Melanin is the natural pigment that gives your skin color. From the palest skin tones to skin that is dark and rich, the concentration of melanin in your skin is part of what makes you uniquely you. Over time, however, irregularities can develop causing clusters of pigment to form on your skin making it either darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an increase in the amount of melanin produced by your body. This increase in production can be triggered by several factors including:
- Age
- Hormones
- Sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- Adolescence
- Addison’s disease
Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any location on your body, but most frequently appear on areas which receive greater amounts of sun exposure – often the face.
