What is the main cause of hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation primarily occurs due to the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. When the skin experiences certain stimuli such as inflammation, injury, or exposure to UV radiation, melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) may respond by increasing melanin production as a protective mechanism. This leads to localized areas of darker skin, which manifest as hyperpigmented spots or patches.

While exposure to UV rays can indeed stimulate melanin production and contribute to hyperpigmentation, it is the actual overproduction of melanin that is the core cause of the condition. Other factors like excessive exfoliation and the use of harsh chemicals can lead to skin irritation or damage, which may also trigger an increase in melanin as the skin attempts to repair itself, but these are not the primary causes of hyperpigmentation itself. In essence, understanding that hyperpigmentation stems from melanin's overproduction helps clarify why it is pivotal to manage the stimuli that may provoke this response in the skin.