Hyperpigmentation is a very common, typically harmless condition where patches of the skin are darker than the surrounding skin.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common being sun damage.
Darker patches can form after long exposure to the sun and generally start occurring in old age. Sometimes, these patches are referred to as liver spots, or 'solar lentigines'.
Another form of hyperpigmentation is called melasma, which occurs as a result of hormonal changes.
These spots can be triggered by pregnancy, or if a woman starts taking a form of birth control which alters her hormone levels.
Acne can also cause a form of hyperpigmentation, leaving behind a dark mark where the blemish had been.
The body may treat the area affected by the acne as if it were an injury, increasing the amount of melanin to the area and causing a dark spot to appear.
CBD has been shown time and time again to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very beneficial for skin health (see our blog on CBD's anti-inflammatory properties).
CBD can help regulate hormone levels, lessen acne, and treat psoriasis and eczema (se our blog on CBD for skin) - all of which, if reduced, can make hyperpigmentation less likely to occur.
CBD has also been shown to have antibiotic properties, helping to kill off harmful bacteria. This can prevent any infection in the skin that could then lead to hyperpigmentation later on.
But if hyperpigmentation that has already occurred from acne, or due to the body trying to heal the skin from sun damage, is treated with CBD, it will become less inflamed or irritated.
The dark colour should subsequently fade as the skin no longer sees this area as an “injury.”
CBD oil has also been shown to be calming and hydrating, two characteristics that will again help with hyperpigmentation by soothing the skin.
When the skin is soothed, it is likely to return to its natural colouring.