Pigmentation is also called Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe areas of uneven pigmentation in the skin. Hyperpigmentation appears as darkened patches or spots on the skin that make the skin look uneven. It occurs in small patches, covers larger areas, and affects the skin to a significant extent.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma:
Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they appear most commonly on the stomach and face.
Sunspots:
Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are common. They’re related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.
This is a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause of this type is acne.