Skincare Routine for Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone

Dark patches, spots left behind after pimples and an uneven tone are some of the most common skin concerns in India. A consistent routine and daily sun protection can help skin look more even over time. Here is a simple plan.

First: sunscreen is the most important step

Sun exposure is one of the biggest everyday reasons pigmentation looks darker or lasts longer. Any brightening product works best when you also wear sunscreen every single morning, reapply when you are outdoors for long, and use shade, a cap or an umbrella in strong sun.

Morning routine

  1. Gentle cleanse.
  2. Vitamin C serum. Brightfix C-Serum uses orange and lemon extracts and is made to target the look of pigmentation and dark spots and to even skin tone. Massage a few drops in gentle circles.
  3. Moisturiser.
  4. Sunscreen, generously, including the neck and ears.

Night routine

  1. Remove sunscreen and cleanse.
  2. Brightening serum (optional). Theraglow Glutathione Serum combines glutathione with guava and papaya extracts and is designed for a brighter, more even complexion. Apply to damp skin.
  3. Night cream. Theraglam Night Repair Cream with hyaluronic acid and retinol is made for pigmentation, blemishes, dark circles and dryness. Apply with gentle upward strokes.

If you are new to these products, start with the morning vitamin C and sunscreen only for two weeks, then add the night steps one at a time.

Habits that help

  • Do not pick or squeeze pimples. Picking often leaves marks that last longer than the pimple.
  • Avoid harsh DIY mixes like lemon juice or baking soda on the face.
  • Be gentle. Scrubbing hard can irritate skin and make some marks look worse.
  • Sleep well and eat colourful food.

How long it takes

Pigmentation fades slowly. Give a routine at least four weeks, often longer, before judging it. Take a photo in daylight on day one and compare every few weeks in the same light.

When to see a dermatologist

See a dermatologist if patches spread quickly, appear suddenly, change shape or colour, itch, or if you have melasma-type patches on the cheeks and forehead that do not respond to a basic routine. Also see one before using strong prescription creams.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping sunscreen on cloudy or indoor days.
  • Starting several new actives at once.
  • Switching products every week before any has had time to work.

Types of uneven tone you might notice

  • Marks after pimples: flat dark spots where a pimple used to be.
  • Sun spots: small darker spots on the cheeks, forehead or hands.
  • Uneven tone: some areas, such as around the mouth or on the forehead, look darker than the rest.
  • Tanning: darker skin on areas that get the most sun, like the face, neck and arms.

A gentle routine with daily sunscreen suits all of these. Larger patches deserve a dermatologist's opinion.

Quick questions

Can I use vitamin C and retinol together? Splitting them is simplest: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night.

Is this routine okay for dark skin tones? Yes. Be especially gentle, as irritation can leave marks on deeper skin tones.

Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.

Related reading: dealing with an even, all-over tan rather than spots? Try our gentle de-tan routine.

Patch-test any new product on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice.

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