What Is Hyperpigmentation? Causes, Treatments and How to Even Skin Tone
Discover the best skincare for hyperpigmentation and how to achieve a clearer, more even skin tone.
Hyperpigmentation can lead to dull, uneven-looking skin, but with the right skincare and knowledge, it is possible to restore a healthy, radiant glow. In this guide, we explore what hyperpigmentation is, the most common causes and types, and the best ingredients and products to help reduce its appearance — naturally.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of skin discolouration such as brown or grey spots, patches, or marks; that appear darker than your natural skin tone. It is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that determines skin colour. While it can affect any skin type, the causes and appearance may vary.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Understanding what triggers hyperpigmentation is key to treating and preventing it. Here are the most common causes:
1. Sun Exposure
UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can lead to sunspots or uneven pigmentation over time. Without protection, even mild sun exposure can darken existing spots.
2. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormones — especially in women — can trigger a condition known as melasma, causing larger patches of discolouration, often on the face or chest.
3. Ageing
As skin ages, melanin production becomes less uniform, leading to age spots (also known as liver spots), commonly seen on the face and hands.
4. Pollution
Environmental stressors, including air pollution and blue light, can accelerate skin ageing and contribute to pigmentation irregularities.
5. Skin Trauma or Inflammation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) often follows acne, burns, rashes, or other injuries to the skin, leaving behind darkened marks as the skin heals.
6. Medication or Health Conditions
Some medications and medical conditions can also lead to darker patches of skin. Please consult a healthcare provider if you're experiencing unexpected changes.
What Are the Different Types of Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can look very different from skin to skin – no one size fits all. But, regardless of your skin type or age, these three types of skin pigmentation are the most common:
Age Spots (Sunspots or Liver Spots)
Small, dark areas that result from prolonged sun exposure, typically appearing on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and shoulders.
Melasma
Often hormone-related, melasma presents as symmetrical, brown-grey patches—commonly on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This occurs after skin trauma or inflammation, such as acne or eczema. It appears as flat, discoloured spots where the skin was previously inflamed.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation Naturally
At Susanne Kaufmann, we believe in gentle, effective skincare powered by nature. A consistent routine with targeted ingredients can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation while promoting a more even, radiant complexion.
Your Perfect Routine for Even, Glowing Skin
For the Face
Step 1: Brighten with Vitamin C
Our Vitamin C Complex Serum is a powerhouse for uneven skin tone. A potent derivative of vitamin C helps illuminate the complexion and reduce discolouration with regular use.
Step 2: Exfoliate with Enzymes
Follow with the Enzyme Exfoliator or Glow Mask for a gentle yet effective resurfacing treatment. These resurfacing enzyme masks refine texture, boost brightness and support cell renewal — ideal for dull, pigmented skin.
For the Body
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Our Body Wash is infused with aloe vera and rosehip oil to soothe inflammation and irritation — perfect for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the body.
Step 2: Exfoliate & Hydrate
The AHA Enzyme Body Lotion combines AHA, BHA, and pumpkin enzymes to gently exfoliate, improve skin texture and support a more even tone.
Step 3: Target Age Spots on Hands
Our Hand Cream is enriched with Alpine rose extract, known to support skin vitality and reduce visible signs of ageing, including pigmentation on the hands.
Restore Your Skin's Radiance
While hyperpigmentation can be persistent, a consistent routine and the right ingredients can make all the difference. Explore our full range of skincare solutions, rooted in nature and proven by results, to reveal a smoother, more luminous complexion — season after season.
Find out more about our hard-working hyperpigmentation heroes and enhance your skin's natural radiance.
