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

Shaving, friction from clothing, ingrown hairs, and even certain deodorants can cause low-grade inflammation, which may lead to excess pigment known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026

Then, of course, there’s vitamin C, a known antioxidant that helps brighten hyperpigmentation. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Wearing glasses that are too tight on the latter can put enough pressure there to cause small areas of hyperpigmentation on the bridge of the nose over the years. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026

The lightweight tint offers sheer, dewy coverage while targeting hyperpigmentation, sun damage and uneven tone over time. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

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