Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of patches of skin because it has made more melanin than usual. On the face it shows up as dark spots, uneven tone, brown patches or marks that stay after acne. It is very common in Indian skin, it is harmless, and it can be improved, although it fades slowly and can come back. The most effective plan is to find out what is causing it, protect the skin from the sun every day, and use pigment-targeting ingredients gently and consistently. Aggressive scrubs, home remedies and strong treatments can make hyperpigmentation worse. This page explains the types of hyperpigmentation on the face, what causes each one, how it is treated and where The Compound Way fits in.

Compound your routine with our Dark Spot Control Duo

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is skin that looks darker than the skin around it because melanocytes have produced extra melanin in that area. It can be a few small spots or a large patch, and it ranges from light tan to deep brown or grey-brown. Skin hyperpigmentation is not harmful, but it is hard to ignore and often slow to fade.

What are the types of hyperpigmentation on the face?

Type What it looks like Common cause
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Flat brown or dark red-brown marks where a pimple, rash or injury was Acne, scratching, irritation
Sun spots (lentigines) Small, well-defined brown spots on cheeks, nose, forehead Cumulative sun exposure
Melasma Larger, symmetrical patches on cheeks, forehead, upper lip Hormones plus sun
Tan and uneven tone Overall darker, patchy skin on exposed areas Recent sun exposure
Dark under-eye skin Darker skin around the eyes Genetics, sleep, sun, thin skin

Pictures of hyperpigmentation on the face vary a lot, so if you are not sure which type you have, a dermatologist can identify it. The care for melasma, for example, is different from the care for post-acne marks. See our guides to dark spots, melasma and dark circles.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

  • Sun and UV: the main trigger and the reason it returns
  • Inflammation: acne, eczema, rashes, picking and harsh products
  • Hormones: pregnancy, pills, PCOS and thyroid changes
  • Genetics and skin tone: Indian skin pigments easily
  • Some medicines and cosmetics that make skin sun-sensitive
  • Ageing: sun damage shows up over time

How do you reduce hyperpigmentation?

  1. Protect from the sun every day. Use 4 to 5 pumps of Pigment Defender Sunscreen and reapply every 3 to 4 hours outdoors.
  2. Use pigment-targeting ingredients, such as tranexamic acid, kojic acid derivatives, licorice, niacinamide, vitamin C and mild acids, introduced slowly.
  3. Be patient. Allow 8 to 12 weeks before judging results.
  4. Keep the barrier calm. Irritation makes more pigment.
  5. Do not pick, scrub or use lemon, toothpaste or baking soda.

How does a dermatologist treat hyperpigmentation?

A dermatologist first identifies the type, then may recommend prescription creams, chemical peels or procedures, depending on your skin and health. In darker skin, aggressive peels and lasers can cause more pigmentation, so these should only be done by an experienced doctor. Treatments work best together with daily sunscreen.

Problem and solution: where The Compound Way fits in

If this is your problem What helps How The Compound Way fits in
Hyperpigmentation from sun or old acne Brightening actives at night plus daily sunscreen Dark Spot Control Duo: Pigment Corrector Kit with Pigment Defender Sunscreen
You want a pigment-targeting night routine Actives used on a schedule Pigment Corrector Kit: Pigment Emulsifier (tranexamic acid, kojic dipalmitate, licorice, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide, lactic acid) nightly, and a glycolic Booster Serum two nights a week
Reactive skin that darkens after irritation Barrier support alongside brightening Dark Spot Repair + Barrier Support Duo
Dull skin with uneven tone Antioxidant and sun protection Daily Glow + Protection Duo
The whole routine in one Antioxidant, brightening, sun protection The Full Compound Effect
Skin stings with actives Pause actives and rebuild the barrier Read our sensitive skin guide

For the broader overview and a full routine, read our pigmentation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hyperpigmentation on the face?
Sun exposure, acne and other inflammation, hormones, genetics and some medicines. In Indian skin even mild irritation can leave a lasting mark.
How do I treat hyperpigmentation on my face?
Use sunscreen every day, add pigment-targeting actives at night, and be consistent for 8 to 12 weeks. Our Dark Spot Control Duo combines the Pigment Corrector Kit with Pigment Defender Sunscreen.
Can hyperpigmentation be cured?
It can be improved, and many marks fade well, but it can return with sun, hormones or irritation. Some types, such as melasma, are managed rather than cured. Be wary of products that promise a cure.
How long does it take to fade hyperpigmentation?
Usually 8 to 12 weeks to see a difference, and several months for deeper patches. Sun protection speeds this up.
What does a dermatologist do for hyperpigmentation?
They identify the type, check for hormonal or medical causes, and may recommend prescription creams, peels or procedures. These suit some skin types and not others, so they should be chosen by your doctor.
Which ingredients are best for reducing hyperpigmentation?
Tranexamic acid, kojic acid derivatives, licorice, niacinamide, vitamin C and mild acids such as lactic and glycolic. The Pigment Corrector Kit uses several of these. Patch test first.
Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation?
Vitamin C helps with oxidative damage and supports brighter looking skin. PolyActiv10 Serum uses 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and works well under sunscreen.
Does sunscreen help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes. It is the most important step, because UV makes pigment darker and undoes progress. See our sun protection guide.
What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma?
Melasma is one type of hyperpigmentation, with symmetrical patches driven by hormones and sun. Other types include post-acne marks and sun spots. See our melasma page.
Can acne cause hyperpigmentation?
Yes. Marks left after pimples, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are very common. Do not pick spots. See our acne page.
What should I avoid with hyperpigmentation?
Sun without sunscreen, picking, harsh scrubs, waxing on affected areas, and DIY remedies such as lemon or toothpaste. If your skin stings, read our sensitive skin guide.
When should I see a dermatologist?
See one if a patch is new, growing, raised, bleeding or has an uneven border, if you are unsure of the type, or if home care has not helped after 8 to 12 weeks.