The Viral Resurgence Of The 'Is That Hyperpigmentation?' Meme: Origin, Meaning, And Skincare's New Inside Joke

The "Is That Hyperpigmentation?" meme has exploded back into the cultural zeitgeist in early 2025, cementing its status as one of the internet's most enduring and hilarious inside jokes. What started as a simple, funny moment between a mother and her daughter has transformed into a universal commentary on everything from exaggerated beauty standards to the obsessive nature of modern skincare routines, proving that timeless humor—especially when it involves a slightly rude portrait—always finds a way to resurface.

This viral phrase—often used to playfully point out any mark, stain, or dark spot with a dramatic, clinical tone—is currently dominating platforms like TikTok and Instagram, driving millions of views and inspiring countless recreations. It’s a perfect storm of relatable content, mixing the innocence of a child’s drawing with the high-stakes world of dermatology and cosmetic concerns, making it the unofficial "Word of the Year" (WOTY) nominee for the skincare community.

The Unexpected Origin Story of the Hyperpigmentation Meme

The entire phenomenon is rooted in a single, heartwarming, and utterly hilarious video from 2019.

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• The Creator: The original video was filmed by a woman named Sonia Tiebi, who is known on TikTok as @hotfudgesonia.
• The Setup: The clip features Tiebi showing a portrait of herself drawn by her young daughter.
• The Portrait: The drawing is a comically exaggerated, crude depiction. Crucially, the daughter used a dark color to heavily shade the mother's cheek and jaw area, creating prominent spots or patches.
• The Iconic Line: Upon seeing the unflattering, yet innocent, depiction of the dark patches on her face, Sonia Tiebi delivers the now-iconic line: "Is that hyperpigmentation?" The parents’ subsequent laughter perfectly captures the moment's absurdity.

The video quickly went viral, initially circulating on YouTube and other platforms before becoming a staple sound and template on TikTok. The humor lies in the mother's immediate, clinical diagnosis of a feature that her child clearly viewed as a prominent characteristic. The phrase has since evolved into a versatile reaction meme, used whenever someone points out a flaw, a stain, or an imperfection in a comically formal or exaggerated way.

Why the Meme Resurfaced and Went Viral (Again) in 2025

While the original video is from 2019, its massive resurgence in early 2025 has cemented its place in internet history. This latest wave of popularity is driven by several cultural factors that make the meme more relevant than ever.

The Skincare Renaissance and Dermatological Obsession

The most significant driver is the current obsession with skincare, often referred to as the "Skincare Renaissance." In 2025, terms like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), sun damage, and acne scars are common vocabulary, not just for dermatologists but for the average consumer.

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The meme perfectly satirizes this culture. It mocks the tendency to immediately slap a scientific diagnosis on any perceived skin flaw. When a user sees a dark spot on a piece of furniture, a stain on clothing, or even a dark shadow in a photo, the question, "Is that hyperpigmentation?" is the perfect, self-aware joke for a generation that watches Dr. Dray and Skincare by Hyram.

The Power of Relatability and Self-Deprecation

The meme’s universal appeal comes from its relatability. Many people, particularly those with melanin-rich skin, struggle with hyperpigmentation, a condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. The meme encourages a moment of self-deprecating humor about a common, often frustrating, skin condition, turning a source of insecurity into a shared laugh. It subtly promotes a conversation about self-love and accepting imperfections, which resonates deeply with current social media trends.

The 2025 Recreation Trend

Adding to the current lore, the Tiebi family recently participated in the trend by recreating the original video, with the now-older daughter and mother participating. This update provided a fresh, nostalgic boost to the meme, reminding the internet of its wholesome origin and sparking a new wave of content creation.

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The Real Science: Understanding Hyperpigmentation

While the meme is a joke, the underlying dermatological condition is very real and complex. Understanding the science behind hyperpigmentation is essential for anyone serious about their skincare routine and topical authority.

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless, skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark spots or patches on the skin. This darkening occurs due to an overproduction of melanin—the pigment responsible for giving skin its color—which is deposited unevenly in the skin.

Common Types and Causes of Hyperpigmentation

The condition is typically categorized into several main types, each with distinct causes:

• Melasma: Often called the "mask of pregnancy," melasma is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations. It results in symmetrical, large patches of darkening, typically on the face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip). Triggers include pregnancy hormones, birth control pills, and sun exposure.
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is the most common type and occurs after an injury or inflammation to the skin. It’s the dark mark left behind after a bout of acne, eczema, psoriasis, or a skin procedure.
• Sunspots (Age Spots or Liver Spots): These are caused by prolonged sun exposure and UV damage. They appear as small, darkened spots, most commonly on sun-exposed areas like the hands, face, and arms.

Key Entities for Treatment and Prevention

For those looking to actually address hyperpigmentation (and not just make a meme about it), dermatologists consistently recommend a few key ingredients and practices.

The single most crucial step in prevention is daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Since UV light is the primary trigger for melanin production, sun protection is non-negotiable.

Effective treatment involves topical agents that inhibit melanin production or increase cell turnover:

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and protects against environmental damage.
• Retinoids (Retinol or Tretinoin): These increase skin cell turnover, helping to shed the pigmented cells faster.
• Hydroquinone: A powerful bleaching agent often prescribed by a dermatologist for severe cases.
• Azelaic Acid and Kojic Acid: These are gentler alternatives that also help to lighten dark spots.
• In-Office Procedures: For stubborn pigmentation, treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion can be highly effective when performed by a professional.

The Cultural Impact: From Drawing to Dialogue

The "Is That Hyperpigmentation?" meme has done more than just provide a laugh; it has inadvertently become a cultural bridge. It connects the highly technical language of dermatology with the everyday experiences of millions, normalizing a common skin condition through humor.

By transforming a term like hyperpigmentation from a clinical diagnosis into a punchline, the meme has made the topic less intimidating and more approachable. It’s a testament to how internet culture can take specific, niche concepts and turn them into globally recognized, shared experiences, proving that sometimes, the best way to talk about a serious topic is to start with a hilarious, slightly crude drawing by a child. The meme's sustained popularity in 2025 suggests this trend is far from over, and the internet will continue to find new ways to use this iconic question.