Hyperpigmentation, better known as sun spots or age spots, is an overproduction of melanin in the skin. This condition is typically a result of sun exposure. The melanin - your skin’s own natural color - produces an inflammatory response and pops up as a discoloration on the skin’s surface.

Another very different type of hyperpigmentation is known as the "mask of pregnancy," where patches of discoloration appear on the forehead, around the eye area and the upper lip. This hormonal response is a common issue for pregnant women and women in various stages of menopause.

Increasing the skin’s cellular-turnover rate and providing sun protection is essential when treating hyperpigmenation. Professional-grade skincare products provide an array of ingredients for every level of treatment. Botanical brighteners and skin-bleaching agents like hydroquinone are effective ways to treat hyperpigmenation. These lightening ingredients make the skin especially susceptible to UV damage, which can worsen the hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of professional skin-lightening products depends entirely on the diligence of the consumer. If applied routinely and enhanced by sun protection, professional skin-lightening products will produce dramatic results, leaving a bright, even complexion.