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Hyperpigmentation

Dark patches and uneven tone have several different causes, and the right plan depends on which one you have. Here's how we tell them apart, and what tends to help.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Adham Chakhachiro, NHS Dermatology Registrar. Last reviewed September 2026

At a glance

Often looks like

Patches & uneven tone

Common drivers

Sun, hormones, inflammation

Usual approach

Protect, calm, resurface

Change usually seen

8–12 weeks

What it is

Hyperpigmentation means areas of skin that look darker than the skin around them, because pigment cells are producing more melanin than usual. It’s one of the concerns we see most often, and one where treating the wrong cause tends to lead to the most frustration.

Two people can have patches that look similar but need quite different plans. That’s why the assessment matters more than the treatment list.

What's driving it

Sun spots

Built up over years of UV exposure, usually on the face, hands and chest.

Post-inflammatory

Follows spots, eczema or irritation. More common and longer-lasting in deeper skin tones.

Melasma

Hormonally influenced and heat-sensitive. Can be made worse by the wrong treatment.

How we approach it

Every concern is assessed through The Platina Method™. These are the domains that shape the plan for this concern.

Clinical

Confirming the type of pigment, and ruling out anything that needs a different kind of care.

Barrier

Calming irritation first, since inflamed skin tends to make more pigment.

Renewal

Gentle, gradual resurfacing, matched to your skin type.

Lifestyle

Prevention

Daily broad-spectrum protection, which every plan depends on.

Structure

Highlighted domains are the ones we'd focus on for this concern.

In deeper skin tones

Pigment can respond strongly to heat and irritation. We usually start gentler and build up, rather than risk making patches darker. Our approach to skin of colour

When to get it checked first

A patch or mole that's new, changing, bleeding or itching should be assessed medically before any cosmetic treatment. If we see anything like this, we'll tell you and point you to the right care.

Treatments we'd consider

The right combination depends on your skin and what's driving the concern. We decide it together at consultation, not from a list.

Gentle resurfacing to fade pigmentation gradually over a course.

Frequently asked questions

Can hyperpigmentation be removed completely?

Many cases can be improved noticeably, but complete removal isn't always realistic. Melasma in particular tends to come back and usually needs ongoing care.

Is sun protection really that important?

Yes. Daily broad-spectrum protection underpins every pigmentation plan. Without it, other treatments are unlikely to hold.

How long before I see a change?

Most people notice gradual change over 8 to 12 weeks. We'll give you a realistic timeline for your skin at consultation.

Related concerns

Dull and tired skin

Not sure what's driving your skin concern?

Book a consultation for an honest, doctor-led assessment of what's going on and what's worth doing.

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