Body Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Types, and How to Treat Dark Spots

September 10, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

Woman wearing white sports bra and orange shorts applies body hyperpigmentation serum to underarms

Body hyperpigmentation can show up for all kinds of reasons, even when you’re applying sunscreen daily.

And when it comes to your body, treating dark spots isn’t quite the same as treating them on your face. Body skin can be thicker and is often dealing with friction, shaving, sweat, and irritation, which can all contribute to uneven tone.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes and types of body hyperpigmentation, how to treat dark marks by body zone, and the evidence-backed ingredients that can help fade discoloration without leaving your skin feeling irritated.

What is Body Hyperpigmentation?

Body hyperpigmentation is simply skin that appears darker in certain areas because of increased or uneven melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its color.

When melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, get triggered by things like inflammation, friction, shaving, or UV exposure, they can produce and release more pigment than usual. The result? Dark spots, patches, or areas of uneven tone that can stick around long after the original irritation has healed.

Common Types of Hyperpigmentation

Not all hyperpigmentation is the same. Where the pigment sits in the skin can affect how it looks, what causes it, and how it responds to treatment. Here are some of the most common types you may notice on the body:

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

One of the most common causes of body dark spots, PIH can develop after acne, shaving, eczema, ingrown hairs, or other irritation. It appears as flat spots or patches that can look pink, red, purple, brown, or dark brown depending on your skin tone.

Melasma

Influenced by hormonal changes and UV exposure, melasma most often affects the face but can also appear on sun-exposed areas like the shoulders and forearms. It typically looks like larger, uneven patches of brown or gray-brown pigmentation.

Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots)

Caused by cumulative UV exposure, these are common on areas like the chest, shoulders, arms, and back. They usually appear as small, flat, clearly defined spots ranging from light tan to dark brown.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Often associated with underlying factors such as insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans commonly appears in skin folds like the neck, underarms, and groin. Unlike a typical dark spot, the skin can look darker, thicker, and velvety.

Causes of Body Hyperpigmentation

So, what causes those stubborn dark spots on your body? Body hyperpigmentation can happen when something irritates or triggers the skin, causing melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) to make more pigment. Once the irritation settles, that extra pigment can stick around as a dark spot or patch. Here are some of the most common triggers:

Friction & Chafing: Constant rubbing from skin, clothing, or movement can irritate the skin and lead to darker patches. This is especially common on the inner thighs, underarms, groin, and under the bust.

Shaving, Waxing & Ingrown Hairs: Hair removal can irritate the skin (especially if you're skipping shaving cream or using a dull razor). Ingrown hairs can also cause inflammation. Once the skin heals, it may leave behind a dark mark, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Body Acne & Folliculitis: Breakouts on the back, chest, buttocks, and other areas can leave dark marks behind even after the pimple or bump is gone. The more inflamed the breakout, the more likely it is to leave pigmentation.

Irritation & Over-Exfoliation: Scrubbing too hard or using too many strong skincare products can damage your skin barrier and cause inflammation. And inflammation can lead to more pigmentation.

Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can darken existing spots and contribute to new ones. Areas like the chest, shoulders, arms, and back are especially exposed.

Hormones & Other Internal Factors: Hormonal changes, including those during pregnancy or with certain hormonal treatments, can contribute to hyperpigmentation. Acanthosis nigricans can also be linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic factors.

Dark Marks vs. True Scars

Not every mark left behind after a breakout, ingrown hair, or irritation is a scar. Knowing the difference between dark marks and scars can help you choose the right treatment.

Dark marks (PIH) feel smooth and flat and can look red, purple, brown, or nearly black depending on your skin tone. Because the skin’s texture hasn’t changed, these marks can gradually fade with consistent topical treatments.

Scars are different because they involve a change in the skin’s texture or structure, usually caused by changes to collagen during the healing process.

The easy way to tell:

Flat + discolored = likely a dark mark.

Raised or indented = more likely a true scar.

Topical skincare can help improve the appearance of many dark marks, but true scars often need professional treatments to significantly change their texture.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation on the Body

When it comes to body hyperpigmentation, gentle and consistent wins over aggressive. Brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, kojic acid, and azelaic acid can help even out the appearance of skin over time. Gentle exfoliating acids, such as mandelic acid and lactic acid, can also help remove dead skin cells and leave skin looking smoother and brighter.

Underarms

Dark underarms are often linked to shaving, friction, and irritation from deodorants. Start by reducing irritation: use a sharp razor with a moisturizing shave cream, shave in the direction of hair growth, and avoid repeatedly going over the same area.

For existing dark patches, gentle ingredients like niacinamide and mandelic acid can help brighten and smooth the look of uneven skin tone.

Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Deodorant combines both ingredients, plus it’s aluminum-free, so it’s a great way to refresh, smooth, and brighten your underarms without leaving them irritated.

Inner Thighs & Bikini Line

Dark inner thighs are often caused by chafing and friction. Whereas dark spots on the bikini line are usually linked to shaving, waxing, and ingrown hairs. But you can treat both the same way.

Start by reducing the irritation that can cause new marks. Choose breathable clothing, minimize friction (wear anti-chafe shorts or apply Vaseline to your inner thighs), and avoid picking at ingrown hairs.

For existing discoloration, gentle brightening ingredients such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C can help improve the appearance of uneven tone over time.

Knees & Elbows

Friction and dry, rough skin are the common culprits behind dark knees and elbows. To remedy it, start exfoliating and hydrating these areas. You can use a very gentle scrub or a serum with AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid to brighten the skin. Alternatively, gentle plant-based ingredients like pomegranate and licorice root extract can also be effective.

A top pick is Truly's Strawberry Blossoms Body Peel Spray which gently sheds away pigmented cells for a brighter, more even appearance.

Buttocks, Back & Chest

If you’re seeing hyperpigmentation on any of these areas, the most likely culprits are body acne, folliculitis, sweat, and friction from tight clothing.

Treat the cause and the marks together. If you’re still getting breakouts, focus on keeping the area clear with a salicylic acid cleanser and reducing friction. Once the skin is calm, brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid can help fade the look of the marks left behind.

For stubborn spots, Truly’s Laser Spot Dark Spot Serum can be used as a targeted treatment on areas such as the chest, back, legs, and buttocks. Apply it consistently to clean, dry skin and give your routine time to work.

Top Skincare Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation

The right ingredients can help fade the look of dark marks without unnecessarily irritating your skin. Here are some of the best ingredients for dark spots:

Niacinamide: Helps improve the look of uneven pigmentation while supporting the skin barrier. A double-blind trial found that 4% niacinamide significantly improved hyperpigmentation after nine weeks.

Azelaic Acid: Helps target both inflammation and pigmentation, making it especially useful for areas prone to breakouts, ingrown hairs, and dark marks.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps brighten uneven-looking skin and protect against environmental stressors. Great for sun-exposed areas like the chest, shoulders, and arms.

A 2023 systematic review of clinical studies found that topical vitamin C showed significant improvements in pigmentation, although researchers noted that results can vary depending on the formulation and concentration used.

Kojic Acid & Alpha Arbutin: Brightening ingredients that help reduce the appearance of excess pigmentation and are often used in targeted dark spot treatments.

Mandelic Acid: A gentle AHA that exfoliates the skin’s surface, helping smooth rough texture and improve the look of uneven tone. It’s a good option for areas like the underarms and bikini line.

Salicylic Acid: Helps keep pores clear and prevent ingrown hairs, making it useful for body acne and the dark marks it can leave behind.

Sunscreen: Don't skip SPF. UV exposure can make existing pigmentation darker and contribute to new spots, so use broad-spectrum sunscreen for hyperpigmentation on exposed areas.

You don’t need to use every active at once. Choose based on your skin’s needs, introduce new ingredients gradually, and stay consistent. For targeted dark spots, Truly’s Laser Spot Dark Spot Serum combines exfoliating and brightening ingredients to help improve the appearance of stubborn discoloration over time.

When to See a Dermatologist

Most body dark marks are harmless and can gradually improve with a consistent skincare routine. But sometimes, pigmentation is a sign of something that needs a closer look. It’s worth seeing a dermatologist if your pigmentation:

Appears suddenly or changes quickly
Keeps spreading or getting darker despite your routine
Is thick, raised, itchy, painful, or changing in texture
Has an unusual shape, uneven border, or multiple colors
Appears in the neck, underarms, or other skin folds without an obvious cause
Comes with other unexplained symptoms

A dermatologist can help identify what’s causing the hyperpigmentation and recommend the right treatment. This is especially important because conditions such as melasma, acanthosis nigricans, and certain types of skin lesions can look like ordinary dark spots but require different approaches.

For stubborn body hyperpigmentation that isn’t responding to over-the-counter skincare, a dermatologist may also recommend prescription treatments such as hydroquinone or other targeted therapies.

Best Products to Treat Body Hyperpigmentation

Best Overall

Laser Spot Dark Spot Treatment

Dark Spot Serum With 4% Niacinamide

Best for Sensitive Skin

Jelly Booster Pigment Body Potion

Targeted Brightening + Discoloration Treatment

Best for Underarms

Pink deodorant stick with 'Truly' branding on a white background

Unicorn Fruit Skin Brightening and Smoothing Deodorant

Aluminum-Free Brightening Deodorant

Best for Elbows & Knees

Strawberry Blossom Smooth & Brighten Body Peel Spray

Exfoliating Body Peel

Disclaimer: Content on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hyperpigmentation can sometimes mimic serious skin conditions. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

References

Jafry, M., Guan, L. L., & Mohammad, T. F. (2024). A Practical Guide to Over-the-Counter Treatments for Hyperpigmentation. JEADV Clinical Practice. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jvc2.385

Kashetsky, N., Feschuk, A., & Pratt, M. E. (2024). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: A systematic review of treatment outcomes. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 38(3), 470–479. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.19566

Correia, G., & Magina, S. (2023). Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(7), 1938–1945. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15748

Tan, M. G., Kim, W. B., Jo, C. E., Nabieva, K., Kirshen, C., & Ortiz, A. E. (2022). Topical Treatment for Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A Systematic Review. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 33(5), 2518–2526. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2021.1981814