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

Some side effects of retinol, such as skin irritation, may trigger dark spots or hyperpigmentation in darker skin. —Laura Schober, Health, 2 June 2025

Though the exact cause of each person’s hyperpigmentation is ultimately up for debate, this wave of TikTok testimonials has shed light on an ongoing gap in beauty product testing. —Jasmine Browley, Allure, 22 May 2025

The results include a smoother, brighter complexion, the reduction of hyperpigmentation and inflammation for an even skin tone and long-term anti-ageing benefits through advanced cell communication. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Azelaic acid is a chemical exfoliant that has been shown to improve hyperpigmentation and skin texture. —Kristin Canning, SELF, 8 May 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