You may have first noticed them after a summer holiday: faint brown spots on your cheeks that didn't fade when your tan did. Hyperpigmentation - an overproduction of melanin causing dark spots - is one of the most common skin complaints worldwide. And one of the most stubborn.
But there's good news. Pharmaceutical science has made enormous leaps in anti-pigmentation products in recent years.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for any condition where part of the skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin. The problem lies in melanocytes: specialised cells that produce melanin.
The three faces of hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Symmetrical brown patches on the forehead, cheeks and chin. Worsened by sunlight and hormonal changes.
Age spots (solar lentigines)
Small brown spots resulting from cumulative UV exposure over decades.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks left after spots, wounds or irritations have healed.
The best pharmacy products
Compare Ducray Melascreen prices →
Encapsulated retinol + niacinamide + ceramides. Dermatological quality at an accessible price.
Compare CeraVe Retinol prices →
Compare Eucerin Anti-Pigment prices →
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation is stubborn but treatable. The key: daily sun protection + targeted active ingredients + patience. Compare prices on PharmaCompare for the best deals at licensed Belgian pharmacies.