WHAT IS IT?

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin caused by excess melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). It results in patches or spots that are darker than your natural skin tone.

Common Causes:

• Sun exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production as a protective response, leading to sun spots or age spots.

• Inflammation: Skin trauma or irritation from acne, eczema, or injury can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy (melasma), birth control, or hormone therapy can increase pigmentation.

• Medications: Some drugs can cause pigmentation changes as side effects.

• Genetics: Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation due to their skin type and genetic background.

Areas of Concern:

• Face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip)

• Hands and arms (sun-exposed areas)

• Neck and chest

• Areas of previous injury or inflammation

Common Causes:

• Skin injury or inflammation: Healing from burns, infections, or trauma can cause pigment loss.

• Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition where melanocytes (pigment cells) are destroyed, causing white patches.

• Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation: Sometimes after eczema or psoriasis clears, skin may lighten.

• Fungal infections: Such as tinea versicolor, which can cause patchy discoloration.

• Certain treatments or medications: Can sometimes cause pigment loss.

What Is It?

Hypopigmentation is the loss or lightening of skin color due to a decrease or absence of melanin in the skin, resulting in lighter patches or spots.

Areas of Concern:

• Anywhere on the body, often on face, hands, and areas affected by skin conditions

• Vitiligo often affects symmetrical areas such as hands, around eyes, and mouth

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes patches of skin to lose their color. This happens when the body's immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin). The white or lighter patches of skin can appear on any part of the body, and the condition can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth.

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