“Why Is My Skin So Pigmented ?” The Real Causes Behind Uneven Skin Tone

By Dr. Sri Sahithi Konidena, MD Dermatology
PRIME DERM Skin and Hair Clinic

ASK Project

May 29, 2025

If You’ve Ever Looked in the Mirror and Thought, “Why Is My Skin So Patchy?” You’re Not Alone.

At PRIME DERM, one of the most common concerns our patients bring in is: “Doctor, why is my skin looking dull and pigmented, even though I use sunscreen?” Pigmentation is a deeply personal concern, yet very common and often misunderstood. Let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation means the coloring of your skin. It’s controlled by a pigment called melanin, which is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Sometimes, these cells produce too much melanin in certain areas that’s when you start noticing dark patches, uneven tone, or dullness.

Types of Pigmentation You May Have (Without Knowing the Name)

Why Pigmentation Happens Even If You’re “Careful”

Sunscreen isn’t enough if not reapplied every 3 hours.
Home remedies like lemon or toothpaste can worsen it.
Hormones, stress, and PCOS can trigger pigmentation from inside.
Previous acne or rashes can leave behind stubborn marks.
Over-exfoliation or using strong products without guidance can backfire.

How PRIME DERM Helps You Get to the Root of It

At PRIME DERM Skin and Hair Clinic, we don’t just treat what we see we investigate what’s causing it.

Your pigmentation plan may include:
✔️ Clinical skin analysis with a detailed consultation
✔️ Prescription based skincare tailored to your skin type
✔️ Targeted treatments like:
– Chemical Peels (safe, layer-by-layer exfoliation)
– Laser Toning (to fade stubborn pigment)
– Medifacials (to restore glow and hydration)
– Oral supplements (if nutritional or hormonal issues are involved)

Real Talk from Dr. Sri Sahithi

“I’ve treated many patients who came in thinking their pigmentation was ‘just sun tan.’ But when we did a proper evaluation, it turned out to be melasma triggered by hormonal imbalance. When we treat from the inside out, the glow isn’t just temporary it’s long-lasting.”

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

✅ DO:

Use broad spectrum sunscreen daily
Follow a dermatologist recommended routine
Stay consistent pigmentation fades slowly but surely

❌ DON’T:

Rub or scrub dark spots
Use random Instagram/YouTube products
Skip SPF indoors

Final Word

Pigmentation can affect your confidence but it’s treatable, and you’re not alone. The key is not to cover it with makeup or chase viral hacks, but to get a personalized, medically backed plan from a skin expert.

Let PRIME DERM help you reveal your natural, even-toned glow because you deserve skin that makes you feel proud.

Types of Pigmentation

Type	How It Looks	Causes
Melasma	Brown or grey-brown patches, usually on cheeks, forehead, nose	Hormonal shifts (especially in women), sun exposure
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)	Dark spots left after pimples, rashes, cuts	Acne, burns, over-scrubbing
Tanning / Sun Spots	General dullness or small brown spots	Sun exposure without protection
Freckles / Lentigines	Tiny brown dots, common in fair skin	Genetics + sun exposure