How To Manage Hyperpigmentation in the Summer? 

Introduction

Hyperpigmentation is caused when the skin produces excess melanin, a pigment that gives the skin its natural colour. It can be defined as a condition that makes the skin appear darker and may cause dark patches on the skin, usually in areas exposed to the sun¹. Hyperpigmentation can occur during any time of the year but is seen to occur more frequently during the summer¹. This article explores the probable causes of hyperpigmentation, how to avoid it, and ways to manage it. 

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, which often worsens during summer, is not caused by sun exposure and heat alone. Other causes of hyperpigmentation include: 

• Hormonal Imbalance: Fluctuations in hormone levels due to an underlying illness, taking hormonal pills or pregnancy might alter the production and distribution of melanin that might lead to hyperpigmentation. Genetics also plays a major role in hyperpigmentation^1,2.
• Skin Conditions: Hyperpigmentation may occur due to skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, melasma and psoriasis², that often leave dark coloured patches, mostly around the chest, face, and neck. 
• Sun Exposure: This is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. Prolonged sun exposure leads to darkened and uneven skin tone, especially in the sun-exposed areas of the body¹.
• Medications: Some medicines can also cause hyperpigmentation¹. In some cases, the patches and spots on your skin might be grey in colour^1,2. while others may cause generalised hyperpigmentation. Topical products might also contain chemicals that cause this condition. 

Hyperpigmentation may also be caused by skin injuries or inflammation and some underlying health issues like thyroid conditions and diabetes¹.

Hyperpigmentation in summer, while often referred to as “age spots” or “sun spots,” can actually be caused by a number of factors beyond sun damage. Another type of hyperpigmentation, called melasma, can make an appearance due to “environmental stressors” like lack of sleep or hormonal changes like pregnancy and menopause. 

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

How to Avoid Hyperpigmentation Caused by Sun Exposure?

Although hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure (especially when it worsens during summers) is often harmless and is a quite common condition, it may lead to dissatisfaction about appearance in some individuals. The following measures may help manage hyperpigmentation. 

• Apply a good sunscreen: Apply sunscreen regularly. Opt for a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more^3,4. 
• Reduce your time under the sun: Reduce exposure to harmful UV rays by limiting your outdoor activities, especially during peak hours in summer, i.e., between 10 AM and 2 PM³. 
• Wear protective clothing: Wear clothes that are breathable and light-coloured, while also covering your body to avoid direct sun rays. Wearing hats and umbrellas when stepping into the sun can also help^1,4.
• Take care of your skin: Cleansing, moisturising, and nourishing your skin is important. Be punctual with your skincare routine. 

Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin, or any skin sore or lesion that changes shape, size, or colour may be a sign of skin cancer. Consult a dermatologist if you experience any such symptoms. 

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Ways to Manage Hyperpigmentation

The following measures may help manage hyperpigmentation but it is important to consult a dermatologist before you use any of the products. 

1. Exfoliation 

This method helps to remove dead cells and speeds up the healing process. Ingredients such as lactic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid work as the best chemical exfoliators and help with hyperpigmentation⁵. Scrubbing the skin to exfoliate may be harsher than chemical exfoliation. 

2. Choose the Right Products 

Consult your dermatologist and choose appropriate products in your skincare regimen. The right ingredients should be looked for in the product and can be chosen based on your skin type. 

3. Save Your Skin from Inflammation

Inflammation is a major cause of hyperpigmentation¹. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as vitamin C, resveratrol, and Centella asiatica help in healing of the wound, inhibiting inflammation, and hindering hyperpigmentation occurring after inflammation^6,8,7.

Home Care Practices for Managing Hyperpigmentation 

Before opting for medical and chemical approaches, you must try a few home care tips to help manage hyperpigmentation. These ingredients found at home might help you manage hyperpigmentation. 

• Green tea: Green tea contains several phenols, antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in skin lightening and reducing dark patches^1,9. 
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, healing, and moisturising properties and is believed to protect the skin against damage from sun exposure¹⁰.
• Liquorice: Liquorice has anti-inflammatory properties and is also rich in antioxidants. It also contains compounds like glabridin that are believed to reduce melanin production. Liquorice extracts, therefore, may help in reducing hyperpigmentation. It is also present in some cosmetics for managing hyperpigmentation¹¹.
• Soothing agents: Application of cold water, clay masks, etc., after sun exposure may help soothe the skin and help reduce hyperpigmentation. 

Medical Approaches for Hyperpigmentation

If following the home care tips is not helping hyperpigmentation, then you might want to consult a dermatologist and discuss the following options. 

1. Topical Creams 

Usage of topical creams and other topical agents may help with hyperpigmentation¹ as they contain certain ingredients that are believed to address hyperpigmentation, like: 

• Vitamin C 
• Kojic acid 
• Azelaic acid 
• Hydroquinone 
• Retinoids¹ 

2. Cosmetic Procedures 

The following cosmetic procedures might help with hyperpigmentation: 

• Chemical peels 
• Laser therapy 
• Microneedling¹
• Intense pulsed light² 

Conclusion

Hyperpigmentation is a very common condition that usually is not a cause for concern. Some of the measures discussed above may help manage it; however, it is important to consult a dermatologist before using any new skincare product to avoid worsening the condition. 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation 

References

1. PA-C JF MMSc. Demystifying hyperpigmentation: Causes, types, and Effective Treatments [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2024. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/demystifying-hyperpigmentation-causes-types-and-effective-treatments 

2. Thawabteh AM, Jibreen A, Karaman D, Thawabteh A, Karaman R. Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment—A Review. Molecules [Internet]. 2023 Jun 18;28(12):4839. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/12/4839 

3. AAD. How to Fade Dark Spots in Skin of Color [Internet]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots 

4. AAD. What to Wear to Protect Your Skin from the Sun [Internet]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/what-to-wear-protect-skin-from-sun 

5. Samargandy S, Raggio BS. Skin Resurfacing Chemical Peels [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/ 

6. Telang PS. Vitamin C in Dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal [Internet]. 2013;4(2):143. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/ 

7. Rahbardar IMG, Sahebkar A. Resveratrol as a Naturally Occurring Inflammasome modulator: Implications for Health and disease. PubMed [Internet]. 2025 Jan 1;28(10):1301–18. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12399059/ 

8. Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella Asiatica in Cosmetology. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology [Internet]. 2013;1(1):46–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/ 

9. Fukushima Y, Takahashi Y, Kishimoto Y, Taguchi C, Suzuki N, Yokoyama M, Kondo K. Consumption of Polyphenols in Coffee and Green Tea Alleviates Skin Photoaging in Healthy Japanese Women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Feb 10;13:165-172. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7020926/  

10. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple D. Aloe vera: a Short Review. Indian Journal of Dermatology [Internet]. 2008;53(4):163. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/ 

11. Kang MH, Jang GY, Ji YJ, Lee JH, Choi SJ, Hyun TK, et al. Antioxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Activities of Heat-Treated Licorice (Wongam, Glycyrrhiza Glabra × G. uralensis) Extract. Current Issues in Molecular Biology [Internet]. 2021 Sep 18;43(2):1171–87. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8928971/ 

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