Uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation, results from the overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its colour. This affects millions of people and appears as dark spots, mottled brown patches, and enlarged freckles on the face, chest, and hands.

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The primary culprit is often UVA light exposure. Flat, brown lesions—commonly called "liver spots" or lentigo—typically develop over a period of 20 to 30 years, often because past sunscreen habits didn't include sufficient UVA protection.

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While sun damage is a major factor, not all pigmentation issues are sun-related. For instance, chloasma (or melasma) appears as distinct, butterfly-shaped patches across the upper lip, nose, cheeks and forehead. Understanding these hormonal triggers is an important part of planning how to get rid of hyperpigmentation safely and effectively, whether through skincare, lifestyle changes or in-clinic treatments.

 

The best prevention for sun-related spots remains using a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently from an early age.