Most of us don’t think twice about areas like our elbows, knees, or underarms until one day, we catch a glimpse in the mirror. It’s not something we talk about much, but uneven skin tone in places like the neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, and underarms is a super common issue for men. “Anything dark is hyperpigmentation in medical terms,” says Dr Jaishree Sharad, Celebrity Dermatologist and founder of Skinfinitii Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic.  And no, it’s not just a hygiene thing, there are multiple underlying issues that could be causing hyperpigmentation. 

But if you’re looking to even things out, we’ve got you covered. Here’s why it happens—and what you can actually do about it.

What are the reason of hyperpigmentation?

• Friction – Constant rubbing (from skin, clothes, or movement) causes the skin to thicken and darken, especially on elbows, knees, and knuckles.

• Dead skin buildup – If you’re not exfoliating regularly, dead skin cells can build up and make the skin look darker and duller. Also, lack of moisturisation also leads to build-up resulting in hyperpigmentation on knuckles and knees.

• Sweat & shaving – Underarms deal with both. Shaving can irritate, and some deodorants can cause pigmentation over time.

• Sun exposure – The neck and elbows are out there taking UV hits daily, and most of us forget to use sunscreen anywhere but our face.

• Health issues – Sometimes dark patches (especially on the neck or underarms) can be linked to insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances. “This happens because of insulin resistance, obesity, hormonal disorder and diabetes,” says Dr Sharad.

• Genetics: Sometimes hyperpigmentation also rums in the family, especially in people with darker skin tones.

How Do You Fix It?

Exfoliate

Once or twice a week, gently scrub those areas with a body scrub or use a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. It removes built-up dead skin and smooths out the texture.

Moisturise Like You Mean It

Dry skin darkens faster. Apply a good body lotion or a urea-based cream daily after showering. Think of it like skincare for the rest of your body—it’s not just for dry winters.

Rethink Your Deodorant

If your underarms are a problem area, switch to an alcohol-free, fragrance-free deodorant. Some natural ones with ingredients like aloe or zinc are also less likely to irritate.

Sunscreen—Yes, Even There

Your neck, arms, and even elbows get sun daily. If you’re outdoors, especially in summer, apply a body sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) like you would on your face.

Chemical peels and topical depigmenting agents

These solutions come with dermatologists’s intervention. They may suggest active ingredients like retinol, kojic acid, niacinamide to fight the condition. “Dermatologist-administered lactic acid, mandelic acid, or TCA peels can help” adds Dr Sharad.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

If the darkening is sudden, spreading, or comes with other symptoms (like itching, thickened skin, or irritation), it’s worth getting it checked. Sometimes the cause is deeper, like a hormonal imbalance or skin condition.