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. This type of darkening is often caused by hormonal shifts, such as those experienced during pregnancy or when taking the contraceptive pill.

 

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