Hyperpigmentation 101: Causes, Treatments & How to Prevent Dark Spots

I'm Dr. Jane Yoo, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Today we're gonna talk about hyperpigmentation, something a lot of people deal with at some point in their lives. It's when certain areas of skin become darker than others, caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, but it's especially common in those with darker skin tones. There are several types of hyperpigmentation. For example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens after acne or an injury. Sunspots are caused by prolonged sun exposure. Treating hyperpigmentation can be tricky. Over-the-counter creams don't always deliver the results you're hoping for, but treatments like topical prescription medications, chemical peels, and laser therapy can be effective when done correctly. It's crucial to tailor treatments to your skin type, particularly for darker skin tones where the wrong treatment can sometimes worsen the pigmentation. The most important thing you can do? Protect your skin from the sun. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be a daily habit. Sun exposure can make hyperpigmentation worse or create new dark spots, so sunscreen is key to keeping your skin looking even and healthy.