Some of the most common types of pigmented skin lesions include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which happens as a result of skin inflammation; melasma, which happens when your skin's melanin production increases in response to visible light and UV exposure; photo ageing, which refers to the ageing effect that prolonged sun exposure can have on our skin; and freckles, which are dark spots of pigment typically found on the face, neck and shoulders.

You may also have pigmentation issues due to trauma to the skin, such as burns, cuts or incorrect use of laser tools.

It can be — particularly, melasma is often caused by hormonal imbalances. This might explain why pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing melasma, and why it may also occur when a woman changes birth control pills.

Hyperpigmentation can go away on its own, but it depends on what is causing it. Plus, it can take a while for dark marks to disappear, and some never do completely. That's why using the best products for pigmentation can be such a great idea to achieve clearer, brighter skin.

Retinoids can help clear out hyperpigmentation and they're particularly effective in people with darker skin. Niacinamide also works really well for minimising dark spots, especially when paired with other active ingredients like retinol.

Azelaic acid and glycolic acid are great choices for those wanting to fade the appearance of acne scars, and lactic acid for age spots and dull skin. Last but not least, vitamin C works wonders for treating uneven skin tone, whether you're dealing with melasma, age spots, sun spots or acne scars.

When it comes to skincare for pigmentation, retinoid creams are a great product to have in your arsenal. They'll help keep your skin hydrated while stimulating cell turnover to minimise irregular pigmentation.

A high-quality brightening serum is another must-have and we love our Vitamin C + Ferulic Serum. Vitamin C has the benefits we mentioned before and ferulic acid targets dullness for a visibly brighter complexion. Pair it with a retinol oil in our Glow Booster for extra radiant skin (and anti-ageing benefits, if wrinkles and fine lines are another skincare concern).

And don't forget the SPF to prevent future UV damage that could otherwise lead to more dark spots.

Yes, all skin types can experience hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Most times, there's no reason to be worried about your dark spots. However, if you're unsure whether a spot is a mole, we do recommend you reach out to a doctor to get it checked out. Additionally, if your dark spots ever bleed, get swollen, hurt or change rapidly, be sure to mention it to your doctor as well.