Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation refers to darkened patches of skin caused by excess melanin production. While often seen as a cosmetic issue, traditional systems view it as a sign of deeper systemic imbalance—frequently involving the liver, blood, or hormonal regulation. It may appear gradually or suddenly after inflammation, sun exposure, or hormone shifts, and may signal stagnation in detox pathways or unprocessed emotional stress stored in the body.

• Location of Symptom

  Usually appears on the face (especially cheeks and upper lip), neck, underarms, inner thighs, or areas of inflammation or friction.

• Physiological Breakdown

  When the skin undergoes stress—from acne, inflammation, friction, or UV damage—melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) are triggered to produce more melanin as a protective response. Hormonal shifts (like pregnancy or birth control), sluggish liver detoxification, or prolonged inflammation can lead to an overaccumulation of pigment. Think of it like the body “marking” a spot where it struggled to keep balance—leaving behind a stain, even after the initial trigger is gone.

  • Inflammation-based hyperpigmentation can appear within days to weeks.

  • Hormone-related melasma or post-inflammatory cases can build up slowly over months.

• Common Signs

  Dark spots that remain after pimples heal

  Patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding area

  Uneven skin tone or sun-exposed darkening

  Darkened underarms, thighs, or neck folds

  Skin that darkens more easily than it used to

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Chronic inflammation (e.g., acne, eczema, burns)

  Excess sun exposure without protection

  Liver congestion or sluggish detox pathways

  Hormonal shifts (e.g., pregnancy, birth control, PCOS)

  Iron or copper imbalances

  Emotional stress or trauma held in the face or skin

  Blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance

  Friction or repetitive trauma (e.g., tight clothing, shaving)

  Pharmaceutical triggers: hormonal contraceptives, chemotherapy, or certain antibiotics

  Supplement-induced: high-dose B12 or iron in sensitive individuals

  Phytoiatrogenic: overuse of photosensitizing herbs like St. John's Wort

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Damp/Stagnation

  Heat/Excitation

• Organ Systems Affected

  Integumentary (skin)

  Hepatic (liver)

  Endocrine (hormonal)

  Circulatory (blood and pigment transport)

Is your hyperpigmentation triggered by sun, stress, or hormones? Do you notice patterns tied to your menstrual cycle or blood sugar dips? Do you have a history of liver issues, skin sensitivity, or slow healing? What has your relationship to stress, grief, or anger looked like recently? Are you using any topical or internal agents (herbs, medications, cosmetics) that may sensitize the skin? Skin holds memory—and pigmentation can be part of that story. If your skin is showing signs of imbalance through dark patches, it's worth exploring what your body is trying to express. Reach out for personalized support to uncover the deeper root causes, and begin moving toward balance from the inside out.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance.