Are dark spots considered hyperpigmentation?

Author: Hudson Lubowitz III  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Hyperpigmentation is a general term for any skin condition that covers a large area and causes dark patches to appear. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, a natural substance that gives your skin color. A dark mark (or dark spot) is a specific area that appears darker than the surrounding skin.

Are dark spot and hyperpigmentation the same?

Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin creates more melanin. This oddity can develop spots or patches of the skin that appear darker than the surrounding areas. Dark spots or hyperpigmentation is a usual skin condition that affects people of all skin types.

What is considered hyperpigmentation?

(HY-per-pig-men-TAY-shun) A common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when special cells in the skin make too much of the pigment called melanin. Hyperpigmentation may appear as freckles, age spots, or larger areas of darkened skin.

What are dark spots considered?

Dark spots are also called age spots, hyperpigmentation, or liver spots. Dark spots are often harmless, but if you want to remove them, you can try at-home topical treatments. Some people choose to undergo medically supervised laser treatment or chemical peels, but these are not appropriate for everyone.

What fades dark spots the fastest?

If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.

How to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation

How can I fade dark spots in 3 days?

Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.

Which serum is best for dark spots?

Check each product page for other buying options.
  • AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml / 1.69 fl. ...
  • 4beauty Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50Ml / 1.69 Fl. ...
  • The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum | With 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide | Reduces Dark Spots, Pigmentation & Blemishes | For All Skin types | 10 ml.

Do dark spots go away?

Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

What worsens hyperpigmentation?

As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.

What is the beginning stage of hyperpigmentation?

The primary triggers for hyperpigmentation are excessive sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, and skin injuries. These cause inflammation like blemishes or pimples on the skin surface. After experiencing triggers, your skin starts to overproduce melanin, resulting in dark patches on the skin.

What not to do when you have hyperpigmentation?

Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

What are the three types of hyperpigmentation?

Three common types of hyperpigmentation include: Sunspots, age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines. These are different names for spots that develop because of one thing—sun exposure. Sunspots are most likely to pop up on areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as your face and hands.

What injections remove dark spots?

Glutathione injections work by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production in the skin. This action reduces melanin formation, resulting in a lighter skin tone over time.

What household item drains melanin out of dark spots?

Fortunately, there are natural remedies you can try at home, such as aloe vera, lemon juice, and turmeric, to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Those dark spots occur when your skin produces more melanin, which gives your skin its color.

What fades hyperpigmentation the fastest?

Three types of skincare treatments fade hyperpigmentation marks fast:
  • Physical exfoliants.
  • Chemical exfoliants.
  • Brightening actives such as vitamin C, kojic acid, liquorice extract.

What fades dark spots the best?

7 Powerful Ingredients to Fade Dark Spots, According to...
  1. Retinol. Best for: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, uneven texture. ...
  2. Vitamin C. Best for: brightening dull skin, reducing environmental damage, fading sun spots. ...
  3. Glycolic acid. ...
  4. Kojic acid. ...
  5. Niacinamide. ...
  6. Hydroquinone. ...
  7. Tranexamic acid.

Which acid is best for pigmentation and dark spots?

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is one of the best acids for hyperpigmentation. It contains anti-inflammatory effects that help with post-acne pigmentation. It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.

What is the fastest treatment for dark spots?

Treatment
  • Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. ...
  • Laser and intense pulsed light. ...
  • Freezing (cryotherapy). ...
  • Dermabrasion. ...
  • Microdermabrasion. ...
  • Chemical peel.

Can Colgate remove dark spots on face?

Dr. Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist, GetHarley Clinician concurs: “Toothpaste might sound like a simple solution to treat spots but it's likely to cause more harm than good. Toothpaste contains ingredients that can result in skin redness, itching, inflammation and burning," so approach with caution.

How many days does turmeric take to remove dark spots?

How Long Does Turmeric Take To Lighten Skin? Turmeric can provide an instant natural glow to your skin. But to lighten your skin tone, it may take more than three to four weeks of consistent usage. Turmeric is an age-old remedy to address a plethora of skin issues.

Does CeraVe clear dark spots?

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has multiple benefits that address various skin concerns. A few key benefits you may note when using the retinol serum daily: Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-blemish dark spots. Promotes the cell renewal process, helping skin look brighter.

Which is better vitamin C or retinol?

They both provide similar benefits which is why dermatologists have even given a go-ahead to use the two together. If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine.

How long does it take for vitamin C to fade dark spots?

The skin changes seen with Vitamin C do not occur quickly. Vitamin C serum can take 12- 16 weeks to work on dark spots and 6 - 12 months to work on wrinkles. But it is a very good skin care ingredient and is worth the wait in most skin types.

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