---
title: "Hyperpigmentation — Glossary | School of Dermatology"
description: "Learn about hyperpigmentation, its types (sun spots, melasma, PIH), effective treatments, and why sunscreen is essential for prevention."
lang: en
json-ld: |
  [
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "DefinedTerm",
      "name": "Hyperpigmentation",
      "description": "Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin production. There are several types: sun spots (solar lentigines) caused by UV exposure, melasma (hormonally influenced patches, often on the face), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that occurs after skin injury, inflammation, or acne. Hyperpigmentation affects all skin tones but is more prevalent and can be more persistent in darker skin. Treatment options include topical ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and retinoids, which work by inhibiting melanin production or increasing cell turnover. Sunscreen is the single most important step in preventing and treating hyperpigmentation, as UV exposure worsens all forms. Professional treatments like chemical peels and certain lasers can also help, though caution is needed for darker skin tones.",
      "url": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/hyperpigmentation",
      "inDefinedTermSet": {
        "@type": "DefinedTermSet",
        "name": "School of Dermatology Skincare Glossary",
        "url": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary"
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Home",
          "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Glossary",
          "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "Hyperpigmentation",
          "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/hyperpigmentation"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
---

[![School of Dermatology](/assets/logo-AGZDufdq.svg)](/)

Articles

[Skin Types](/skin-types)

Tools

[Glossary](/glossary)

[Home](/)/ [Glossary](/glossary)/ Hyperpigmentation 

Glossary 

# Hyperpigmentation

HY-pur-pig-men-TAY-shun 

## Definition

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin production. There are several types: sun spots (solar lentigines) caused by UV exposure, melasma (hormonally influenced patches, often on the face), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that occurs after skin injury, inflammation, or acne. Hyperpigmentation affects all skin tones but is more prevalent and can be more persistent in darker skin. Treatment options include topical ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and retinoids, which work by inhibiting melanin production or increasing cell turnover. Sunscreen is the single most important step in preventing and treating hyperpigmentation, as UV exposure worsens all forms. Professional treatments like chemical peels and certain lasers can also help, though caution is needed for darker skin tones.

## Related Terms

[Melanin](/glossary/melanin)[Melanocyte](/glossary/melanocyte)[PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)](/glossary/pih-post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation)[Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)](/glossary/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid)

Was this definition helpful?

In This Entry

[Definition](#definition)[Related Terms](#related-terms)

More "H" Terms

[Humectant](/glossary/humectant)[Hyaluronic Acid](/glossary/hyaluronic-acid)[Hypodermis](/glossary/hypodermis)

#### Ingredients

-   [Browse All](/topics/ingredients)

#### Treatments

-   [Browse All](/topics/treatments)

#### Skin Concerns

-   [Browse All](/topics/skin-concerns)

#### Light Therapy

-   [Browse All](/topics/light-therapy)

#### Skin Care

-   [Browse All](/topics/skin-care)

#### Hair Care

-   [Browse All](/topics/hair-care)

#### Resources

-   [Skincare Glossary](/glossary)
-   [All Articles](/articles)
-   [Contact Us](/contact)

© 2026 School of Dermatology. All rights reserved. For educational purposes only.

[Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[Terms of Service](/terms-of-service)[Disclaimer](/disclaimer)

![](https://bat.bing.com/action/0?ti=343074860&Ver=2&mid=76271fdf-ffa7-4fcd-8feb-2cb16052675b&bo=1&sid=563a9ad0aafb11f1a7f8d9caf33e3a4f&vid=563ae080aafb11f1b896452a42bf2797&vids=1&msclkid=N&pi=918639831&lg=en-US&sw=800&sh=600&sc=24&nwd=1&tl=Hyperpigmentation%20%E2%80%94%20Glossary%20%7C%20School%20of%20Dermatology&p=https%3A%2F%2Fderm-school-hub.lovable.app%2Fglossary%2Fhyperpigmentation&r=&lt=1020&evt=pageLoad&sv=2&cdb=AQAQ&rn=786676)

![](https://bat.bing.com/action/0?ti=343220809&Ver=2&mid=c00b1232-fbe9-413c-9d5c-2afcb827c0d1&bo=1&sid=563a9ad0aafb11f1a7f8d9caf33e3a4f&vid=563ae080aafb11f1b896452a42bf2797&vids=0&msclkid=N&pi=918639831&lg=en-US&sw=800&sh=600&sc=24&nwd=1&tl=Hyperpigmentation%20%E2%80%94%20Glossary%20%7C%20School%20of%20Dermatology&p=https%3A%2F%2Fderm-school-hub.lovable.app%2Fglossary%2Fhyperpigmentation&r=&lt=1020&evt=pageLoad&sv=2&cdb=AQAQ&rn=68922)