Skin colour varies naturally from person to person due to a pigment called melanin. Darkening may happen due to sun exposure, pollution, acne marks, or hormonal changes. Instead of trying to change your natural skin colour, focus on making your skin healthy and evenly toned. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it is cloudy, and try to avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat or cover your skin when outdoors. Clean your face gently twice daily with a mild cleanser and apply a light moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid using fairness creams or products with strong chemicals or steroids, as they may damage the skin. Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, and drink enough water. If you notice sudden dark patches or itching, consult a dermatologist for proper advice and treatment.

Shaving does not actually make facial hair thicker, but it can make hair feel coarser at the cut edge and can irritate the skin if not done correctly. Darkening of the skin and pimples may be due to irritation, blocked hair follicles, or repeated minor skin inflammation. To improve your skin, try changing how you shave. Use a clean, sharp razor and shave after washing your face with warm water, as this softens the hair. Always use a gentle shaving gel and shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. Avoid pressing too hard on the skin. After shaving, apply a light, non-greasy moisturiser to reduce dryness and irritation. For pimples, wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. You may also benefit from products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but start slowly to avoid dryness. Try not to pick or squeeze spots, as this can worsen dark marks. If the problem persists, consult a dermatologist, who can check for conditions such as ingrown hairs and suggest appropriate treatments to improve both skin texture and colour.

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grey patches on the face. It often becomes darker due to sun exposure, heat, and hormonal changes. The most important step in managing it is strict sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 every morning and reapply if you are outdoors for long periods. Wearing a hat and avoiding direct sun during peak hours can also help. Gentle skin-lightening creams are safer for long-term use. Products containing azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, or kojic acid may gradually improve skin tone when used regularly for a few months. These work slowly but are generally well-tolerated. Stronger skin-lightening medicines like hydroquinone can give quicker results, but should be used only for a short time and under medical supervision due to possible side effects. Avoid over-the-counter steroid-based fairness creams, as they can worsen pigmentation. If the dark patches continue to spread or do not improve, please consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and personalised treatment.

Deep hyperpigmentation around the mouth is often caused by sun exposure, repeated friction, hormonal changes, or past skin inflammation. It can improve with regular care, but it may take several weeks to months and may not clear completely in all cases. Creams that may help include azelaic acid, which reduces pigment formation and soothes the skin. Niacinamide is another gentle option that helps even out skin tone over time. Vitamin C creams can brighten the skin and reduce dullness. Kojic acid is also used to gradually lighten dark patches. In some cases, doctors may prescribe retinoid creams such as adapalene or tretinoin, which speed up skin renewal, but these should only be used under medical supervision. Hydroquinone is a stronger lightening agent and should be used only for short periods, as advised by a dermatologist. Daily sunscreen use is very important, as sun exposure can worsen pigmentation. Avoiding rubbing or irritation around the mouth also helps prevent further darkening.