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

That’s not the case with this gentle toner from Renee Rouleau, which calls on antioxidant elderberry to neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging), fight hyperpigmentation, and help promote collagen production. —Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Darker or lighter patches of skin after the rash fades, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Topicals focuses on chronic skin conditions like eczema and hyperpigmentation—issues that disproportionately affect people with melanin-rich skin. —Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Talk to your dermatologist about your risk for hypopigmentation (light spots) and hyperpigmentation, and whether or not these changes could be permanent. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hyperpigmentation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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