigmentation can cause skin to look uneven and remain for years if left untreated.
Read on to discover what hyperpigmentation is and how to treat it with the best skincare products for hyperpigmentation.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation, or skin pigmentation, is the term used to describe uneven pigmentation in the skin, when certain areas appear darker than the rest. These areas are also known as dark spots, age spots or sunspots, and can appear in small patches on the face and body or cover large areas.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Skin hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin (the pigment responsible for giving the skin its color and tan, and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays) than usual.
The most common causes of hyperpigmentation include:
- Excessive sun exposure – this is the main cause of hyperpigmentation, as sunlight triggers the skin to produce melanin.
- Hormonal influences – hormones can trigger a type of hyperpigmentation known as melasma, causing dark patches or freckle-like spots to appear on the face or body, and is common during menopause or pregnancy.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation –` following an inflammatory phase, like acne or eczema, the skin reacts by producing excess melanin.
How to help get rid of hyperpigmentation
If left untreated, hyperpigmentation can remain on the skin for years. However, it’s possible to reduce the appearance of dark spots by adding the right hyperpigmentation creams and treatments into your skincare routine.
Apply a dark spot corrector
Clinically proven to improve the appearance of dark spots, age spots and sunspots, No7 Laboratories Dark Spot Corrector Booster Serum offers a non-invasive dark spot correction. It’s formulated with No7’s unique lightening complex of Vitamin C, emblica and sophora to make hyperpigmentation appear visibly faded in just 2 weeks*.
How to apply: Using the precision applicator, apply directly to the desired area morning and night after cleansing.
*Based on a consumer perception study on UK women.
