Does pigmentation get darker before it fades?

Author: Caitlyn Hermann  |  Last update: Friday, April 4, 2025

As the skin constantly regenerates these dark spots tend to darker with time in most people. But dark spots tend to form faster and are difficult to fade away and get more deeply rooted when left untreated.

Does hyperpigmentation get darker before going away?

Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.

Why is my pigmentation getting darker?

Sun damage is the number one cause of patches of hyperpigmentation, and you can do a lot to prevent sun damage by applying SPF and staying out of direct sunlight. To treat darker skin pigmentation, using products that contain ingredients such as retinol or Niacinamide can help.

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to start fading?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? 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 are the stages of pigmentation?

Understanding the stages of pigmentation can help in managing and treating it effectively:
  • Early Stage: This is when you first notice minor discoloration or spots that may be barely visible but are starting to affect the overall tone of your skin.
  • Moderate Stage: Spots and discolorations become more pronounced.

WHY Your Hyperpigmentation isn't Fading

What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and pigmentation?

In the case of pigmentation, the melanin production is in balance, leading to an even and natural skin tone. However, with hyperpigmentation, there is an overproduction of melanin in specific areas, resulting in darker patches or spots.

How long does it take for skin to regain pigmentation?

Your skin cells will start to make melanin again as your affected areas heal. Hypopigmentation will usually go away after a few weeks or months. If you have pityriasis alba, psoriasis or eczema, hypopigmentation usually goes away on its own without treatment. It may take a few weeks or months.

How can I speed up hyperpigmentation fading?

8 Doctor-Approved Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation
  1. Keep Skin Moist to Boost Cell Turnover. ...
  2. Protect Your Skin From the Sun. ...
  3. 7 Doctor-Approved Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation. ...
  4. Keep Your Hands Off Bug Bites, Blackheads, and Other Injuries. ...
  5. Explore OTC Whitening Options. ...
  6. Consider an Rx for Stubborn Skin Discoloration.

Why does my hyperpigmentation look worse some days?

Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

Does melasma get darker before it fades?

Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious.

Why is my hyperpigmentation not fading?

Reason #1: You're Getting Too Much Sun

“Hyperpigmentation can be incredibly frustrating and tough to treat. One of the easiest things you can do at home to help with hyperpigmentation is to be vigilant with sun protection,” says Dr. Camille Howard, a board-certified dermatologist and IT Cosmetics Advisory Board Member.

What is immediate pigmentation darkening?

Immediate pigment darkening (IPD) is a transitory darkening of the skin observed after UVA exposure. The melanocytic system is implicated in its development. Indeed, it involves structural changes in melanocytes and keratinocytes and a chemical modification of pre-existing melanin.

Does pigmentation get darker with age?

It is known to develop more frequently with age [85]. In the hyperpigmented skin of senile lentigo and melasma, active melanocytes are the major culprits of increased pigmentation. The hypopigmentation of IGH is due to the decreased number of melanocytes and to reduced melanin contents [86].

What causes hyperpigmentation to get darker?

The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. The body darkens the skin to protect it from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the best preventative treatment for hyperpigmentation is daily use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.

Do scars darken before lightening?

Scar Maturation: Scars can change color as they heal and mature. Initially, scars may be red or pink and then darken over time before eventually lightening.

How do you know if hyperpigmentation is permanent?

Whether or not post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is permanent depends on three things:
  1. How severe the trauma that caused the discolouration was.
  2. The skin colour of the person affected.
  3. How the skin is treated afterwards.

Does pigmentation get darker before it gets better?

It's important to remember that it is a sign of progress and there's nothing to worry about unless you are seeking treatment. The temporary darkening of the hyperpigmentation spots or patches can be discouraging or embarrassing, but remember it is actually a sign that the treatment is working.

How many days does it take for pigmentation to fade?

Mild hyperpigmentation can begin to fade within 3-6 months with consistent treatment. More aggressive treatments, such as chemical peels, may show results sooner but often require multiple sessions. Severe cases of hyperpigmentation, such as deep melasma, can take a year or more to resolve.

How do you stop hyperpigmentation from getting worse?

Treatment
  1. Retinols. Retinols chemically exfoliate your skin and help block the receptors that regulate how much pigment comes out of the skin. ...
  2. Chemical peel. Chemical peels can help over time if the hyperpigmentation is related to sun exposure. ...
  3. Prescription medications. ...
  4. Laser therapies.

What lightens hyperpigmentation the fastest?

Best ingredients to get rid of dark spots
  • Tazarotene. ...
  • Glycolic acid. ...
  • Azelaic acid. ...
  • Niacinamide. ...
  • Tranexamic acid. ...
  • Thiamidol. ...
  • Kojic acid. ...
  • Vitamin C.

What fades hyperpigmentation fast?

A brightening serum with vitamin C.

If you have mild to moderate hyperpigmentation, vitamin C can help fade dark spots. Since vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, it can also protect your skin from future sun damage and environmental stressors (i.e., air pollution).

What does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation look like?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characterised by flat, tan, brown or black spots on the skin. This condition can occur on any area of the body, including in the mouth, the genital areas and on the nails.

Why is my skin getting darker without sun?

If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.

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