Seeing spots when you look in the mirror? Discoloration on your face (hyperpigmentation) can crop up as dots, spots, and patches. Learn how to even your complexion in this guide.

In the summer months, a dusting of freckles across your nose and cheeks comes with a sunkissed glow. But when those dots turn to spots and dark patches long after the endless summer has withered into winter? You might be scratching your head wondering, what is hyperpigmentation on my face and how can I get rid of it?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At Forever Beaumore, we’ve spent decades perfecting our trusted skincare solutions, combining ancient remedies with modern innovation. 

In this guide, we’ll share the various types of hyperpigmentation and solutions to transform your complexion back to an effortless glow you can flaunt all year long.

First order of business? Let’s go over the basics.

 

What is Hyperpigmentation on the Face?

Hyperpigmentation can appear anywhere on your body but is most commonly present on skin exposed to the sun, including your face, decolletage, arms, hands, and shins. The tell-tale sign you’re experiencing hyperpigmentation is if these dark patches contrast against the skin surrounding them. 

Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone and is common in adults, however, it’s more common in people of color (1). This is because darker skin tones have more melanin than lighter skin tones. 

Melanin is a skin pigment produced by cells in your skin called melanocytes. These cells give your complexion its gorgeously unique hue. But when your body produces an overabundance of melanin, it can create dark patches of skin that contrast the rest of your skin tone. 

What causes hyperpigmentation on your face, specifically? Several factors, including:

• Genetics

• Sun exposure

• Hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy or menopause

• Certain medical illnesses including thyroid disease or diabetes

• Dermatological conditions like atopic dermatitis

• Medications, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and contraceptives

• Exposure to pollutants like tobacco smoke or heavy metals like iron and lead

• Addison’s disease, a rare endocrine illness that creates hypersensitivity in sun-exposed skin areas.

4 Common Types of Hyperpigmentation on the Face

The reason you may experience hyperpigmentation on your face is because it’s the skin most often exposed to the sun. Think about it: during the winter temps, you can bundle up in thermals, gloves, and a beanie, but your face is still on full display. 🌞

Even with SPF, you might still experience hyperpigmentation on your face. And it comes in several forms, including:

1. Sunspots and freckles: These small dark, tan, or brown spots can appear in early childhood and advance with age and prolonged sun and heat exposure. They tend to be more visible in summer months and hibernate during the wintertime (relatable).

2. Age, or “liver” spots: Larger than freckles, these are primarily present in adults and crop up after sunburns. They’re especially prevalent in the face and on aging hands.

3. Melasma: Unlike age spots which show up over time, melasma most predominantly affects young females in their 20s-30s. It appears as irregularly shaped, darker patches mostly concentrated to your complexion area. In fact, researchers report that women experience melasma nine times more often than men do, especially women with light brown skin (2).

4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by bruises, acne, rashes, burns, lupus, or skin trauma.

Here’s the bottom line: your skin is beautiful, flaws and all. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for living with hyperpigmentation. 

The good news? Skin care for dark spots can help. There are various solutions for how to even skin pigmentation, which we’ll share next.

 

Best Products and Solutions for Facial Hyperpigmentation

While hyperpigmentation is generally harmless, so is that house guest that stays a couple of hours too long after everyone else has left. Meaning? We understand your desire to remove or minimize the signs of hyperpigmentation on your face.

Topical Serums and Creams

One of the best ways to master how to reduce dark spots on your face is to incorporate the right skincare products into your daily routine.

• Brightening skincare products, like Forever Beaumore’s Dark Spots Rectifier, contain skin loving vitamins and minerals like niacinamide (B3) without the harsh bleaching ingredients used in skin lightening products.

• Vitamins like A, C and B3 contain antioxidants that help balance your skin’s pH. For example, our signature Vitamin Cream is chock-full of skin smoothing vitamins to create a glowing, even complexion that’s hydrated and radiant.

• Double down on skin evening with concentrated face serums like our Retinol Renewal Serum, or our Stem-C Serum to brighten and illuminate your skin while evening out dark spots.

Edible Skincare

Is your beauty counter or medicine cabinet overflowing with skincare products? We get it. In the era of 20-step skincare routines, sometimes it’s easier (and tastier!) to treat skin problem spots from within. Treating hyperpigmentation on your face is no different.

Food is packed full of vitamins and minerals to help create a balanced complexion. But sometimes we need to take it a step further with skin care supplements.

Our embody Retinol Skin Gummy is packed with collagen-boosting, complexion evening ingredients to smooth texture, blemishes, and dark spots. After just eight weeks of taking two gummies a day, participants reported brighter, healthier looking skin!

The embody Sun Gummy is your SPF’s BFF. Rich in Vitamin C, Niacin, and natural leaf extracts, this delicious bite of antioxidants will boost your skincare routine and brighten your complexion. 

Brighten Your Skin (and Confidence) with Forever Beaumore

Hyperpigmentation on your face comes in various forms, including freckles, dark patches, and melasma. While it can certainly hinder your confidence, the right skincare products can balance your skin tone and brighten your confidence.

Visit Forever Beaumore to find trusted skincare for hyperpigmentation today! 

Sources:

1. Markiewicz E, Karaman-Jurukovska N, Mammone T, Idowu OC. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin: Molecular Mechanism and Skincare Implications. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:2555-2565

2. Basit H, Godse K, Ahmad M, Al Aboud. Melasma. StatPearls Publishing LLC, 2023

Disclaimer: 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products recommended in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before use if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are nursing.