Causes of Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
August 6, 2021 by VitalSkin Dermatology
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that causes areas of skin to appear darker than the surrounding skin. While it can affect any skin type, hyperpigmentation is often triggered by underlying skin processes such as inflammation, sun exposure, or hormonal changes.
Understanding what causes hyperpigmentation is the first step toward choosing the right treatment and preventing future discoloration.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This excess pigment can collect in specific areas, leading to dark spots, patches, or uneven tone.
Hyperpigmentation is not harmful, but it can be persistent and may worsen over time without proper treatment or sun protection.
Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Several internal and external factors can trigger excess melanin production. The most common causes include:
Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure stimulates melanin production as a protective response, which can result in sunspots or darkened patches over time.
Inflammation and Skin Injury
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often develops after acne, eczema, rashes, or skin injuries. As the skin heals, melanin production can become irregular, leaving behind dark marks.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts, including pregnancy or birth control use, can trigger melasma. This form of hyperpigmentation commonly appears on the face and is influenced by both hormones and sun exposure.
Certain Medications and Medical Conditions
Some medications and underlying health conditions can increase skin sensitivity or affect pigment regulation, contributing to discoloration.
How Hyperpigmentation Can Be Treated
Treatment depends on the cause, depth, and severity of pigmentation. A board-certified dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate approach.
Laser Resurfacing
Best for: Deeper pigmentation, uneven texture, early signs of aging, sun damage
Laser resurfacing is one of the most effective ways to treat hyperpigmentation – especially when discoloration is deeper within the skin. Using controlled laser energy (typically CO₂ or Er:YAG technology), this treatment removes damaged outer layers while stimulating new collagen production.
Laser resurfacing can help improve:
- Stubborn sunspots
- Uneven tone and texture
- Fine lines
- Early aging and sun damage
- Some types of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Because this treatment reaches deeper layers of the skin, results are dramatic, and improvement continues as the skin heals. VitalSkin providers tailor the treatment depth to your skin type and goals, ensuring safe, predictable results.
Photo Rejuvenation (IPL)
Best for: Sunspots, freckles, redness, mild pigmentation
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), also known as photorejuvenation therapy, uses broad-spectrum light to gently heat pigment in the skin and lift discoloration to the surface, where it naturally flakes away.
Benefits include:
- Reduction of sun damage and brown spots
- Lightening of freckles
- Improvement in redness
- Brighter, more even overall tone
- Minimal downtime
IPL is especially effective when hyperpigmentation is caused by cumulative sun exposure.
Dermalinfusion
Best for: Mild pigmentation, skin brightening, textural improvement
Dermalinfusion (also commonly known as DiamondGlow or SilkPeel) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the skin, extracts impurities, and infuses the skin with targeted brightening serums – all in one session.
It helps improve:
- Early pigment irregularities
- Dull or uneven skin tone
- Mild sun damage
- Rough texture
Because it enhances serum absorption and stimulates fresh cell turnover, it’s a great option for patients who want a noticeable glow with no downtime. It can also complement laser or IPL treatments for enhanced results.
Preventing Future Hyperpigmentation
Preventing hyperpigmentation is often an ongoing process, especially for individuals prone to inflammation or sun sensitivity. While not all discoloration can be avoided, consistent daily habits can significantly reduce recurrence and severity over time.
Daily sun protection remains the most important preventive step. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day helps limit UV-triggered melanin production and protects results from in-office treatments. Additional measures, such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding peak sun exposure, further reduce the risk of new discoloration.
Topical skincare also plays a key role in long-term pigment control. Dermatologists may recommend medical-grade products designed to support healthy pigment regulation, including antioxidant formulations containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic acid (CE+F). These ingredients help protect the skin from oxidative stress that can contribute to uneven pigmentation.
Managing inflammation is equally important. Prompt treatment of acne, rashes, or skin irritation can help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from developing. Using gentle skincare products and avoiding excessive exfoliation supports a more stable skin barrier and healthier pigment regulation.
For patients with recurrent pigmentation concerns, dermatologists may recommend long-term maintenance plans that combine professional treatments, targeted topical therapies, and ongoing monitoring. This approach helps maintain clearer, more even skin tone over time while reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups.
When to See a Dermatologist
If dark spots persist, worsen, or return despite over-the-counter products, a dermatology consultation can help identify the underlying cause and guide treatment. Professional evaluation ensures treatments are tailored to your skin type, tone, and concerns. Find a dermatologist near your home and schedule a consultation with our team of experts.
