Tanning or Pigmentation? Dermatologist Explains How to Tell the Difference and What You Can Do

Many people use the words tanning and pigmentation interchangeably when talking about darker skin. However, dermatologists point out that the two conditions are not exactly the same.

Both involve melanin, the natural pigment responsible for our skin colour, but the reasons they develop, their appearance and how long they last can be quite different.

Dr. Arju Pahwa, Consultant Dermatologist at Kailash Deepak Hospital, explains how you can distinguish between tanning and pigmentation and why identifying the problem correctly matters.

What Exactly Is Tanning?

Tanning is essentially a natural response of the skin to sun exposure