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

In darker skin, redness may not show up and the spots can instead look like brownish or blackish hyperpigmentation, Dr. Madfes says. —Melanie Rud, SELF, 19 July 2024

However, undereye circles are commonly the result of both volume loss and hyperpigmentation. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 11 July 2024

According to Shirazi, vitamin C can help even skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and enhance protection from damaging UV rays. —Akili King, Vogue, 10 July 2024

This damage can manifest as signs of premature ageing, including hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagginess and rough skin texture. —Tori Crowther, refinery29.com, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

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