Before
![Fighting Uneven Tone?](/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Middle-aged-mixed-race-woman-after-hyperpigmentation-treatment.jpg" "Fighting Uneven Tone?")
After
Fighting Uneven Tone?
Hyperpigmentation impacts 1 in 3 people, primarily those over the age of 35, presenting as patchy skin.
Though it does not have to be permanent.
How It Works?
Fade hyperpigmentation in 3 simple steps with Monderma:
Submit
Complete a free ingredient analysis
Start
Get your monthly hyperpigmentation formula
Support
See progress—cancel, restart anytime
What's In Your Nightly Cream?
Delivered in a vegan base of hyaluronic acid and peptides, your personalised blend contains up to 3 dermatological actives, designed for optimal efficacy.
Recyclable
Vegan Friendly
Cruelty Free
Fragrance Free
Alcohol Free
GPhC Regulated Pharmacy
MHRA Approved Suppliers
Dermatologically Tested
Pharmacist Led
The Monderma Difference
| Retail | VS |  |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple products | All-in-one multitasker | |
| Batch produced | Personalised | |
| Over-the-counter | Pharmacist-led | |
| Cosmetic ingredients | Dermatological actives | |
| Non-micronised | Micronised | |
| Limited strength | Higher strength | |
| Self-assessment | GPhC-regulated | |
| Elementary checks | MHRA-suppliers | |
Maximum Hyperpigmentation Results
Hyperpigmentation formulas are supplied by GPhC registered prescribers and pharmacists for safe, effective use.
Individual results differ, but you will typically notice less sun spots and melasma. Mild side effects such as peeling, tingling, and redness may initially occur as your skin adjusts.
Tried, Tested, Loved: Hear It Firsthand
Changing skin without the needles!
“I was at a stage where my skin felt quite dull, tired and dry. I forged this part of my daily evening routine and my god…. Thanks for making this for me!!”
– Kavita G, Oxfordshire, UK
Monderma is a skincare saviour
“Small areas of freckling and pigmentation have disappeared, the texture of my skin is smooth and even and my skin looks better now than 10 years ago!”
– Sarah V, Oxfordshire, UK
Soften sun spots, lighten melasma, and heal injury powerfully—brighten your skin’s future with Monderma.
Claim 50% off and enjoy free shipping on dermatology-strength hyperpigmentation fading treatment today.
Still Have Questions?
Hyperpigmentation affects 1 in 3 people in the UK, mostly those over 35.
Women are more likely to be affected by hyperpigmentation than men.
Darker skin tones are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation, although it also significantly impacts lighter skin tones.
Visible symptoms of hyperpigmentation include spots or patches of skin darker than the surrounding area.
The face is the primary site of hyperpigmentation. It also affects 20% of people on the neck and chest, 10% on the shoulders and back, 30% on the arms, while 10% develop it on the legs.
Hyperpigmentation consists of 3 subtypes:
| Subtype | Description | Common Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Lentigines (liver spots) | Clustered, flat, brown, or black spots | Face, neck, arms, and legs |
| Melasma (the mask of pregnancy) | Symmetrical, flat, brown, or grey-brown patches | Face, neck, and torso |
| Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation (acquired melanosis) | Raised, red, brown, or black spots, or patches | Injured areas of the body |
Around 50% of people with hyperpigmentation have solar lentigines, 25% develop melasma, and 50% suffer from postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The term “hyper” means more, while “pigment” refers to colour.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of hair, eyes, and skin.
The causes of hyperpigmentation include:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Photoageing | Photoageing is the prolonged and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and artificial UV sources like tanning beds. Over time, cumulative UV radiation stimulates melanin production in areas frequently exposed to the sun, causing the formation of solar lentigines |
| Injury | Injury to the skin, including from acne, eczema, burns, or wounds, leads to inflammation. As the skin heals, it produces excess melanin, which is then deposited in the affected area. This can cause dark spots and patches, which appear red, brown, grey, or black, depending on skin tone |
Other factors that can contribute to the development of hyperpigmentation are:
| Contributor | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Genetics play a significant role in hyperpigmentation, with some people naturally more predisposed. For example, freckles are typically inherited and more common in lighter skin tones. Melasma tends to run in families and is more common in darker skin tones |
| Hormones | Hormones trigger an increase in melanin production. For instance, oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations, especially during pregnancy can contribute to melasma. Stress is also known to elevate melanin levels. Hormonal conditions like Addison’s disease, thyroid imbalances, or insulin resistance can lead to dark skin spots and patches, like those seen in acanthosis nigricans |
| Medications | Medications can affect melanin production. Some medications used to treat heart disease and antibiotics, for example, are known to cause dark spots and patches. Hormonal treatments, like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, can contribute to melasma |
Hyperpigmentation is common on darker skin tones, which already have a higher melanin content.
Monderma’s GPhC-registered prescribers can diagnose hyperpigmentation by visual assessment of uploaded images or a video consultation.
This examination determines the extent and severity of the affected areas, which include your face and neck. Its clinical manifestations can vary widely, and diagnosis relies on both distribution patterns and their characteristic patterns to determine severity.
Monderma's prescribers gather information on your symptoms and medical history to understand their timeline and any changes over time. This supports the identification of underlying causes and contributing factors.
The severity of hyperpigmentation can range from mild to severe:
| Severity | Distribution | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | 1-19% | Localised areas on sun-exposed areas |
| Moderate | 20-49% | Noticeable patches of darker skin, more frequent, and larger spots |
| Severe | >50% | Deep, dark patches, extensive uneven skin tone |
When diagnosing hyperpigmentation, it's important to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Acanthosis Nigricans | Acanthosis Nigricans manifests as dark, thick, velvety patches in skin folds like the back of the neck, armpits, and groins, and is often associated with insulin resistance, obesity, or hormonal conditions like PCOS |
| Addison's Disease | Addison's Disease leads to generalised skin darkening, particularly on pressure points and skin folds, due to adrenal dysfunction, and is usually accompanied by fatigue and low blood pressure |
| Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans | Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans is characterised by greyish or ashy patches on the face and neck, frequently linked to genetic and environmental factors, and is more common in darker skin tones |
| Hemochromatosis | Hemochromatosis results in bronzed or darker skin due to excess iron deposits, typically accompanied by liver disease and joint pain |
| Lichen Planus Pigmentosus | Lichen Planus Pigmentosus causes dark patches on the face and neck, is often linked to autoimmune conditions or sun exposure, and is more common in darker skin tones |
| Lupus Erythematosus | Lupus Erythematosus often leads to dark spots following a red rash, especially on sun-exposed areas like the nose and cheeks, and is associated with joint pain and fatigue |
| Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome | Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome presents with dark spots around the mouth and fingers, which are frequently associated with gastrointestinal polyps and an increased cancer risk |
| Tinea Versicolor | Tinea Versicolor appears as fungal infection-induced patches of lighter or darker skin, commonly on the chest or back, affecting melanin production |
A skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out another condition. This information is for informational purposes only. For specific concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
If over-the-counter products have been ineffective or your skin is at risk of complications, Monderma may recommend a personalised treatment plan.
Each monthly hyperpigmentation formula is carefully designed by Monderma’s GPhC-registered prescribers. They determine the optimal ingredients and strengths based on your free consultation.
Your treatment is further refined through ongoing feedback. This ensures it remains safe, effective, and tailored to your skin's unique needs.
This plan may contain up to 3 of the following dermatological ingredients:
| Ingredient | Properties |
|---|---|
| Retinoid | Speeds up skin cell renewal to shrink pores, clear spots, and smooth fine lines |
| Lightening Agent | Reduces melanin to lighten patches of darker skin. |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Blocks irritable molecules to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and lighten patches of darker skin |
| Corticosteroid | Inhibits the production of melanin to reduce swelling and inflammation |
| Antioxidant | Strengthens the skin’s barrier function to lock in moisture and boost suppleness |
A hyperpigmentation formula should be paired with daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Visible results may start to be seen after 1 week, but lasting results typically take 8 weeks or longer. It is important to be patient and follow your treatment plan.
More information about each of Monderma's ingredients can be found in the information leaflet. This includes directions for use, safety information, storage, potential side effects, and reporting.
People with hyperpigmentation that changes colour or does not improve with treatment should consult a doctor, chemist, or nurse. They will conduct a more thorough examination of the condition and, if necessary, perform a skin biopsy.
The complications and challenges associated with hyperpigmentation include:
| Complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Recurrence | In cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), ongoing skin inflammation can result in pigmentation to persist and worsen over time. Even after successful treatment, hyperpigmentation may reappear if the underlying cause is not addressed and proper sun protection practices are not followed |
| Scarring | Scarring can occur, primarily as a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When the skin is repeatedly injured, irritated, or exposed to sunlight without protection, the risk of deeper and longer-lasting pigmentation rises, resulting in uneven skin texture and tone. In some cases, this could be more difficult to treat than the original hyperpigmentation. Acne-related hyperpigmentation may indicate deeper scarring, requiring more intensive treatment |
| Texture Changes | Texture changes in hyperpigmentation occur when the skin becomes uneven, rough, or raised as a result of inflammation or injury. These changes often accompany dark spots, particularly when the healing process is hampered by factors like picking at wounds or sun exposure. The combination of discolouration and irregular texture can make hyperpigmentation more visible |
| Treatment-Related | Treatment like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy carry risks such as scarring, infection, or worsened pigmentation if not performed correctly or without proper aftercare. Furthermore, if applied inconsistently or without professional guidance, both topical treatments and procedures can result in uneven skin tone, and allergic reactions to topical ingredients can aggravate the skin, exacerbating hyperpigmentation |
| Underlying Health Conditions | Underlying health conditions can be associated with a variety of pigmentation changes, most notably disruptions in melanin production. Inflammatory conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hormonal imbalances, such as those seen during pregnancy or with the use of birth control, can result in melasma. Addison's disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands, causes widespread skin darkening due to increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause dark patches, particularly on the neck and armpits. Furthermore, certain metabolic or genetic conditions, such as hemochromatosis or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, can cause an increase in pigmentation |
| Psychosocial | Psychosocial impacts of hyperpigmented areas, particularly those that are prominent or widespread, can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. People may experience anxiety, depression, or emotional distress as a result of how their skin appears. Some people may avoid social situations, outdoor activities, or wearing clothing that reveals the affected areas, which can reduce quality of life and self-expression |
Addressing hyperpigmentation early and adhering to sun protection measures are key steps in minimising the risk of complications and improving skin appearance and overall wellbeing.