If you have started noticing dark spots or uneven patches on your skin, there is no reason to panic. What you are seeing is pigmentation, a very common condition that can appear for many reasons and almost always improves with the right care. I will not go into the full scientific classification of pigmentation, because the topic is extremely broad and varies from person to person. What you should know is that pigmentation occurs when your skin either produces more pigment-producing cells or increases the amount of melanin they create. This process is natural, but external factors can intensify it.

The most important message I want you to take from this is simple: there are key steps you can follow to prevent pigmentation from forming and to stop existing spots from getting darker. The foundation of all prevention is daily sunscreen. Not occasionally, not only during summer, but every single day. Your sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30, and it should be applied generously and renewed throughout the day if you spend time outdoors. Sun exposure remains the strongest trigger, so protection must become a habit.

Try to avoid direct sunlight when it is at its highest intensity, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside during these hours, seek shade and wear wide-brimmed hats or tightly woven clothing that physically block ultraviolet radiation. These simple actions significantly reduce the risk of new pigmentation and help protect the progress you are making in treatment.

It is crucial to remember that successful treatment of pigmentation depends entirely on consistent sun avoidance. Even a few minutes of sun exposure without protection can undo days, weeks or even months of careful skincare. Many people underestimate this part, but treating pigmentation is not only about products — it is about discipline and daily habits.

If you are considering any professional procedures aimed at removing pigmentation, it is better to schedule them during autumn or winter. Cooler seasons offer lower UV intensity, making your skin less reactive and safer during the healing process. Doing such treatments during summer or in strong sun can not only slow your progress but also make the pigmentation return even stronger.

Have you ever experienced pigmentation or struggled with uneven skin tone?