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

Unlike post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma involves excess melanin sitting both in the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025

Like traditional retinol, bakuchiol can help smooth skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and restore elasticity. —Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025

The esthetician recommended me to use a red light therapy mask two to three times a week after washing my face to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025

With hyperpigmentation — a condition where patches of skin are darker than others — sun exposure can lead to dark circles. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hyperpigmentation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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