Just because you have hyperpigmentation doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Hyperpigmentation has a number of different causes and there are different types but with the latest, good quality skincare treatments, there is a real possibility that you can get rid of it and feel good about yourself!

Type 1) Melasma - Big Dark Patches

More commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma can affect the deep dermal layers of the skin. This type really tends to pop out when exposed to sunlight.

Color: Light to medium brown

Where It Occurs: On the cheeks, sides of the face, upper part of the nose, forehead and above the lip

What It Looks Like: Uneven dark patches that are inconsistent in shape and size

Caused By: A surge in hormones usually from pregnancy or birth control coupled with sun exposure

Treat It With: Glycolic acid plus vitamin C and a specialised skin supplement like Nutrifade

Type 2)  PIH - Dark Spots After Injury Or Acne Breakouts.

Long after a breakout has healed, the effects may hang around with red or brown spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. The more inflamed the breakout the darker the spot.

Color: Pink, red or brown

Where It Occurs: on the face or body

What It Looks Like: Flat spots

Caused By: Inflammatory acne, injury of burns.

Treat It With: A quality exfoliator and dedicated skin cream such as Hyperfade.

Type 3)  Sunspots / Age Spots - Isolated Dark Marks from sun damage.

Sunspots are caused by extensive sun exposure over long periods of time. In more mature skin, sunspots may be accompanied by skin that has a rough texture. Sunspots vary in size and colour and can be dark brown or gray, or almost black, and are usually flat. They’re normally found on the hands, sides of the face, chest and neck, and any other part of the body that has been exposed to the sun on a regular basis.

Color: Light to dark brown

Where It Occurs: On the face, chest and hands

What It Looks Like: Small, flat, dark spots

Caused By: Prolonged sun exposure

Treat It With: Retinol, Vitamin C and Skin Lightening Cream or Serum

Type 4) Under Eye Dark Circles

These dark areas under the eye can appear due to over production of melanin, which causes skin darkening. They can also be caused by a lack of iron or lack of sleep. These issues cause the delicate capillaries under the eyes to burst, which eventually leads to dark circles. These problems can be quickly solved with most under eye dark circle treatments.

Color: Dark grey or brown

Where It Occurs: Underneath the eyes.

What It Looks Like: Dark semi circles

Caused By: Sun damage, hereditary, lack of sleep

Treat It With: Specialist under eye creams or serums