What Your Dark Spots Are Actually Telling You

Hyperpigmentation Part 2/4

Now that we know the basics of what hyperpigmentation is (from part 1), it’s time to put on our detective hats and get specific. The world of dark spots is more diverse than you might think, and figuring out which one you have is the first step toward effective treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.

First up are the familiar freckles and age spots. Freckles are those small, cute tan or brown spots you might have gotten in childhood on sun-exposed skin. They tend to get darker in the summer and fade a bit in the winter, and they’re largely hereditary. Age spots (also known as solar lentigines), on the other hand, are larger, darker spots that show up later in life. They’re a direct result of all that cumulative sun exposure and those bad sunburns from your youth. They’re most often found on your hands, arms, and face—the parts of you that have seen the most sun.

Next is a tough one to treat: melasma. This appears as larger, irregular dark patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy” because it’s triggered by a combination of sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations. This is why it’s so common in women, especially in their 20s and 30s.

Then we have maturational hyperpigmentation and periorbital dark circles. Maturational hyperpigmentation is a gradual darkening on the sides of the face that’s more common in people with darker skin tones and is often linked to chronic sun exposure or metabolic disease. And those stubborn dark circles under your eyes? That’s periorbital hyperpigmentation, caused by a mix of genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal factors. These types remind us that pigmentation can be a very personal and unique experience.

We also have a type that’s more than just a cosmetic concern: Acanthosis Nigricans. This is a darkening and thickening of the skin in the folds of your body, like your armpits, groin, or the back of your neck. If you notice this, it’s a major red flag that something else is going on inside. It’s strongly associated with underlying systemic conditions, such as insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes, so it’s a sign that you should talk to your doctor.

Finally, there’s post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is arguably the most common type. This is the discoloration left behind after your skin has experienced some kind of trauma or inflammation, like a severe acne breakout, a burn, or a rash. It’s your skin’s lasting memory of that past inflammatory event, often lingering long after the initial injury is gone.

We’re on this skin journey together. Let the Skin 2000 Journal be your guide: With a clearer ability to identify various dark spots, the next step involves discovering the targeted solutions that truly work. Readers are invited to join in Part 3, which will explore the most effective and advanced treatments available for achieving a brighter, more even complexion.