Hyperpigmentation is a pigment disorder skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in color because of an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. What causes hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin, typically due to UV exposure, ageing, post-acne marks, and/or hormonal fluctuations. When melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, become damaged, they produce too much pigment. Overproduced melanin particles cluster together and eventually result in dark spots on skin’s surface. Leading causes of hyperpigmentation: Sun Damage Overexposure to the sun is the leading cause of dark spots (or sun spots) in light-skinned individuals. Sun Spots are the result of photoaging, the changes in skin caused by UVA and UVB rays that accelerate the skin’s ageing process. Sun Spots tend to increase with repeated sun exposure and with advancing age. Melasma A patchy brown discoloration triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, that occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face. Although it is more common in dark skin, melasma can appear on anyone, including men. Sun exposure can worsen melasma. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation A condition in which an inflammation to the skin due to acne blemishes causes increased pigment production resulting in dark spots, also called post-acne marks. Although hyperpigmentation often requires a personalised treatment plan curated by a specialist, there are products available such as the new hand and décolletage range from Matsimela that can help visibly correct dark spots and discolorations as well as effective measures you can take to help from developing them in the first place.