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Hyperpigmentation, often incorrectly referred to as ‘pigmentation’, is a common skin concern which encompasses many different types of marks; each concern is different, and here, we explain how…
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to patches of darker skin caused by an overproduction of melanin. This can come in many forms, such as sun spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s important to make the distinction between hyperpigmentation and pigmentation, as many people incorrectly use the two interchangeably; ‘pigmentation’ simply refers to the overall colouring of your skin.
Dark marks
‘Dark marks’ are a form of hyperpigmentation, and the term usually refers to either post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or sun spots. The main difference between these two types of dark marks is the cause. Whilst both are ultimately due to excess melanin production in parts of the skin, the cause of this excess production differs.
PIH
PIH is when dark marks form on the skin, most commonly after a breakout. They form due to excess melanin production in certain areas, which is a natural skin response to inflammation or trauma to the skin (e.g., breakouts). These are usually small, round marks that slowly fade over time, and are more common in people with darker skin tones.
Sun spots
Sun spots (also known as ‘age’ or ‘liver’ spots) are darker patches of skin that can vary in size and shape, formed as a response to UV exposure. They usually appear on areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun (e.g., face, neck, chest and back of hands). Sun spots are a direct result of sun damage, which accumulates over the years, hence why sun spots often develop with age.
Red marks
‘Red marks’ is the more common name for post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). ‘Erythema’ means redness, and similarly to PIH, PIE also occurs as a result of skin trauma or inflammation such as breakouts. The key difference between PIE and PIH is that PIE is not actually a form of hyperpigmentation, as it is not linked to an excess in melanin production; instead, PIE is a result of small blood vessel in the skin becoming damaged or dilated. Whilst the cause is different, the factors that lead to PIE and PIH are the same, and usually a person will get one or the other after breakouts, with PIE being more prevalent in lighter skin tones.
