Hyperpigmentation, Sun Spots & Dark Spots: What They Are + How I Treat Them
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is simply when an area of the skin becomes darker than your natural skin tone. These spots can appear brown, tan, reddish-brown, or even gray—depending on your skin.
To understand hyperpigmentation, let’s talk about melanin.
How Melanin Works
Your skin contains cells called melanocytes.
These cells act like tiny “pigment factories,” creating melanin—the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color.
Melanin naturally protects your skin from UV damage.
But when something irritates or stresses your skin, these melanocytes start producing extra melanin in one area.
That buildup = a dark spot.
Common triggers include:
• Sun exposure
• Acne and picking
• Hormones
• Heat
• Inflammation
• Skin injury
• Certain medications
Hyperpigmentation isn’t harmful—your skin is just overreacting by sending more pigment to “protect” the area.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Sun Spots / Age Spots
Caused by UV exposure.
Common on the forehead, cheeks, chest, arms, and hands.
PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
Dark marks left behind after breakouts, picking, bug bites, or irritation.
Melasma
Hormonal pigment often seen during pregnancy, postpartum, or while on birth control.
Appears as symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, jawline, or upper lip.
Can be stubborn and easily triggered by heat and UV.
Professional Treatments That Reduce Hyperpigmentation
At Skin by Shelby B, all pigment treatments are customized based on your skin type, Fitzpatrick level, and pigment source.
1. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels speed up cell turnover and lift away built-up pigment.
Different acids are chosen based on your skin needs:
• Lactic Acid — gentle, hydrating, brightening
• Mandelic Acid — ideal for acne + pigment + sensitive skin
• Glycolic Acid — strong resurfacing option
• TCA Peels — deeper penetration for stubborn dark spots
Best for sun spots, acne marks, dullness, and controlled melasma treatment.
2. Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, improving collagen production and encouraging pigment to fade more evenly.
Great for:
• acne marks
• sun damage
• textural pigmentation
• stubborn areas needing deeper correction
3. Hydrodermabrasion / Exfoliating Facials
These treatments remove dead skin buildup and infuse brightening serums directly into the skin for a clearer, more even-toned appearance.
4. Laser Treatments (Pico, ND:YAG, IPL)
Lasers target pigment clusters and break them into smaller particles your body naturally removes.
Helps treat:
• sun spots
• freckles
• stubborn dark marks
• certain types of melasma (with heat-safe protocols)
5. Brightening Enzyme Facials
Gentle, pregnancy-safe, and perfect for sensitive or reactive skin.
Helps increase cell turnover without irritation.
Best Skincare Ingredients for Fading Dark Spots
Vitamin C
Brightens, protects, and slows down pigment production.
Niacinamide
Evens tone, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Alpha Arbutin
Targets melanin formation and helps fade sun spots gently.
Kojic Acid
A powerful brightener for stubborn dark areas.
Licorice Root Extract
Reduces redness + inflammation while brightening.
Retinoids
Increases cell turnover so dark spots fade faster.
Preventing New Dark Spots
1. Apply Sunscreen Daily (SPF 30–50)
UV exposure is the #1 cause of hyperpigmentation and the #1 reason it comes back.
Apply daily, even indoors.
2. Avoid Picking Skin
Picking = inflammation, and inflammation triggers pigment.
3. Treat Breakouts Early
The less inflammation, the less pigment.
4. Minimize Heat Exposure
Hot showers, saunas, hot yoga, and even cooking steam can worsen melasma.
5. Keep Your Skin Barrier Healthy
A strong moisture barrier reduces irritation and decreases pigment formation.
When to See an Esthetician
You should seek professional guidance when:
• your dark spots aren’t improving
• pigmentation is spreading
• you suspect melasma
• drugstore products aren’t helping
• you want a personalized treatment plan
• you want professional-strength results
At Skin by Shelby B, I create customized pigment treatment plans that may include:
• chemical peel series
• microneedling sessions
• hydrofacial brightening plans
• homecare regimens with targeted pigment-correcting ingredients
• protocols safe for ALL Fitzpatrick skin types
To Book An Appointment click here.
