Pigmentation — dark patches, spots or uneven skin tone — is among the most common skin concerns in India. Skin with more natural melanin is more likely to develop visible dark marks after sun exposure, inflammation or hormonal changes. The good news is that most pigmentation can be improved, provided the right type is identified first.

What is pigmentation?

Skin colour comes from melanin, made by cells called melanocytes. When these cells produce too much melanin in a particular area — because of sun, inflammation, hormones or other triggers — the area looks darker than the surrounding skin.

Common types of facial pigmentation

Melasma

Brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, often symmetrical. It is linked to hormones, sun exposure and genetics, and is more common in women. Melasma tends to be stubborn and can return, so it is managed rather than "cured once".

Sun spots (solar lentigines)

Flat, well-defined brown spots that appear on areas that get the most sun, such as cheeks, nose and the backs of the hands. They build up over years of UV exposure.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Dark marks left behind after acne, a rash, an insect bite or an injury. These are very common after pimples and generally fade over time, though sun exposure can make them last longer.

Under-eye darkness

This can come from pigmentation, thin skin, visible blood vessels, sleep and genetics — often a mix. Read more about under-eye and dark circle treatment.

What triggers or worsens pigmentation?

  • UV and visible light — the biggest trigger. Delhi's strong sun makes daily protection essential.
  • Hormonal changes — pregnancy, birth-control pills and thyroid or other hormonal conditions can trigger melasma.
  • Inflammation — acne, eczema, waxing burns or aggressive treatments can leave marks.
  • Certain medicines and cosmetics — some can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
  • Picking or scrubbing — irritating the skin often darkens the mark.

Treatment options dermatologists use

There is no single treatment that suits every kind of pigmentation. A dermatologist chooses based on the type, depth and your skin type, and often combines approaches:

  • Sun protection — a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), reapplied during the day, plus a hat or umbrella. Without this, other treatments lose effect.
  • Prescription topical products — brightening and pigment-regulating creams prescribed for a defined period and monitored by a doctor.
  • Chemical peels — superficial peels can help even out tone and fade marks when chosen to suit your skin. See chemical peel treatment.
  • Medical facials and skin-brightening procedures — used as part of a plan to improve tone and radiance. See skin lightening treatment.
  • Lasers and light-based devices — useful for some types such as sun spots, but they must be matched carefully to the condition and skin type, because the wrong settings can make melasma worse.
For pigmentation, the right diagnosis matters more than the most powerful treatment. The same patch can need very different care depending on its cause.

How long does it take to see a difference?

Pigmentation is slow to change because the pigment sits in different skin layers. Many people see early improvement over several weeks, but a full plan commonly runs for months, and maintenance with sunscreen continues afterwards. Your dermatologist can give a realistic estimate after examining your skin; results vary from person to person.

Daily habits that protect your results

  • Apply sunscreen every morning, even indoors near windows or on cloudy days, and reapply if you are outdoors for long.
  • Do not pick at pimples or scrub dark patches.
  • Avoid trying several brightening products at once, which often irritates the skin and darkens the area.
  • Do not start leftover prescription creams without advice, and avoid long-term use of strong steroid or "fairness" creams.

When to see a dermatologist

Get assessed if a patch is new, changing in shape or colour, itchy or bleeding (a dermatologist should check any suspicious mole or spot), or if your pigmentation has not improved with sunscreen and a simple routine. For widespread or stubborn patches, an assessment can save months of guesswork.

At UK's Derma, pigmentation treatment begins with identifying the type of pigmentation, followed by a plan and timeline explained before you start.