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

Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skin care ingredients—treating concerns from dark spots and hyperpigmentation to dryness and redness—so technically any skin type can benefit from its effects. — Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026

The multitasking salve has copper tripeptides and niacinamide to address hyperpigmentation and boost overall skin elasticity. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 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