Why Am I Getting Dark Spots? A Guide to Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots often appear gradually. One day your skin looks even, and over time you begin to notice areas of discoloration that seem more noticeable in certain lighting. Whether from sun exposure, past breakouts, or hormonal shifts, pigmentation changes are one of the most common concerns seen in dermatology.

Understanding why dark spots develop — and how they can be treated thoughtfully — is the first step toward restoring clarity and balance to the skin.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color. Melanin also helps protect the skin from sun damage. When certain areas produce more melanin than others, patches of skin can appear darker than the surrounding area.

Common forms of hyperpigmentation include:

• Sun spots (solar lentigines)

• Melasma

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne

• General uneven skin tone

While hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, it can affect the overall clarity, brightness, and uniformity of the complexion.

Why Do Dark Spots Appear?

Pigmentation rarely develops overnight. It is usually the result of subtle, repeated triggers that influence how the skin produces melanin.

How Does Sun Exposure Affect Pigmentation?

Sunlight is one of the most powerful drivers of pigmentation. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, it increases melanin production as a natural defense mechanism. Over time, even everyday exposure — a walk outdoors, driving, sitting near a window — can gradually contribute to visible sun spots and uneven tone.

This is why daily sun protection is not just preventative, but essential in maintaining and treating pigmentation.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma appears as soft, diffuse brown or gray patches, most often across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. Unlike isolated sun spots, melasma tends to be more symmetrical and hormonally influenced.

It is commonly associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or other hormonal fluctuations. Heat and sun exposure can intensify its appearance, which is why thoughtful management typically involves both professional treatment and strict photoprotection.

Why Do Acne Marks Leave Dark Spots?

After acne or irritation resolves, the skin may leave behind a reminder in the form of lingering discoloration. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Inflammation signals melanocytes to produce more pigment, and that excess melanin can remain visible long after the blemish itself has healed. With proper care and patience, these marks can gradually fade — and targeted treatments can help accelerate the process.

How Can Hyperpigmentation Be Treated?

Treating pigmentation is not about aggressively removing color, but rather restoring balance through controlled renewal and targeted therapies.

How Can Chemical Peels Improve Hyperpigmentation?

At Ohara Dermatology, we offer advanced medical-grade chemical peels tailored to different levels of pigmentation and skin concerns.

• The Perfect Derma Peel combines glutathione, trichloroacetic acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C to improve hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne-related discoloration, fine lines, and sun damage. After several days of controlled peeling, skin typically appears brighter, smoother, and more refined.

• The RevePeel® Enlighten Depigmentation System is designed specifically for stubborn pigmentation and uneven tone, helping gradually restore clarity and luminosity.

• For more advanced sun damage and deeper textural concerns, the Phenol/Croton Oil Segmental Peel provides deeper resurfacing while stimulating long-term collagen renewal for visibly smoother, rejuvenated skin.

Do Laser and Light Treatments Help Reduce Dark Spots?

Laser and light-based therapies can target pigmented cells while promoting healthy skin renewal.

• Laser skin resurfacing uses controlled light energy to improve uneven pigmentation and refine texture.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) delivers pulses of light absorbed by pigmented areas, which gradually fade as the skin renews itself.

• Microneedling stimulates collagen production and cellular turnover, supporting overall skin clarity when incorporated into a comprehensive plan.

A personalized consultation helps determine which modality — or combination of treatments — is most appropriate.

Is Sunscreen Really Necessary?

In short — yes. Thoughtful sun protection is one of the most important steps in both preventing and treating hyperpigmentation.

Ultraviolet exposure continuously stimulates melanin production. Without daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, dark spots can deepen, and even the most advanced treatments may deliver only temporary improvement. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Small, intentional habits make a meaningful difference:

• Applying sunscreen every morning

• Reapplying when spending time outdoors

• Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses

• Being mindful of peak sun hours

Protecting your skin is not simply preventative — it preserves the clarity and balance you work to achieve.

When Should You See a Dermatologist for Dark Spots?

Not all pigmentation behaves the same way. If dark spots feel persistent, are gradually spreading, or do not respond to over-the-counter products, it may be time for professional guidance.

A dermatology consultation allows for careful evaluation of the type of pigmentation present — whether sun-induced, hormonally driven, or post-inflammatory. From there, a customized plan can be developed that aligns with your skin type, lifestyle, and goals.

Addressing pigmentation early often leads to more predictable results and a smoother path back to an even, radiant complexion.