My skin is so dull and dark: what should I know?

A less reflective surface can make skin look dull when it is dry, rough or covered by retained surface cells. Sun exposure can cause uneven tone, freckles, patches and other signs of photoaging. Inflammation or irritation may leave darker marks after a rash or blemish settles. New or changing pigment, especially when confined to one area, deserves an examination rather than a guess based on colour alone.

Cleanse gently, moisturise regularly and use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin as directed on the product. Avoid bleaching mixtures, abrasive scrubs and unlabelled lightening products, which can irritate skin and deepen uneven pigment. Introduce one new product at a time and stop if burning, swelling or a rash develops. A clinician can discuss whether a chemical peel is suitable after identifying the cause and your skin’s response to treatment.

See a dermatologist for a new, rapidly changing, bleeding, crusted or persistently irritated dark spot. Arrange an assessment when overall dullness does not improve with gentle care, or when pigment follows a rash, medicine or procedure. Prompt advice is useful before attempting a peel or pigment treatment, because irritation can make uneven colour more noticeable.

Is this dryness, sun damage, post-inflammatory pigment or another change? Which sunscreen and moisturiser fit my skin? Would a chemical peel help or irritate this pattern? How should I monitor a changing dark spot?