Detailed answer

Hyperpigmentation refers to a condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas. It can be caused by various factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, or certain medical conditions. Dark spots, on the other hand, are a specific type of hyperpigmentation that refers to localized areas of increased pigmentation. Dark spots often result from excessive melanin production in response to UV damage or inflammation. While hyperpigmentation is a broader term that encompasses dark spots, it can also include conditions like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or overall uneven skin tone. Therefore, dark spots are a subset of hyperpigmentation, characterized by small, well-defined areas of increased pigmentation on the skin.