Doctor-Led Aesthetic Medicine
Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. It happens when cells called melanocytes produce excess melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. You might notice this as small dark spots, larger patches, or a more general unevenness in tone, ranging from light tan to deeper brown.
Although it is not harmful, it can really affect your confidence. Many people find themselves relying more on makeup or feeling that their skin looks dull, uneven, or older than they feel. When I assess your skin, I look carefully at the pattern and type of pigmentation you have. This is important, as not all pigmentation behaves in the same way. Once we understand what is driving it, we can choose treatments that are safe, effective, and designed to reduce the risk of it returning.
Whether your pigmentation is related to sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, or a combination of factors, a personalised approach makes all the difference. With the right plan, it is often possible to gradually fade darker areas and restore a clearer, more even complexion over time.
Not all dark spots are the same. Identifying the type of pigmentation you have is an important first step, as it allows me to choose the safest and most effective treatment approach for your skin.
Also called sun spots or liver spots, these are flat brown marks that appear on areas that have had the most sun exposure over your lifetime, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and chest.
Melasma appears as larger, patchy areas of discolouration, usually in a symmetrical pattern across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. The colour can range from light brown to grey-brown or even slightly bluish-brown, depending on how deep the pigment sits in the skin.
This type of pigmentation appears after the skin has been irritated or inflamed. Acne, cuts, burns, eczema, insect bites, or even overly aggressive skin treatments can leave behind darker marks once the skin has healed.
Freckles are small, flat spots that darken with sun exposure and tend to fade in winter. They are most common in people with fair skin and red or blonde hair. Some people also ask about treating freckles.
- Sun exposure, which is the most common cause. Each time your skin is exposed to UV light without adequate protection, it produces extra melanin as a defence. Over time, this damage builds up and becomes visible as dark spots and uneven tone.
- Hormonal changes, which can stimulate melanin production. This is why pigmentation such as melasma often appears during pregnancy, when taking hormonal contraception, or around perimenopause and menopause.
- Inflammation or irritation, which can trigger excess pigment during the healing process. This may follow acne, injuries, burns, or certain skin conditions.
- Your natural skin type and genetic background, which influence how your skin responds to these triggers and how likely you are to develop pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation can develop anywhere on the body, but it most commonly appears in areas that have had the greatest exposure to the sun over time. Common areas include:
- The face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and temples, where pigmentation often appears as patches or uneven tone.
- The backs of the hands, which are frequently exposed to sunlight and are one of the most common areas for age spots to develop.
- The chest, where the skin is more delicate and often exposed during warmer months.
- The shoulders and forearms, which receive significant sun exposure over the years and are prone to developing pigmentation changes.
Real Results
Swipe to reveal the transformation. See the remarkable results our patients have achieved.
Dr Rachel answers your common questions about hyperpigmentation
In many cases, hyperpigmentation can be improved very significantly, and sometimes cleared completely, but it depends on the type of pigmentation, how deep it sits, and how long it has been present. Some types, such as age spots and other superficial pigmentation, respond very well to treatment, while others, like melasma, are more prone to recurrence and need ongoing maintenance. During your consultation, I will assess your skin carefully and give you honest, realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
Home skincare plays an important role in treating hyperpigmentation, but professional-strength products recommended after a proper skin assessment are usually more effective than high street alternatives. Ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and azelaic acid can make a real difference when used consistently. I often recommend the pHformula range, which is specifically designed to target pigmentation safely and effectively while supporting overall skin health. For more noticeable or stubborn pigmentation, combining good home care with in-clinic treatments usually provides faster and more reliable results.
I am always happy to help. Please get in touch.
