Understanding hyperpigmentation: Causes, types, prevention tips and more
While it affects all skin types, it tends to be more persistent in medium to darker complexions.
Common types include freckles, age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Its causes range from sun exposure and hormonal changes to medication use and genetic factors. Fortunately, various effective treatments, including topical creams, and advanced dermatological procedures, can help restore a more even and radiant complexion.
What is hyperpigmentation and its common types
Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes (melanin-producing skin cells) produce too much pigment. This excess melanin collects in areas of the skin, forming dark spots or patches. These spots may appear brown, black, gray, red, pink, or purple, depending on your skin tone.
Common types:
Freckles – Small, tan spots often caused by sun exposure.
Age (sun) spots – Flat, brown patches that develop after prolonged sun exposure, usually on areas like the face, hands, or shoulders.
Melasma – Irregular, blotchy patches commonly triggered by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control use) and sun exposure.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark marks that appear after skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, cuts, burns, or eczema.
Key
causes of hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin tones but may be more noticeable or persistent in individuals with medium to darker complexions. Some of the most common causes include:
Hormonal changes: Especially during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills, which can trigger melasma (also called the 'mask of pregnancy').
Medications: Certain drugs like antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, or antimalarials can cause pigment changes as a side effect.
Medical conditions: Addison's disease and other endocrine disorders can influence melanin production.
Genetics: Some people are more prone to pigment changes due to inherited factors.
Exposure to environmental pollutants: Pollution and chemicals can cause oxidative stress, which may lead to uneven pigmentation over time.
Tips to
prevent hyperpigmentation
While hyperpigmentation isn't always preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk by protecting your skin from sun exposure:
Use sunscreen daily.
Opt for a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
Limit your time in the sun,
especially during peak hours.
Choose sunscreens with
physical blockers
like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Wear protective clothing
, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
Consistent sun protection is one of the most effective ways to help prevent dark spots and maintain an even skin tone.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Treatment options for hyperpigmentation
According to TheClevelandClinic, depending on the cause of your hyperpigmentation, your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle adjustments and treatments:
Lifestyle changes may include:
Minimising sun exposure by staying indoors during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly.
Discontinuing any medications that may be contributing to pigmentation changes (under medical supervision).
Taking specific vitamins to support skin health.
Topical treatments, either prescription or over-the-counter, might include:
Azelaic acid
Corticosteroids
Glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid)
Hydroquinone
Kojic acid (helps reduce melanin production)
Salicylic acid
Skin-lightening agents or bleach
Tretinoin
Vitamins C and B3 (niacinamide)
Other treatment options may involve:
Chemical peels
Cryotherapy
Laser skin resurfacing
Pigmented lesion laser therapy
When to consult a doctor
It's important to see a healthcare provider, like a dermatologist, if your skin shows any of the following signs:
Redness
Warmth or heat to the touch
Itching
Pain
Discharge of blood, pus, or other fluids
These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition or infection that requires medical attention.
Also read |
Tea tree oil for hair growth: Benefits, precautions, and how to use it
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Castor oil vs cold-pressed castor oil: Which one's better for hair regrowth?
Castor oil, a time-honored remedy, is touted for promoting hair growth and thickness. The key difference lies in extraction methods: regular castor oil uses heat, while cold-pressed retains more nutrients. For optimal results, cold-pressed castor oil is recommended due to its purity, nutrient retention, and better absorption, making it a worthwhile addition to your hair care routine. If you have been trying to grow your hair back or just want it to look thicker and healthier, you've probably heard about castor oil. It's one of those age-old beauty hacks passed down by grandmothers, beauty bloggers, and Ayurvedic practitioners alike. But walk into a store or scroll online, and suddenly you're stuck choosing between regular castor oil and cold-pressed castor oil. What's the difference? And more importantly, which one actually works better for hair regrowth? Let's clear that up. The basics: What even is castor oil? Castor oil is extracted from castor beans and has been used for ages in skincare, digestion, and of course haircare. When it comes to your hair, castor oil's biggest strength is something called ricinoleic acid, which improves blood flow to your scalp and nourishes the hair follicles. That means better conditions for hair to grow. It's also full of vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants. All of that makes it one of the best oils for people dealing with thinning hair or just looking to boost growth naturally. So, what's the difference between the regular and the cold-pressed kind? This part trips a lot of people up. The difference is in how the oil is extracted. Regular castor oil is made using heat. Sometimes even chemicals are involved. It's faster to produce, cheaper, and has that sticky, dark look and feel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Cold-pressed castor oil, on the other hand, is made without heat. The seeds are pressed slowly and gently, which helps preserve all the natural nutrients in the oil. That's why cold-pressed oil tends to be lighter in colour, less thick, and usually a little pricier. But which one's better for hair regrowth? If you're serious about getting results, cold-pressed castor oil is your best bet. Here's why: 1. It keeps more of the good stuff Because it isn't heated, cold-pressed oil holds on to more of its nutrients - like fatty acids, vitamin E, and those scalp-stimulating compounds that help with hair growth. Regular castor oil loses some of that in the heat. 2. It's gentler on your scalp Some people find that regular castor oil can irritate their scalp or even clog pores, especially if it's been processed with additives. Cold-pressed versions are usually purer and more soothing, especially if you're already dealing with a sensitive scalp or dandruff. Want lustrous hair like Malaika Arora? This is what the actress does to keep her hair shiny and healthy 3. It absorbs better Cold-pressed oil isn't as thick and sticky, so it spreads more easily and gets absorbed by your scalp more quickly. That means less of it just sitting on top, and more of it doing what it's supposed to, nourishing the roots. How to use it Using cold-pressed castor oil is pretty straightforward. You don't need a fancy routine. Warm a teaspoon or two (it's super thick, so a little goes a long way). Gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips. Take your time with this, it boosts circulation. You can leave it on for a couple of hours, or overnight if you're okay with sleeping in a shower cap. Wash it out with shampoo. You might need two rounds to get it all out. Do this 1–2 times a week and be patient, hair growth takes time, but it's worth the wait. If the oil feels too heavy on its own, you can always mix it with coconut or almond oil to lighten the texture a bit. Any downsides? Honestly, the only real downside is that cold-pressed castor oil is a bit more expensive than regular. But the results usually make up for it. Also, it can still feel sticky, so mixing it with a lighter oil can make the application (and washing) a lot easier. Oh, and don't expect overnight miracles. Hair growth is a slow process, but with consistent use, people often start seeing baby hairs and less hair fall within a couple of months. Between the two, cold-pressed castor oil wins hands down when it comes to hair regrowth. It's purer, more effective, and kinder to your scalp. If you're dealing with hair thinning, post-partum hair loss, or just want stronger, shinier hair, it's a simple, natural remedy worth adding to your routine. Sometimes, going back to basics really is the best thing you can do for your hair.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Who is Bryan Johnson: Anti-aging champion who spent $2 million a year on his body now set to shut down or sell age-reversing startup due to financial losses
Bryan Johnson , the tech entrepreneur turned longevity icon, is preparing to shut down his age-reversal startup , Blueprint, due to ongoing financial losses and his shifting philosophical priorities. The supplement-selling startup, which was born from his intense personal health experiment, aimed to commercialize parts of his $2 million-a-year anti-aging regimen. Despite attracting widespread media attention and a dedicated wellness following, Johnson says the business has become a distraction from his deeper mission to 'defy death.' Known for his strict diet protocols, hundreds of medical tests, and even plasma transfusions from his teenage son, Johnson is now walking away from Blueprint to focus fully on his emerging philosophical movement, 'Don't Die.' Bryan Johnson's evolution from tech tycoon to immortality evangelist Born on August 22, 1977, in Provo, Utah, and raised in nearby Springville, he grew up on a farm, helping with alfalfa and corn alongside his four siblings. After his parents divorced, he lived with his mother and stepfather. At 19, he spent two years as a missionary in Ecuador with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Returning to the United States, he earned a BA in International Studies from Brigham Young University in 2003 and later completed his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2007. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he founded Braintree, a mobile and web payment processing company. Bootstrapped and focused, it served clients like Airbnb, Uber, and GitHub before acquiring Venmo in 2012. The company was sold to PayPal for $800 million in 2013, netting Johnson around $300 million. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo After the sale of Braintree, he redirected his wealth into ambitious scientific ventures. He launched OS Fund with $100 million to support frontier science and, in 2016, founded Kernel, a company aimed at developing brain-monitoring neurotechnology—specifically, helmet devices capable of creating real-time models of brain activity. However, it was his personal immersion in Project Blueprint , a daily regimen costing more than $2 million annually, that elevated him from entrepreneur to anti-aging evangelist. In March 2025, Johnson introduced the 'Don't Die' movement, positioning it as a philosophical or even religious shift and asserting that existence is humanity's highest virtue. He now sees commercial ventures like Blueprint as distractions from this mission and believes that selling products undermines his credibility as a messenger of the cause. Project Blueprint: The $2 million-a-year body experiment Johnson's Blueprint regimen includes a vegan diet, more than 100 daily pills, exercise, sleep optimization, and near-daily tests tracking everything from liver fat to brain function. He claims to have slowed his epigenetic aging, achieving the biological metrics of an 18-year-old while in his 40s. While critics question the reproducibility and ethics of such intense interventions, Johnson has branded himself as a 'professional rejuvenation athlete,' turning his body into a living experiment in age reversal. Why he's walking away from Blueprint In his own words, Johnson described Blueprint the company as a 'pain-in-the-a**' venture. He no longer wants to trade his philosophical credibility for profit and admits that continuing to run a commercial enterprise distracts from his mission to reshape humanity's relationship with death. While some speculate that Blueprint's financial viability was a key reason behind his decision, Johnson emphasizes that the shift is ideological. He insists that his full attention must now be devoted to Don't Die, which he views as a new kind of spiritual framework for the age of artificial intelligence and life extension. What's next for Bryan Johnson Johnson says he is close to making a final decision to either sell or shut down Blueprint entirely. Moving forward, his focus will be on expanding Don't Die into a comprehensive movement—a religion, a philosophy, and potentially a post-capitalist vision for human existence. Whether seen as a visionary or an eccentric billionaire with a messiah complex, Bryan Johnson has placed himself at the center of one of the most radical and intriguing quests of our time: to stop dying altogether. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
3 vegetables a gastroenterologist eats to protect the liver
Gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab highlights the importance of diet for liver health and recommends incorporating specific vegetables. Broccoli, rich in sulforaphanes, aids detoxification, while beetroot, containing betalains, reduces oxidative stress and lowers liver enzymes. Artichokes, packed with cyanurin, act as a powerful antioxidant, promoting liver cell regeneration and improved bile production. The largest organ in the human body, the liver performs over 500 functions, including the digestion of proteins, mineral storage, bile production, and blood filtration. Despite its significance, liver diseases are on the rise across the globe. Lifestyle factors, including diet, play a crucial role in liver health. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist, has shared about three vegetables he incorporates into his diet to boost liver function. Let's take a look. Broccoli The first vegetable on Dr. Salhab's list is broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, are known for their liver-protective effects. Broccoli is rich in sulforaphanes, naturally occurring compounds linked to improving the liver's detoxification processes. A 2015 study has shown that broccoli sprout extract significantly reduced ALT and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels in men with fatty liver disease, which improved liver function. For those who do not enjoy broccoli, the doctor suggested, 'If you don't like broccoli, you could probably get the same benefit from some of the other cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, kale, or Brussels sprouts.' Beetroot Beetroot is another vegetable that the gastroenterologist incorporates into his diet. 'Beets contain something called betalains. And betalains are what give it its reddish-purplish color. Betalains reduce oxidative stress within the liver. And it allows it to heal,' the doctor said, in a video shared on Instagram. Beetroot is a great option for those struggling with liver diseases, including fatty liver. A 2023 meta-analysis found that beetroot juice supplementation significantly lowered liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are key markers of liver stress, in patients with NAFLD. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo This vegetable can also improve serious liver conditions such as hepatic steatosis, where excess fat is stored in the liver. Beets are also rich in folate and manganese, which improve the metabolic processes in the liver. You can either roast, juice, or grate beets into salads to improve liver health. Artichokes Artichokes are also rich in antioxidants and are said to be rich in polyphenols, quercetin, and rutin, which protect cells from oxidative damage. They also contain vitamin C, luteolin, and silymarin, which have powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation. Yes, this might come as a surprise to you. But who knew something as delectable as artichokes could improve liver function! Dr. Salhab has described artichokes as 'one of the best liver health foods' due to their high levels of antioxidants. 'We have some good evidence that artichokes are one of the best liver health foods. And that's because they include something called cyanurin, which is a powerful antioxidant for the liver,' the doctor said. This antioxidant helps the liver cells to regenerate and also improve bile production, which helps in the breakdown of fats and the removal of toxins. 'I like to make it as a spread and put it on some sourdough bread. And it's a perfect lunch,' he adds. Supreme Court Pushes Central Govt to Finalise FOPL: What It Means & Why It Matters? | Explained
