hyperpigmentation

noun

hy·​per·​pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌhī-pər-ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

: excess pigmentation in a bodily part or tissue (such as the skin)

Vitamin C has been reported to inhibit the production of melanin, the stuff that produces not only a tan but also freckles and hyperpigmentation.

—Anne Weintraub

The presence of nickel can cause a skin rash that leads to hyperpigmentation, or darkening, of the skin.

—Jenyne M. Raines

hyperpigmented

ˌhī-pər-ˈpig-mən-təd 

-ˌmen-

adjective

hyperpigmented skin

Examples of hyperpigmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Turning her spa into a pre-NYFW destination, Marc first started her career as a way to treat her own skin, including hyperpigmentation which disproportionately affects darker skin tones, and laser hair removal which is often unsafe (if the wrong laser is used) to perform on our tones. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 30 Jan. 2025

Another treatment for hyperpigmentation could be retinoid creams. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025

As of publication time, the below #hyperpigmentation compilation has 14.7 million views. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 25 Jan. 2025

That's Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, whose namesake ingredient (96% snail mucin) soothes blemishes, brightens acne scars, and evens out hyperpigmentation. —Sarah Han, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hyperpigmentation

noun

hy·​per·​pig·​men·​ta·​tion -ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen- 

: excess pigmentation in a body part or tissue (as the skin)

hyperpigmentation of deep inflammatory acne lesions

—Elizabeth A. Abel et al.

hyperpigmented

-ˈpig-mənt-əd, -ˌment- 

adjective

hyperpigmented skin