Dark patches, sun spots and the stubborn cheek shadows of melasma are among the most common — and most frustrating — skin concerns in India. The good news: with the right approach, pigmentation can be significantly improved. The key is understanding why it happens.
What causes pigmentation?
Pigmentation develops when melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) is produced unevenly. The main triggers are:
- Sun exposure — UV rays stimulate excess melanin, causing tanning and spots.
- Hormones — pregnancy, the pill and hormonal shifts can cause melasma.
- Inflammation — acne, injuries or harsh products leave dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Genetics — a family tendency toward melasma or uneven tone.
Why does pigmentation keep coming back?
This is the part most people miss. Pigmentation — especially melasma — is not a one-time problem you can zap away forever. It is a condition that needs to be controlled. Aggressive, one-off treatments without sun protection often make it worse, causing it to rebound darker.
Treatments that actually work
The most effective approach combines several methods, layered carefully and matched to your skin:
- Medical chemical peels to gently exfoliate pigmented cells.
- Q-switch laser sessions to break down deeper pigment.
- Mesotherapy with brightening actives delivered into the skin.
- A prescription home routine with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and a tyrosinase inhibitor.
- Daily sunscreen — non-negotiable, reapplied through the day.
Treating pigmentation is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and sun protection beat any quick fix.
The bottom line
If you have been battling dark spots or melasma with no lasting result, the issue is usually an incomplete plan — treatment without prevention, or the wrong intensity for your skin. A tailored, doctor-led programme makes all the difference. Book a pigmentation consultation with Dr. Urvashi Patil at The Skin Canvas, Nashik.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melasma is a chronic, recurrence-prone condition. It cannot be permanently "cured", but it can be controlled very effectively and kept faint with the right treatment and daily sun protection.
Absolutely. Without daily broad-spectrum SPF, pigmentation will keep returning no matter which treatment you do. It is the most important step.
Laser & Aesthetic Physician at The Skin Canvas, Nashik. Specialist in skin, hair and laser treatments with an International Fellowship in Medical Cosmetology.
