Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Treatments, and Skin Health Connections

When your skin develops dark patches—on your face, neck, or hands—it’s not just a cosmetic issue. Hyperpigmentation, a condition where excess melanin builds up in the skin, causing uneven dark spots. Also known as skin discoloration, it often shows up after acne, sun damage, or hormonal shifts, and can be linked to medications or underlying health conditions. This isn’t random. It’s your skin’s reaction to stress, irritation, or imbalance.

Many people don’t realize that inflammation, a key driver behind acne, eczema, and psoriasis is one of the top triggers for hyperpigmentation. When your skin gets irritated—whether from a breakout, a chemical peel, or even harsh skincare—it responds by overproducing melanin. That’s why post-acne marks stick around long after the pimple is gone. And it’s not just external factors. Hormonal imbalance, often caused by elevated prolactin or thyroid issues can also spark dark patches, especially on the face. That’s why women on birth control or dealing with conditions like hyperprolactinemia often notice melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation that’s stubborn and recurring.

Some of the medications listed in our posts don’t directly treat skin color, but they influence what’s happening underneath. For example, cabergoline lowers prolactin, which can reduce hormonal triggers behind melasma. Meloxicam and other NSAIDs calm inflammation that fuels dark spots. Even folic acid deficiency, common in IBD patients, can weaken skin repair and make hyperpigmentation harder to reverse. It’s all connected.

You won’t find a magic cream that fixes this if the root cause stays untreated. That’s why our collection includes posts that dig into the real drivers—not just surface solutions. Whether it’s how inflammation shapes your skin, how hormones mess with your pigment, or how certain drugs help or hurt your recovery, you’ll find practical insights here. No fluff. Just clear links between what’s happening inside your body and what shows up on your skin.