Hyperpigmentation is defined as darkening patches of skin.
This
occurs when the skin produces more melanin; the pigment that
gives skin its colour. Although hyperpigmentation occurs in all skin
types, it is one of the main skin complaints of people with darker
skin tones. Facial hyperpigmentation can cause significant cosmetic
disfigurement with subsequent emotional impact.1,2,3
Darker skin types are generally classified as Fitzpatrick types IV-VI.
There are structural and functional differences in the skin, which
produces variances in skin conditions, presentation and treatments.
These skin types are categorised by higher melanin content and
more effective distribution of melanin, producing better protection
against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Melanin is generally classified into
two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Darker skin types have
a higher eumelanin to pheomelanin ratio, and higher amount of
eumelanin than lighter-skinned individuals.4
