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Hyper-pigmentation is the production of excess melanin causing dark spots on the skin. Age spots, liver spots, freckles, sun spots, pregnancy mask are all types of hyper-pigmentation and there are several treatments available to reduce or remove the darker skin.

Hyper-pigmentation refers to areas of skin where an excess of melanin has been produced and formed deposits, causing skin patches that appear darker than the surrounding skin.

Common skin areas that experience hyper-pigmentation or dyschromia are the face, arms, and hands.  Age spots, liver spots, freckles, sun spots, melasma, and any typical dark or brown spots on the skin are examples of hyper-pigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation causes

Common causes of skin hyper-pigmentation include:

Sun exposure
Hormonal changes
Heredity
Acne
Botched skin treatments

In situations where hyper-pigmentation is caused by acne, botched skin treatment, or some other cause of skin inflammation, it is known as PIH or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

Typically, hyper-pigmentation is a harmless skin condition, however, if moles or other possible signs of skin cancer appear, they should be checked by a dermatologist.

Hyper-pigmentation treatment

IPL (Photofacial) – Treatment with intense pulsed light, or a Photofacial, is frequently recommended by doctors to treat hyper-pigmentation. However, improperly administered IPL treatment can make hyper-pigmentation worse, so choose your doctor carefully.
Chemical peel – A TCA peel or deeper phenol peel are also used to treat hyper-pigmentation. Great care should be taken though as pigment irregularities and scarring can occur if not done by an experienced clinician with close follow-up.
Laser peel – A variety of laser resurfacing treatments may be performed to reduce hyper-pigmentation.
Topical skin lightening products – Products containing skin lightening ingredients, such as hydroxyzine, retinoids, kojic acid, and Vitamin C are often used to reduce hyper-pigmentation.