Is skin discoloration same as hyperpigmentation?

Author: Jaquan Deckow  |  Last update: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist. Hyperpigmentation is a general term that describes different types of skin discoloration.

Are hyperpigmentation and discoloration the same thing?

Hyperpigmentation refers to skin that darkens in comparison to its natural color. These patches of discoloration can develop anywhere on the skin, but are most often seen on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, tops of the arms and hands, and shins.

Can skin discoloration be cured?

It depends on the cause. If a medical condition is causing the skin discoloration, treating the underlying issue may fix the skin discoloration. If the skin problems or moles are cancerous, you'll need surgery to remove areas of your skin or begin radiation therapy or other cancer treatment.

What's the difference between skin color and pigmentation?

Human skin color ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest hues. Differences in skin color among individuals is caused by variation in pigmentation, which is the result of genetics (inherited from one's biological parents), exposure to the sun, disorders, or some combination thereof.

When should I worry about skin discoloration?

Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have: Skin discoloration that causes significant concern. Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin. Any skin sore or lesion that changes shape, size, or color may be a sign of skin cancer.

Do you have Melasma or Hyperpigmentation? The WRONG treatment will destroy your skin!

What are the three common types of discoloration?

What are the Symptoms of Skin Discoloration?
  • Hyperpigmentation characterized by darkened areas.
  • Hypopigmentation, presenting as lighter skin.
  • Redness or red discoloration due to increased blood flow to the affected areas.
  • Poor circulation may result in a bluish or purple hue.

How long does it take for skin discoloration to fade?

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.

Can skin discoloration be permanent?

For many individuals trying to cope with persistent pigmentation issues, it can feel hopeless. However, there's a silver lining: dark spots, uneven skin tone, melasma, and other forms of hyperpigmentation are not permanent. They can be effectively treated.

What does discoloration look like?

Patches of discolored skin are noticeable because they differ from a person's normal skin tone. They may be lighter, darker, or a different color, such as red, gray, or blue. It is important that people with this symptom understand the cause of their discolored skin patches in case treatment is necessary.

How to get rid of discoloration down there?

Another way to treat vaginal darkening is to use topical skin lightening creams. These creams typically contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, glycolic acid, or kojic acid, which can help to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark patches.

What to eat to reduce pigmentation?

7 Foods to Reduce Pigmentation
  • Pomegranate. ...
  • Papaya. ...
  • Fatty Fish. ...
  • Carrot. ...
  • Green vegetables. ...
  • Sweet Potato. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Cleanse: Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash to eliminate dust, dirt, and pollution trapped under the skin.

What are the 3 types of hyperpigmentation?

The three main types include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Post-inflammatory trauma can result from an injury, sun exposure, or a skin condition, such as acne.

What autoimmune disease causes skin discoloration?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

What works best for hyperpigmentation?

Topical therapies
  • Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. ...
  • Retinoids. ...
  • Azelaic acid. ...
  • Kojic acid. ...
  • Tranexamic acid. ...
  • Cysteamine. ...
  • Cosmeceuticals.

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.

Does discoloration go away naturally?

Depending upon the cause of your hyperpigmentation, it may eventually go away on its own, but melasma—the type that's caused by hormones—is the most stubborn.

What vitamin gets rid of discoloration?

Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin.

Does hydrogen peroxide really get rid of age spots?

It works by breaking down the excess melanin in the age spots and gradually reducing their appearance. So, when used properly and in appropriate concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective and affordable option to remove age spots on the face.

What ingredient gets rid of discoloration?

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

Can skin discoloration be reversed?

Is skin discoloration reversible? The reversibility of skin discoloration depends on the cause. Dermatologists can recommend treatments such as topical creams, laser therapy, or chemical peels based on the specific condition.

How to fix discolored skin?

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 skin condition has discoloration?

Overview. Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body.

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