As aggravating as hyperpigmentation can be, understanding why it’s happening and how you can stop it (yes, it can be done) is rule number-one on the path to clear, even skin.
1. Melasma
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: Splotchy 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: Hydroquinone and Retin-A; salicylic, lactic or glycolic acid peels; Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) plus vitamin C; or Cosmelan. (Melasma is hard to treat because of its potential to recur.)
2. Sunspots (aka Age or Liver Spots)
Color: Light to dark brown
Where It Occurs: On the face, chest and hands
What It Looks Like: Small, flat, dark spots
Caused By: The sun
Treat It With: Retinol + IPL; Fractional laser resurfacing
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Color: Pink, red or brown
Where It Occurs: Anywhere on the face
What It Looks Like: Flat spots
Caused By: Inflammatory acne
Treat It With: Light salicylic acid chemical peels; red light and blue light (if there is active acne)
4. Freckles
Color: Light to dark brown or even red or black
Where It Occurs: On the face, chest and arms
What It Looks Like: Concentrated small spots
Caused By: The sun
Treat It With: Fraxel, Nd:YAG laser
