Is hyperpigmentation the same as PIH?

PIH means post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It describes pigmentation following inflammation, while hyperpigmentation is the broader term for darker skin patches.

Can a selfie tell me what's causing a dark patch?

No. It can show a darker patch against surrounding skin, but visible contrast alone doesn't establish the cause.

Does sunscreen fade dark spots immediately?

No. Sunscreen helps prevent sun-related darkening, while existing pigmentation fades slowly. A brighter-looking photo doesn't prove that the pigment has faded.

Understanding hyperpigmentation meaning and care

At a glance

Term: Hyperpigmentation
Area: Skin
Measurable from a selfie: Yes: darker patches against the surrounding tone
Evidence: Established
Related: PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), Melasma, Sunspots, SPF

The word describes darker skin patches

Hyperpigmentation describes a change in skin colour, rather than a single cause shared by every dark patch. The related terms include PIH, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and sunspots.

These names aren't interchangeable. A dark mark left after a pimple and a patch linked to hormones need more context than their colour alone. Use the glossary to compare the terms before assuming that similar-looking patches have the same cause.

What a selfie can measure

A selfie can record darker areas against nearby skin, which makes it useful for documenting visible pigmentation. The common mistake is reading one number from one photo as a fixed fact about your face.

Lighting and camera settings can change how strong that contrast looks. Keep your lighting, camera position and exposure similar when comparing pictures, and avoid filters.

The free face scan reports skin signals, including acne, pores, redness, oiliness and dark circles, plus structure signals from one photo. Those results carry the limits of that image and don't diagnose a dark patch.

Start with sun protection

Sunscreen helps prevent existing dark patches from getting darker through sun exposure. Make sun protection part of your routine while you address the marks, rather than waiting for them to fade first.

The American Academy of Dermatology's guide, How to fade dark spots in skin of color, puts sunscreen first in treatment. It also names vitamin C, azelaic acid and retinoids as ingredients that can fade existing spots.

The SPF entry explains that related term. Fading products don't replace sun protection.

Fading takes time, and irritation can interfere

Vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide and retinoids can help fade dark patches slowly. That list doesn't mean you need to use them all together.

The same dermatology guide explains that irritating skin care can cause dark spots. Stop using a product if it burns or stings. If your treatment isn't helping, see a dermatologist to assess the cause and discuss suitable options.

Questions people ask

Is hyperpigmentation the same as PIH?: PIH means post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It describes pigmentation following inflammation, while hyperpigmentation is the broader term for darker skin patches.
Can a selfie tell me what's causing a dark patch?: No. It can show a darker patch against surrounding skin, but visible contrast alone doesn't establish the cause.
Does sunscreen fade dark spots immediately?: No. Sunscreen helps prevent sun-related darkening, while existing pigmentation fades slowly. A brighter-looking photo doesn't prove that the pigment has faded.

Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.

The closest pages in this section, picked by topic rather than by date.

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