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Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Campbell

Also known as: Dark Spots, Sun Spots, Age Spots, Liver Spots, Solar Lentigines, Brown Spots, Skin Discoloration

3 min readLast updated: 2026-02-08Reviewed by Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, FACS

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to excess melanin production. It can affect people of any skin type and appear anywhere on the body. Common forms include sun spots (solar lentigines) from UV exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from skin injury or inflammation, and melasma from hormonal changes. While usually harmless, hyperpigmentation can be cosmetically concerning. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include topical lightening agents, chemical peels, and laser therapy.

At a Glance

  • Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin cells produce excess melanin, causing darker patches[1]
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation commonly accompanies acne, especially in darker skin tones[2]
  • Most dark spots will fade over time after the underlying cause is treated, though it may take many months[1]
  • Treatments can take several months to a year to show noticeable improvement[2]

Affected Anatomy

  • Epidermis
  • Melanocytes (pigment-producing cells)
  • Dermis (in deeper pigmentation)
  • Any area of skin (face, hands, chest commonly affected)

What are the symptoms of Hyperpigmentation?

  • Patches or spots darker than surrounding skin
  • Flat, darkened areas of various sizes
  • Brown, tan, or gray-brown discoloration
  • Spots that may enlarge over time
  • Clusters of freckle-like spots
  • Darkening of areas where skin was injured or inflamed

When should you seek care for Hyperpigmentation?

  • Dark spots that concern you cosmetically
  • New or changing pigmented spots
  • Dark areas that developed after skin injury or acne
  • Desire for treatment options
  • Uncertainty about whether spots are harmless or need evaluation

If any of these apply to you, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

What causes Hyperpigmentation?

Causes

  • Sun exposure (solar lentigines/age spots)
  • Skin injury or inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
  • Hormonal changes (melasma)
  • Acne scarring
  • Medications causing photosensitivity
  • Adrenal disorders
  • Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
  • Genetic factors

Risk Factors

  • Excessive sun exposure
  • History of sunburns
  • Darker skin tones (more prone to PIH)
  • Acne or other inflammatory skin conditions
  • Pregnancy or hormonal medications
  • Age over 40 (for sun spots)
  • Certain medications
  • Family history
  • Not using sun protection

How It's Diagnosed

  • 1Visual examination by a dermatologist
  • 2Medical history review
  • 3Wood's lamp examination
  • 4Assessment of pigmentation depth
  • 5Determination of hyperpigmentation type
  • 6Rule out other skin conditions
  • 7Skin biopsy (rarely needed)

How is Hyperpigmentation treated?

At Aesthetx, we offer several approaches for hyperpigmentation:

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses focused light energy to address a variety of skin concerns including scars, acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, melasma, red ...

Learn more →

Melasma Treatment

Melasma treatment addresses the brown or gray-brown patches that commonly appear on the face, particularly in women. Board-certified dermatologists us...

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Prognosis and Recovery

  • Many dark spots fade over time once the cause is addressed
  • Sun-related spots may not fade without treatment
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often improves but can take months to years
  • Treatment can significantly lighten most hyperpigmentation
  • Ongoing sun protection prevents new spots and recurrence
  • Some stubborn pigmentation may require combination treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches become darker than surrounding skin due to excess melanin production. Common types include sun spots (age spots), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne or injury, and melasma from hormones. While usually harmless, it can be cosmetically concerning.
Dark spots develop when skin cells produce excess melanin. Common causes include sun exposure (creating age spots), skin injury or inflammation like acne (post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation), hormonal changes (melasma), certain medications, and genetic factors. The cause determines the best treatment approach.
See a dermatologist if dark spots concern you cosmetically, you notice new or changing pigmented areas, spots developed after acne or skin injury, or you want professional treatment options. A dermatologist can determine the type of hyperpigmentation and recommend appropriate treatments.
Treatment starts with daily sunscreen to prevent worsening. Options include topical lightening agents (hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, retinoids), chemical peels, and laser treatments. Treatment may take months to show results. The underlying cause must also be addressed.
Some dark spots, especially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne or injury, may fade over time once the cause is treated. However, this can take months to years. Sun spots often don't fade without treatment. Consistent sun protection helps prevent new spots and speeds fading.
Prevention centers on sun protection: use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, reapply every two hours outdoors, wear protective clothing and hats, and avoid tanning beds. Treating underlying conditions like rashes or acne promptly helps prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Avoid injuring and picking at skin.

Your Physicians

Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler

Dr. K. Zeidler

MD, FACS

Dr. Dino Elyassnia

Dr. D. Elyassnia

MD, FACS

Dr. Jane Weston

Dr. J. Weston

MD, FACS

Dr. Bao Tran

Dr. B. Tran

MD

Dr. Shirley Liu

Dr. S. Liu

MD, MHS

Dr. Michele Koo

Dr. M. Koo

MD, FACS

Dr. Rick Lehman

Dr. R. Lehman

MD, FACS

Dr. Jean Gillon

Dr. J. Gillon

MD, FACS

Dr. Amelia K. Hausauer

Dr. A. Hausauer

MD, FAAD

9 board-certified physicians across 4 locations

Sources & References

This article draws from 4 sources, including leading medical institutions.

Medical Institutions

Educational & General

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, FACS · Last reviewed: 2026-04-10