Let’s Talk Hyperpigmentation

What You Need to Know for Clear, Even Skin

By Jess Farhat, NP-C • NECTAR body•face•skin

Dark patches. Stubborn spots. That uneven tone that shows up uninvited and refuses to leave. You may notice it show up after a breakout or sunburn and it seems to linger. Yes, you’ve experienced hyperpigmentation. And if you’ve been battling it, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common skin complaints I see… and trust me, you don’t have to just “live with it.”

So, what is it really? Hyperpigmentation is when your skin goes into melanin overdrive. Your pigment-producing cells, melanocytes, get a little too excited, thanks to sun damage, hormones (think pregnancy, birth control, or BHRT), post-acne inflammation, or even certain medications, and leave behind unwanted brown spots. While it’s not dangerous, it can be frustrating, especially when makeup doesn’t fully hide it.

Why does it happen? Your skin’s pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes produce melanin and is designed to protect you (love that for you). But when they gets triggered by Sunlight (UVA/UVB) of high Energy Visible Light (HEV/Blue Light rays), heat, or inflammation, it can go overboard. Melanocytes overproduce so the pigment (melanin) can block and protect the DNA from being damaged. Think of this process like an umbrella being opened to cover and protect the cells.

The result? Those pesky patches that stick around way longer than you’d like. Excess melanin production can leave behind brown spots that doesn’t fade on their own.

How we treat it at NECTAR Treating hyperpigmentation requires a tailored approach, because the wrong products or treatments can actually make it worse. In our clinic, we start with a thorough skin assessment to uncover the root cause. From there, we create a plan that may include:

· Medical-grade skincare with ingredients like hydroquinone, retinol, tranexamic acid, and antioxidants to brighten and protect

· Laser or light therapies to break up pigment and stimulate fresh, even skin

· Microneedling and chemical peels to accelerate cell turnover and fade discoloration

· SPF — every. single. day. Non-negotiable, to prevent recurrence

The NECTAR approach Hyperpigmentation isn’t just a cosmetic concern — it’s a signal that your skin has been stressed and it’s your skin’s way of saying “Help me.” With the right combination of in office treatments, consistent home care, and daily protection, clear, you can absolutely have clear, luminous, filter-free skin.