Is hyperpigmentation the same as melasma?

No, hyperpigmentation is a broad term that refers to any darkening of the skin, while melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma is often caused by hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, birth control pills) and sun exposure, and it appears as symmetrical brown or grayish patches, usually on the face. While the two conditions can look similar, their treatment approaches may differ.

Can hyperpigmentation go away on its own?

Some types of hyperpigmentation, like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), may fade over time, especially if the underlying cause is addressed (e.g., acne healing or sun protection). However, more severe or long-standing hyperpigmentation often requires professional treatment to achieve significant improvement.

Can hyperpigmentation be treated?

Yes, hyperpigmentation can be effectively treated. Our clinic offers a range of solutions tailored to your skin type and the specific cause of discoloration. The best results often come from a personalized plan created during a consultation with our skin specialists.

Are there side effects to hyperpigmentation treatments?

Our treatments have no side effects and are pain free. We take upmost care with selecting the right treatment and skin products for you.

Is hyperpigmentation treatment painful?

Unlinke chemical peels and laster treatments, our treatments are without pain and without downtime.

What can I expect from a consult for hyperpigmentation?

Our skin therapists will examine your skin, discuss your medical history, and identify the underlying cause of your hyperpigmentation. They will explain the best treatment options for your condition, outline a personalized plan, and provide an estimate of the time and cost involved. You’ll also receive advice on aftercare and prevention. Book our FREE BEAUTY COACH and FREE skin analysis.

Can makeup worsen hyperpigmentation?

Using makeup alone does not usually worsen hyperpigmentation, but poor-quality products, heavy formulations, or not removing makeup properly can irritate the skin or clog pores, leading to further issues like acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Opt for non-comedogenic, skin-friendly makeup products, and always cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day.

Can skin products help with hyperpigmentation?

Skin products containing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, or retinol can help with mild hyperpigmentation. Skin Products alone may not be sufficient for more severe or deeper pigmentation. Professional treatments and Professional Skin products are usually more effective for significant results. Products are available in our webshop

Does diet affect hyperpigmentation?

While diet alone does not directly cause or cure hyperpigmentation, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamin C and E), and minerals can support overall skin health and improve healing. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fatty fish, may also help reduce skin inflammation that can lead to discoloration.

HYPER-PIGMENTATION

& PIGMENATION

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What is Hyperpigmentation

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. “Hyper” means more, and “pigment” means color. Hyperpigmentation can appear as brown, black, gray, red or pink spots or patches. The spots are sometimes called dark spots, age spots, sun spots or liver spots.

Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color.

Skin pigmentation is the colouration of our skin, determined by the amount and distribution of melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes, responsible for giving our skin its colour. It protects our skin from UV radiation and determines how much sun exposure we can handle without getting burnt.

There are different types of skin pigmentation, including hyperpigmentation (dark spots or patches) and hypopigmentation (lighter areas). Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, leading to darker patches on the skin. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, and acne scars can cause this. On the other hand, hypopigmentation occurs when there is a decreased production of melanin, resulting in lighter spots on the skin. Genetic conditions or skin injuries can cause this.

Skin pigmentation can also change with age and can vary depending on ethnicity. People with fairer skin tend to have less melanin, making them more susceptible to sun damage and UV radiation. On the other hand, those with darker skin tones have more melanin, providing better protection against UV rays but also making it harder for their body to produce vitamin D from sun exposure.

If you are experiencing changes in your skin, you may be wondering how to remove pigmentation. This blog will provide some tips and information on different treatment options for hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation

Important to know:

Pigmentation is complicated and occurs deep within the skin so it can be very difficult to treat, especially if present for a very long time. Success of treatment is based on an individual’s skin type, tolerance and how dedicated they are to protecting the areas from the sun.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

Freckles: Freckles are small, flat, brown spots that typically appear on the face, arms, and back. These are caused by an increase in melanin production due to sun exposure.
Age spots: Also known as liver spots, age spots are flat, darkened areas of the skin that typically appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms. They are caused by years of sun exposure and can be prevented using sunscreen regularly.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation or injury, such as acne, burns, or cuts. It can appear as dark spots or patches on the skin and is more common in people with darker skin tones.
Melasma: Melasma presents as dark, irregular patches on the face, typically triggered by hormonal changes, pregnancy, birth control pills, or sun exposure. It is commonly found on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. It is often associated with hormonal changes such as pregnancy or birth control use. Sun exposure can also worsen melasma.
Acne Scarring: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs after acne breakouts, leaving behind dark spots or scars due to inflammation and increased melanin production. These scars can be temporary or permanent, and their appearance can depend on the severity of the initial acne outbreak.
Sun Damage: Sun exposure significantly contributes to dark spots and hyperpigmentation. UV rays can stimulate melanin production, leading to uneven skin tone and sunspots. Protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can help prevent further sun damage.
Medication-Induced Pigment Changes: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and chemotherapy agents, may cause changes in pigmentation. This can present as dark patches on the skin or generalised darkening of the skin. If you experience any changes in skin colour while taking medication, consult your healthcare provider for possible alternatives.

Causes

Overexposure to the sun
Hormones from birth control pills or IUDs
Hormones during pregnancy
Menopause
Rashes such as eczema that cause inflammation in the skin
Acne or picking at your acneScratching chronically at your skin

Prevention

The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to protect your skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher). Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use protective clothing, and reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when outdoors. Maintaining a good skincare routine with gentle exfoliation and hydration can also help.

Additionally, avoid picking at acne, wounds, or other skin irritations that could lead to dark spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hyperpigmentation the same as melasma?
No, hyperpigmentation is a broad term that refers to any darkening of the skin, while melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma is often caused by hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, birth control pills) and sun exposure, and it appears as symmetrical brown or grayish patches, usually on the face. While the two conditions can look similar, their treatment approaches may differ.
Can hyperpigmentation go away on its own?
Some types of hyperpigmentation, like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), may fade over time, especially if the underlying cause is addressed (e.g., acne healing or sun protection). However, more severe or long-standing hyperpigmentation often requires professional treatment to achieve significant improvement.
Can hyperpigmentation be treated?
Yes, hyperpigmentation can be effectively treated. Our clinic offers a range of solutions tailored to your skin type and the specific cause of discoloration.

The best results often come from a personalized plan created during a consultation with our skin specialists.
Are there side effects to hyperpigmentation treatments?
Our treatments have no side effects and are pain free. We take upmost care with selecting the right treatment and skin products for you.
Is hyperpigmentation treatment painful?
Unlinke chemical peels and laster treatments, our treatments are without pain and without downtime.
What can I expect from a consult for hyperpigmentation?
Our skin therapists will examine your skin, discuss your medical history, and identify the underlying cause of your hyperpigmentation. They will explain the best treatment options for your condition, outline a personalized plan, and provide an estimate of the time and cost involved. You’ll also receive advice on aftercare and prevention. Book our FREE BEAUTY COACH and FREE skin analysis.
Can makeup worsen hyperpigmentation?
Using makeup alone does not usually worsen hyperpigmentation, but poor-quality products, heavy formulations, or not removing makeup properly can irritate the skin or clog pores, leading to further issues like acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Opt for non-comedogenic, skin-friendly makeup products, and always cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day.
Can skin products help with hyperpigmentation?
Skin products containing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, or retinol can help with mild hyperpigmentation. Skin Products alone may not be sufficient for more severe or deeper pigmentation. Professional treatments and Professional Skin products are usually more effective for significant results. Products are available in our webshop
Does diet affect hyperpigmentation?
While diet alone does not directly cause or cure hyperpigmentation, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamin C and E), and minerals can support overall skin health and improve healing.
Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fatty fish, may also help reduce skin inflammation that can lead to discoloration.

Treatments recommended by Gustil Aesthetic Center:

Our exclusive treatment in the NL, HydraJet with NASA Technology with RED LED (based on NASA development), customised for hyperpigmentation, dark spots or melasma, your skin colour, your skin type and considering others skin issues.

* To achieve the best version of your skin, buy pack of 6 treatments. You need to compromise to come every 2 weeks to improve the result and to use the skincare products at home.

OxyGeneo 6 in 1: Illuminate or Balance TriPollar Radio-frequency + Ultrasounds + Neo-Massage + OxyPods.

* To achieve the best version of your skin, buy pack of 6 treatments. You need to compromise to come every 3 weeks to improve the result and to use the skincare products at home.

Photobiodynamic therapy with GREEN LED (specifically for Hyperpigmentation) + peeling for dark spots + serum for dark spots + mask for dark spots + Home Treatment GRATIS if you buy pack of 4 or pack of 6 sessions.

*You need to commit to come every 2 weeks to improve the result and to use the skincare products at home.

Buy from our webshop the best skincare, award-winning, to rejuvenate your skin:

Every day:

Cleansing Complex from iS Clinical or Foam Cleanser from Skin Clinic or Cleansing Milk from Skin Clinic/ morning and evening
Melanyc Eyes from Skin Clinic/ morning and evening (only if you have dark circles
Melanyc Serum from Skin Clinic / morning and/or Melanyc intensive - evening
M Cream from Skin Clinic / morning
Extreme Protect SPF 40 from iS Clinical or Syl 100 SPF 50 from Skin Clinic / morning