Hyperpigmentation: Those dark spots on your face that some of us try to cover with a concealer. Blemishes like this can disrupt an otherwise perfect complexion and can be frustrating—especially when they appear in cycles just when you think old ones are clearing up.

The key to clearing and preventing hyperpigmentation is understanding its many causes—and yes, there are many.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is caused by excess melanin in the skin (melanin is what creates color in our skin, hair, and eyes). Many things can factor into triggering excess melanin production, the most common being sun exposure, inflammation due to illness, and acne.

How do I treat hyperpigmentation?

Now that you know some of the triggers, you can narrow down the factors that are affecting you and create a regimen that will work for you. But before you rush to buy expensive products, treating hyperpigmentation starts with better skin habits in general:

• Stop picking and/or squeezing your face. Instead, rub ice on pustules and pimples for a couple of minutes, twice a day.

• Always wear sunscreen. Always. Even if it’s overcast and raining outside. Even if you plan to stay in the house all day. Apply sunscreen and reapply as needed.

• You (and your skin) are what you eat. Try to limit and or avoid foods high in androgens like animal products and saturated fats, which can trigger acne.

Add these tips to your regimen alongside your brightening routine. And pack your patience. Your skin needs time to heal, so you have to be committed to healthier skin habits every day to activate your best, most radiant skin.