Hyperpigmentation

When some patches of skin are darker than others, this is referred to as hyperpigmentation. It happens when melanin deposits occur in excess in certain spots in the skin

• Age or “liver spots” occur due to sun damage. These tend to get darker with more exposure to the sun to help protect skin from overexposure
• Melasma, alternatively, generally forms in larger patches and is due to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy. It can also occur due to medications, such as birth control
• Other skin conditions and surgeries can leave scars that appear darker than the surrounding skin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Finally, some of this is inherited, such as freckles, and these tend to also darken in the sun