Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries, including those related to acne vulgaris.

Melanin is a class of pigment responsible for producing color in the body in places such as the eyes, skin, and hair.

[11] Most often treatment of hyperpigmentation caused by melanin overproduction (such as melasma, acne scarring, liver spots) includes the use of topical depigmenting agents, which vary in their efficacy and safety, as well as in prescription rules.

[18][19] Hydroquinone was the most commonly prescribed hyperpigmentation treatment before the long-term safety concerns were raised,[20] and the use of it became more regulated in several countries and discouraged in general by WHO.

In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 56 Filipino women, treatment was associated with significant improvements in the left and right malar regions, and was safe and well tolerated.