Pigmentation & Melasma – Causes, Treatments & Prevention

Introduction

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns in Indian skin—and also one of the most frustrating.

Dark patches, uneven tone, and stubborn marks often don’t respond to creams or home remedies. That’s because pigmentation is not just a surface issue—it’s influenced by sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, and genetics.

This blog explains:

  • why pigmentation and melasma occur

  • the difference between common pigmentation types

  • what treatments actually work

  • how to prevent pigmentation from coming back

What it should show:

Indian woman with even, healthy skin tone in a clinical / dermatologist setting

Purpose: Trust + aspiration

Alt text: pigmentation treatment for Indian skin at dermatology clinic

What Is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation occurs when excess melanin (skin pigment) is produced or unevenly deposited in the skin.

It appears as:

  • dark patches

  • uneven skin tone

  • brown or greyish marks

Pigmentation can affect the face, neck, underarms, bikini area, and body.

Common Types of Pigmentation in Indian Skin

Melasma

  • Brown or grey patches

  • Common on cheeks, forehead, upper lip

  • Often hormone-related

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

  • Dark marks left after acne, burns, waxing, or irritation

Sun-Induced Pigmentation

  • Caused by UV exposure

  • Worsens without sunscreen

Hormonal Pigmentation

  • Linked to PCOS, pregnancy, or oral contraceptives

What it should show:

Clean medical-style visual showing melasma, PIH, sun spots

Purpose: Education + AI understanding

Alt text: types of pigmentation melasma PIH sun spots

What Causes Pigmentation to Worsen?

Pigmentation often worsens due to:

  • sun exposure without protection

  • incorrect laser or peel treatments

  • harsh scrubs or over-exfoliation

  • waxing or threading on pigmented skin

  • untreated acne or inflammation

This is why pigmentation often comes back if the root cause isn’t managed.

Treatments for Pigmentation That Actually Work

Pigmentation treatment must be layered and customised.

✔ Medical-Grade Facials (for mild pigmentation)

  • Improves skin clarity

  • Supports hydration & barrier repair

👉 HydraFacial at Opal

✔ Chemical Peels (for PIH & uneven tone)

  • Break down excess melanin

  • Improve brightness gradually

  • Must be chosen carefully for Indian skin

👉 Chemical Peels at Opal

✔ Laser Treatments (for deeper pigmentation)

  • Targets pigment safely when chosen correctly

  • Requires expert settings to avoid rebound pigmentation

Internal link:

👉 Pigmentation Laser Treatments

✔ Dermatologist-Guided Medical Care

Especially important for:

  • melasma

  • hormonal pigmentation

  • recurrent pigmentation

At Opal Radiant Studio, pigmentation is treated with safe protocols designed for Indian skin, not aggressive one-size-fits-all solutions.

What it should show:

Dermatologist performing peel / laser / skin evaluation

Purpose: Medical credibility

Alt text: clinical pigmentation treatment dermatologist supervised

What Is Melasma (And Why It’s Different)?

Melasma is a chronic pigment condition, not a cosmetic flaw.

Key facts:

  • triggered by hormones + sun

  • worsens with heat and UV exposure

  • cannot be “cured” permanently—but can be controlled

Treatment focuses on:

  • pigment control

  • barrier repair

  • strict sun protection

Why Pigmentation Treatments Fail

Common reasons:

❌ Skipping sunscreen

❌ Doing random peels or lasers

❌ Using influencer-recommended creams

❌ No maintenance plan

Pigmentation treatment fails without discipline + consistency.

How Long Does Pigmentation Treatment Take?

Realistic timelines:

  • mild pigmentation: 6–8 weeks

  • melasma: several months + maintenance

  • acne marks: improve gradually with treatment cycles

Pigmentation improvement is progressive, not instant.

📸 Image 4 — Improvement Over Time

What it should show:

Subtle, realistic improvement timeline (not dramatic before/after)

Purpose: Expectation setting

Alt text: pigmentation treatment improvement over time

How to Prevent Pigmentation from Returning

Prevention is as important as treatment.

Key rules:

  • Daily sunscreen (even indoors)

  • Avoid waxing on pigmented areas

  • No harsh scrubs

  • Follow dermatologist-recommended skincare

  • Maintenance treatments when advised

FAQs About Pigmentation & Melasma

Can pigmentation be removed permanently?

Some types improve significantly. Melasma needs long-term control.

Do home remedies work?

No. They often worsen pigmentation.

Is laser safe for pigmentation?

Yes—only when done correctly and selectively.

Is pigmentation common in Indian skin?

Yes. Indian skin is more melanin-rich and reactive.

Book a Pigmentation Consultation

Pigmentation requires diagnosis first, treatment second.

A consultation helps:

  • Identify pigment type

  • Choose the right treatment

  • avoid rebound pigmentation

What it should show:

Dermatologist consultation / skin analysis

Alt text: dermatologist consultation for pigmentation treatment

Internal links (final CTA):

👉 Book a Pigmentation Consultation at Opal

👉 Explore Skin Treatments at Opal

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