The colouring of the skin is referred to as its pigmentation. A pigmentation disorder will cause a change in the colour of the skin, which is controlled by the amount of melanin that is present. Hyperpigmentation is when the skin develops darker patches, such as with age spots.

This condition is often found to be harmless that causes discomfort of cosmetic nature. Exposure to the sun, trauma or injury to the skin and hormonal changes are the most likely reasons for developing discolouration to the skin, usually causing small patches of darker skin on various parts of the face or body. Older people are most often affected by pigmentation issues which gives the perception that this condition is an age related concern. This is not always the case but is simply that it develops over time. Areas where pigmentation is most likely to be seen includes: the face, shoulders, neck and hands