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

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

Brightening properties are all the more ideal for the summer months when the heightened UV rays can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation. —Essence, 26 Aug. 2025

Over the last decade or so, there's been more research into hyperpigmentation — which can show up as dark spots or patches — and melasma, a condition where brown or bluish-gray patches develop on the skin. —Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 23 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