Hyperpigmentation—those stubborn dark spots that refuse to leave your face no matter how many brightening creams you slather on—can be one of the most frustrating skincare concerns. It sneaks up after a breakout, lingers after a bad sunburn, and sometimes appears out of nowhere, making your complexion look uneven. If you’ve been battling these unwelcome guests for months (or even years), chances are you’re making a few common mistakes without realising it. Let’s break down what you might be doing wrong and how to finally get hyperpigmentation under control.
You’re Not Using Sunscreen Religiously
If you only apply sunscreen when you’re headed to the beach, we have a problem. Hyperpigmentation thrives under UV exposure, meaning every time you step outside without SPF, you’re deepening those dark spots. Even if you’re indoors all day, blue light from your phone and laptop can worsen pigmentation.
The Fix: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) daily, rain or shine. If you’re serious about fading dark spots, sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Bonus tip: Look for sunscreens with ingredients like niacinamide or zinc oxide, which can help soothe the skin while protecting it.
You’re Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliation is key to shedding dead skin cells and revealing fresh, radiant skin. But too much of a good thing can backfire. Over-exfoliating (with harsh scrubs, chemical peels, or too many acids) can lead to irritation, triggering more melanin production—and even darker spots.
The Fix: Stick to exfoliating 2-3 times a week with a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or mandelic acid. If your skin is sensitive, opt for enzyme exfoliants instead, which work without causing irritation.
You’re Popping Pimples Like It’s a Hobby
We get it—the urge to pop that juicy whitehead is almost irresistible. But every time you pick, squeeze, or scratch a pimple, you’re setting the stage for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The trauma causes your skin to produce excess melanin, leading to those dreaded dark marks.
The Fix: Hands off! If a pimple is bugging you, use spot treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or hydrocolloid patches instead. And if you absolutely must extract, see a professional.
You’re Not Treating the Root Cause
Hyperpigmentation isn’t just about the dark spots you see—it’s about what’s causing them. Acne, eczema, hormonal imbalances, and even certain medications can contribute to persistent pigmentation issues. You’re fighting a losing battle if you only treat the surface while ignoring the underlying cause.
The Fix: Identify and address the root cause. If it’s acne-related, focus on acne treatments. If it’s hormonal, speak to a dermatologist about options like birth control or hormone-balancing treatments. Sometimes, treating the trigger is the fastest way to clearer skin.
You’re Relying on DIY Remedies That Don’t Work
Lemon juice, toothpaste, turmeric masks—there’s no shortage of DIY “miracle” treatments floating around the internet. While some natural ingredients can be beneficial, many home remedies can actually make hyperpigmentation worse by irritating the skin or making it more sensitive to the sun.
The Fix: Stick to dermatologist-approved ingredients like vitamin C, licorice extract, alpha arbutin, and tranexamic acid. If you’re unsure about a home remedy, patch-test first or consult a professional before putting it all over your face.
You Expect Results Overnight
Let’s be real—hyperpigmentation takes time to fade. You might be doing everything right, but you’ll only end up frustrated if you expect an overnight transformation. Most treatments take weeks, sometimes months, to show visible improvement.
The Fix: Be patient and consistent. Track your progress with photos every few weeks to stay motivated. If you’re using products like retinol, vitamin C, or professional treatments like chemical peels, give them at least 8-12 weeks before assessing results.
You Haven’t Considered Professional Treatments
If your hyperpigmentation isn’t budging despite your best efforts, it might be time to call in the professionals. Sometimes, at-home treatments can only do so much, especially for deep or stubborn pigmentation.
The Fix: Consider in-office treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, laser therapy, or prescription-strength lightening agents. A dermatologist can customise a treatment plan based on your skin type and specific pigmentation concerns.
You’re Ignoring Your Body
Hyperpigmentation isn’t just a face problem—it can show up on your chest, back, arms, or anywhere else your skin experiences inflammation or trauma. If you’re neglecting your body, those dark spots may stick around longer than necessary.
The Fix: Treat body hyperpigmentation just like your face. Use gentle exfoliants, targeted treatments, and sunscreen on areas prone to dark spots (especially if you experience body acne or ingrown hairs).
