SkincareSafety Guide

Skin

Understand your skin type, tone, and what your skin is doing.

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Start here

Skin typesThe main skin types and how they differ.Find your skin typeA practical identification guide.What different skin types look likeVisual differences between common skin types.

Common skin questions

Oily skinWhat oily skin means and how to read it.Skin type changesHow skin type can shift over time.Skin type and ageHow visible aging differs by skin type.
Not sure where to start?Use the skin-type guide before choosing routines or ingredients.

Concerns

Start from a skin problem or visible change.

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Oil and acne

Why oily skin happensThe main drivers behind excess oil.Oily skin and acneHow oil can contribute to breakouts.Can oily skin cause acne?A direct answer to the oil-acne link.

Changes and warning signs

Stress and oily skinHow stress may affect oiliness.Dehydration and oilinessWhy skin can feel oily and dehydrated.Skin cancer signsVisual signs that need professional attention.
Looking for a solution?Start with what oily skin actually needs before adding stronger products.

Ingredients

Understand what ingredients do and whether they fit your skin.

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Explore ingredients

NiacinamideA practical ingredient overview.Vitamin C serumWho can use vitamin C and when to be careful.RetinolHow retinol fits different skin types.

Use safely

Salicylic acidWhere this acne-focused ingredient fits.Niacinamide for all skin typesSuitability across skin types.Ingredient comparisonsUse comparisons to avoid mismatched decisions.
Can my skin use this?Browse compatibility questions before adding a new active.

Routines

Turn skin information into daily decisions.

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Daily basics

Does every skin type need moisturizer?A basic routine decision.Does every skin type need sunscreen?Where SPF fits in daily care.What oily skin needsA simple care direction for oily skin.

Adjust over time

Skin changes with ageWhen your routine may need to change.Seasonal skin changesHow weather affects skin behavior.Korean skincare approachWhat is useful beneath the trend.
Starting from scratch?Begin with moisturizer, sunscreen, and one skin-specific need.

Products

A small selection of skincare products recommended by OuterDerm for simple, effective everyday routines.

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Recommended picks

Daily SunscreenDaily UV protection that has to be wearable enough to stick with.Azelaic AcidA focused 10% azelaic acid when uneven tone or blemish marks are the concern.Gentle CleanserComfortable cleansing when tight or squeaky skin is a warning sign.
Not sure where to start?Browse three carefully selected essentials, then ask on WhatsApp before you order.

Learn

Go deeper into skin science, myths, evidence, and safety.

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Hazardous ingredients

Safety hubStart with mercury, steroids, PPD and other hazardous substances.Ingredient safety indexBrowse Phase 1 and Phase 2 hazardous ingredients.Mercury in whitening creamsLabel names, Punjab alerts, and what to do now.

Product literacy

Product literacy hubHow to read labels, claims, and INCI lists before you buy.How to read an ingredient labelINCI order, Parfum, and missing-list red flags.Fragrance-free vs unscentedHow to verify a fragrance-free claim on the ingredient list.How to choose sunscreenBroad spectrum, wearability, and a readable pack — not a fairness claim.

Skin science

Skin color geneticsHow inherited traits shape skin color.Skin color typesHow skin tone is commonly grouped.Are skin types genetic?What genetics can and cannot explain.

Evidence and myths

Can all skin types tan?Tanning, risk, and skin type.Is oily skin good or bad?A balanced view of oily skin.Why Korean skin looks flawlessTrend claims translated into practical basics.
Want the evidence layer?Use why-guides when you want causes, mechanisms, and context.

Skin Conditions & Types

What Are the Different Types of Hyperpigmentation?

Not all hyperpigmentation is the same. The three main types - PIH, melasma, and sunspots - have different causes, appearances, and treatment approaches. Understanding which type you have is the first step to effective treatment.

Quick answerThe three main types of hyperpigmentation are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is caused by skin inflammation; melasma, which is triggered by hormonal changes; and sunspots (solar lentigines), which are caused by sun exposure.

Medically reviewed by Dermatology reviewer · Updated Jul 18, 2026 · 4 min read

Illustration showing the three main types of hyperpigmentation
Type 1Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Type 2Melasma
Type 3Sunspots (solar lentigines)
Key DifferenceCauses and appearance vary
TreatmentDepends on the type

Key answer

Key for treatment

Understanding which type of hyperpigmentation you have is essential for choosing the right treatment and setting realistic expectations.

Evidence
Strong - Key for treatment
Best for
Anyone with hyperpigmentation who wants to understand their condition
Limitation
Those seeking a one-size-fits-all treatment for hyperpigmentation

See what the evidence shows

Short version

Story in brief

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term that covers several distinct conditions. The three most common types are PIH, melasma, and sunspots. They share a common mechanism - excess melanin production - but differ in their causes, appearances, and treatment responses.

PIH is caused by inflammation, such as from acne or eczema. It appears as flat, dark spots in areas of past inflammation. Melasma is triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control pills. It appears as larger, symmetrical patches on the face. Sunspots are caused by cumulative sun exposure and appear as round, brown patches on sun-exposed areas.

The distinction between these types is crucial because they respond to different treatments. Understanding which type you have can help you choose the right approach and set realistic expectations.

Mental model

Visual explanation

Evidence

What the evidence shows

Understanding the type of hyperpigmentation you have is essential because different types respond to different treatments. PIH often fades with niacinamide, melasma may need hormonal management, and sunspots require sun protection and targeted treatments.

  • Did it appear after inflammation (acne, eczema)?

    Likely PIH.

  • Is it on your face in a symmetrical pattern?

    Could be melasma.

  • Is it on sun-exposed areas (face, hands)?

    Could be sunspots.

Use this section to decide

Does this advice apply to me?

Find the concern or goal closest to yours, then use the fit signal to decide how much weight to give this guide.
Strong fit means the advice is central to that goal.Depends means formula, tolerance, or context matters more.Use caution means do not treat it as the main answer.

  • If your goal is

    PIHUsually relevant
    Fit signal
    Often useful

    Inflammation, dark spots

  • If your goal is

    MelasmaUse caution
    Fit signal
    Limited evidence

    Hormonal, facial patches

  • If your goal is

    SunspotsUse caution
    Fit signal
    Limited evidence

    UV exposure, brown patches

  • If your goal is

    Key TipUse caution
    Fit signal
    Limited evidence

    Identify type for treatment

Research notes already in this guide

  • PIH is well-documented as a response to inflammation.
  • Melasma is linked to hormonal changes and UV exposure.
  • Sunspots are clearly caused by cumulative UV exposure.

Practical use

How to use it

  1. Identify the type of hyperpigmentation you have

    Look at the appearance, location, and history of your pigmentation.

  2. Choose the right treatment

    Different types require different approaches.

  3. Always use sunscreen

    Sun protection is essential for all types of hyperpigmentation.

Safety

Side effects and cautions

  • Treating all hyperpigmentation the same way

    Different types require different treatments.

  • Confusing PIH with melasma

    PIH is caused by inflammation, melasma by hormones.

  • Not using sunscreen for all types

    Sunscreen is essential for preventing and treating all types.

Fit

Who should be careful

  • Those seeking a one-size-fits-all treatment for hyperpigmentation

Worth noting

Small details that can change the answer

  • PIH Causes. Inflammation from acne, eczema, or injury.
  • Melasma Causes. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control).
  • Sunspot Causes. Cumulative sun exposure over many years.
  • Treatment Response. Types respond differently to treatments.

The three main types of hyperpigmentation are PIH, melasma, and sunspots.

PIH is caused by inflammation.

Melasma is triggered by hormonal changes.

Sunspots are caused by cumulative sun exposure.

Different types require different treatment approaches.

Definition

The three main types of hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is divided into three main types based on cause and appearance. Each type requires a specific treatment approach.

  • PIH: Caused by inflammation, flat dark spots
  • Melasma: Hormonal, larger facial patches
  • Sunspots: UV exposure, round brown patches
  • Treatment: Varies by type

Explanation

Comparing the three types

PIH is the most common type and is often temporary, fading with treatment. Melasma is more persistent and often requires a combination of treatments. Sunspots are also persistent but respond well to treatments that address pigmentation.

Benefits

Why knowing the type matters

Identifying the type of hyperpigmentation you have is essential for choosing the right treatment. It also helps set realistic expectations for how long treatment will take and what results to expect.

  • Helps choose the right treatment
  • Sets realistic expectations
  • Avoids wasting time on ineffective treatments
  • Helps understand the underlying cause

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common type of hyperpigmentation?

PIH is the most common, especially in people with darker skin tones.

Can you have more than one type of hyperpigmentation?

Yes, it's possible to have multiple types simultaneously.

Is melasma a type of hyperpigmentation?

Yes, melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes.

Are sunspots the same as freckles?

No, freckles are genetic and fade in winter, while sunspots are caused by UV exposure and persist.

References

Sources

The notes below are drawn from the evidence already cited in this guide. They are not a complete bibliography.

  1. PIH is well-documented as a response to inflammation.
  2. Melasma is linked to hormonal changes and UV exposure.
  3. Sunspots are clearly caused by cumulative UV exposure.