Indian winters are enjoyed by many people. While cups of hot chocolate and snuggling in blankets are highly welcome, what irks most people about the season is pigmentation, which becomes more prominent on the face. It is easy to notice dark spots that are often caused by melasma, sun damage, or pigmented acne scars.
If you often wonder about the reason behind it, Dr Priya Puja, M.D.(Dermatology), Regional Medical Head at Kaya Limited, told Moneycontrol, “The reason for this is that dry air, blasting heaters, and low humidity tear down your skin’s moisture shield, while sneaky UVA rays slip through clouds and windows to ramp up melanin without you even noticing. Toss in pollution and sluggish cell turnover from the cold, and suddenly your complexion looks patchy and dull.”
However, the good news is that it can be turned around. According to Dr. Puja, all it needs is a simple targeted routine that brightens and evens everything out. Here’s a list of steps that you can follow.
Hydration should be the first step in your routine. Dr. Puja advised, “Gently cleanse morning and night with a creamy formula (skip the hot water, which zaps moisture even more). Next, slather on a thick moisturiser full of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine. These repair your barrier, plump up the skin, and immediately soften those harsh pigment lines.”
Since dry, cold air damages the skin’s barrier, making dark spots visible, the dermatologist recommended adding a brightening serum. “Think 5-10% vitamin C for antioxidant armour, niacinamide to fade spots and ease redness, or alpha arbutin to quietly tame melanin. Use them daily, and in 4-6 weeks, you’ll see real change.”
Sunscreens are your best bet to stay protected. Dr. Puja said, “Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (water-resistant for chilly walks), and reapply every 2-3 hours outside. UV drives up to 80% of pigmentation woes, so this blocks new damage.”
Dr Puja recommended exfoliating 2-3 times a week with lactic or mandelic acid to shed dead cells sans irritation (patch-test glycolic if your skin’s tough). “Ease into retinoids like adapalene, pea-sized dab twice weekly, buffered by moisturiser to speed turnover without flaking.”
Dr Puja said, “When topicals fall short, use peels, Q-switched lasers, or microneedling with tranexamic acid to tackle deep spots safely on dry skin. Layer in lifestyle habits like keeping yourself hydrated with enough water intake, running a humidifier, munch berries for antioxidants.”
For those with sensitive skin, it’s advised to consult a dermatologist for a customised plan. With consistency and a targeted approach, winter pigmentation can be dealt with effectively.
1. What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation refers to dark patches or uneven skin tone caused by excess melanin production.
2. What causes skin pigmentation?
Sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne marks, ageing, genetics, and inflammation can trigger pigmentation.
3. Are there different types of pigmentation?
Yes, common types include melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun spots.
4. Can pigmentation be treated or reduced?
Yes, with sun protection, topical treatments, professional procedures, and consistent skincare.
5. How long does it take to see improvement in pigmentation?
Improvement may take weeks to months, depending on the cause and treatment approach.
Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.
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