Hyperpigmentation, a common skin concern, tends to worsen during summer due to increased sun exposure and heat. Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 50+ and UVA/UVB protection, reapplied every two to three hours, especially when spending time outdoors.
Published Mar 27, 2025 | 10:02 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 27, 2025 | 10:02 AM
A young woman is applying make-up base to her face. (iStock)
Synopsis: Hyperpigmentation, a common skin concern, tends to worsen during summer due to increased sun exposure and heat. When South First spoke to people struggling with hyperpigmentation, they expressed the emotional and financial toll the condition has inflicted upon them.
It starts as a faint patch, barely noticeable at first. Then, slowly, it darkens — deepening with each passing summer, refusing to fade. For many in Tamil Nadu, hyperpigmentation isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it’s a relentless struggle that chips away their confidence.
Hyperpigmentation, a common skin concern, tends to worsen during summer due to increased sun exposure and heat. Dr Ritika Shanmugam, founder of Dr Ritika Shanmugam Skin, Hair, and Aesthetics in Bengaluru, highlighted key steps to manage and prevent pigmentation effectively.
Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 50+ and UVA/UVB protection, reapplied every two to three hours, especially when spending time outdoors.
They also suggest wearing protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated garments, which can also help minimise sun exposure.
Dr Shanmugam advised incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and ferulic acid, which help reduce pigmentation and protect against free radicals, in daily diet.
“Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is also crucial,” she said.
Dr Shanmugam advocated gentle exfoliation with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), such as lactic acid, and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), like salicylic acid, which can help fade pigmentation. However, she warned against overuse.
“Using skin-brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice extract, and arbutin can also be beneficial,” she added.
On the other hand, skipping sunscreen, even for short periods, could darken pigmentation. Dr Shanmugam cautioned against harsh scrubs and excessive exfoliation, which may irritate the skin and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
“Picking or squeezing pimples can also cause deep, long-lasting dark spots,” she noted. Strong actives like retinoids and AHAs should be used at night to avoid photosensitivity. “And one sunscreen application in the morning isn’t enough — it needs to be reapplied throughout the day,” she stressed.
When South First spoke to people struggling with hyperpigmentation, they expressed the emotional and financial toll the condition has inflicted upon them.
“I don’t even like wearing makeup, but I feel like I have no choice,” said Priya S, a 27-year-old Coimbatore native now residing in Chennai. “Every time I step outside, I worry about my skin getting darker, and no matter what I do, these spots won’t go away.”
For some, it creeps up unnoticed. Arun, a 31-year-old working in Chennai’s IT sector, never cared much about skin — until one day, he had to.
“It started with a small patch on my cheek. Now, it looks like I’m always tired,” he said and added: “At work, people assume I don’t take care of myself,”
Megha, a college student, expressed exhaustion over dealing with persistent pigmentation. “No matter what I do, it keeps coming back. It’s frustrating and expensive to keep up with treatments,” she said.
Keerthana, another college student, spent years experimenting with every over-the-counter cream available.
“No matter what I try, the pigmentation keeps coming back. It’s frustrating and expensive,” she said. “I wish there was an easier way to deal with this.”
Dr Anil, a dermatologist, pointed out that excessive UV exposure plays a major role in worsening pigmentation.
“Procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments can be effective for stubborn pigmentation,” he told South First. He advised avoiding direct sunlight between 1 pm and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest, and reiterated: “Sunscreen, sunscreen and sunscreen is the best option!”
When selecting sunscreen, affordability and comfort should be considered, Dr Anil said. “It shouldn’t be greasy but waterproof. For darker skin tones, it’s important to choose one without a white cast.” He emphasised the need for frequent reapplication every two to three hours to ensure protection remains effective.
Beyond sun exposure, he noted that environmental factors and lifestyle choices contribute to pigmentation.
“I know people in Delhi who sit out in the winter sun for warmth, but excessive sunlight still leads to pigmentation,” he said. He also pointed to hormonal imbalances like PCOS and PCOD as internal factors that make skin more prone to discolouration.
“And nowadays, I see a lot of people with poor lifestyle habits. What we eat plays a huge role — skin health isn’t just about skincare but also about a balanced diet,” he added.
Dermatologists emphasise that sun protection, proper skincare, and professional treatments are key to managing hyperpigmentation. However, many individuals feel pressured by societal beauty standards to maintain flawless skin, which adds to their stress.
Beyond appearance, hyperpigmentation can also affect self-image, leading to lower confidence and, in some cases, social anxiety according to various residents of Chennai.
Hyperpigmentation is more than a surface-level concern — it impacts confidence, mental well-being, and daily routines say people of Tamil Nadu. While experts stress prevention and treatment, those affected continue to seek long-term solutions that go beyond skincare.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
