Have you noticed any dark spots, patchy areas, or uneven skin tone lately? That’s pigmentation and it’s something a lot of men deal with. There could be multiple reasons why your skin is developing these patches but the good part is there are several ways you can handle it before it gets out of hand. With the right knowledge and some practical steps, you can take back control of your skin — no fancy filters required.

Pigmentation is basically how our skin gets its colour. It all comes down to melanin — a pigment made by skin cells. But sometimes your body goes into overdrive and produces too much melanin in certain areas. That’s when you end up with dark patches, sun spots, or marks left behind by breakouts.

Common Causes

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but  Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic explains that ,"Common causes of pigmentation in men are excessive sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne or skin injuries. Other issues like stress, certain medications, and certain conditions like acanthosis nigricans  can also lead to a rise in pigmentation problems in men."

Too Much Sun, Too Little Protection

Most men aren’t religious about sunscreen. But UV rays are one of the biggest triggers for pigmentation. Even a bit of daily exposure adds up over time.

Shaving, Acne, and Skin Trauma

Every time you nick your face shaving or pop a pimple, you risk a little thing called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Basically, your skin reacts to that injury by darkening the area.

Pollution & Lifestyle Stress

Pollution, late nights, and stress can all trigger inflammation, which can lead to pigmentation.

Hormones and Genetics

Hormonal shifts (or certain medications) can interfere with your melanin production. And if pigmentation runs in your family, your skin might just be more prone.

Can You Actually Fix It?

Some forms of pigmentation fade on their own, especially with a good skincare routine. Others might stick around unless you follow a proper skincare routine. "While pigmentation can be reduced with appropriate skin care and clinical treatments,  in some cases for complete removal it may take longer time," says Dr Chause.

Effective Skincare Routine for Pigmentation

Following a proper skincare routine is crucial; it starts with cleansing the face in the morning with gentle face wash, using a brightening serum, followed by a moisturiser and sunscreen. Replace the brightening serum with an exfoliating one at night, targetted spot treatment (prescribed by a dermat) and a moisturiser that's hydrating and rich. "The crucial yet simple routine for pigmentation includes cleansing the face twice daily with a gentle cleanser as recommended by the expert, applying a vitamin C serum in the morning for brightening, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 ) every day. At night, use a mild exfoliant and a pigment-correcting cream containing ingredients like niacinamide or kojic acid," explains Dr Chause. Don’t use any products without the knowledge of an expert, as doing so can worsen the pigmentation issue.

When to Consider In-Clinic Treatment?

If the pigmentation is getting worse or you haven't seen any improvements in 6-8 weeks, it's time to fix an appointment with your dermatologist and seek help on further steps. "Clinical treatments for pigmentation consist of chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion and oral medications and topical creams. These treatments help reduce dark spots by targeting excess melanin and promote healthy and even skin tone," says Dr Chause.

Chemical Peels

These use acids to exfoliate and help lift off pigmented cells. Great for surface-level spots.

Laser Treatments

More precise and powerful, lasers can target deeper pigmentation. Just make sure you go to someone experienced — it’s not a DIY fix.

Microneedling with PRP

Tiny needles trigger your skin’s repair mode, and when combined with platelet-rich plasma, it can seriously boost results.

Prescription Creams

Dermats might give you a combo cream with things like hydroquinone or tretinoin — effective, but should only be used under supervision.