Hyperpigmentation, Age Spots, and Freckles

Hyperpigmentation is a very common and typically harmless condition that occurs when certain areas or patches of skin become darker than the skin that surrounds them. The condition is caused by an increase in melanin.

Melanin is a brown pigment that produces normal skin color. When there is an excess of melanin, deposits form in the skin and darkening occurs. Increases in melanin usually result from overexposure to the sun.

Age spots, sometimes known as liver spots, are one of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation. These darkened areas are usually found on the face, arms, hands, and any other body part that has received frequent exposure to the sun. The official medical term for age spots is solar lentigines.

There are two types of spots that are very similar in appearance to age spots. Most commonly known as melasma or chloasma spots, these discolorations result from hormonal changes rather than sun damage. This type of hyperpigmentation usually occurs in pregnant women or women who take birth control pills.

Freckles are another very common form of hyperpigmentation. Freckles are brown spots that can appear almost anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the face, arms, hands, chest, and back.

Though they are typically inherited, freckles will increase and become darker when exposed to the sun.
There are many different skin creams that can be used to lighten discolorations that are caused by hyperpigmentation. These creams usually contain a bleaching agent and may take from three to six months to work. More aggressive treatments, such as lasers can also be effective and may remove signs of hyperpigmentation entirely.

No matter what treatment is used, the skin should be protected from further sun damage. Like freckles, age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation will become darker and more pronounced from sun exposure. It is recommended that you cover the skin when outdoors or protect it with a high SPF sunscreen.