Hi, thanks for reaching out. When the skin tone is darker than before, it may be caused due to damage by sun exposure, improper diet of nutrients, less hydration, skin ageing, acne, pigmentation, post acne inflammation, etc. Finding out the root cause for the skin tone change is primarily important. One can go for skin brightening techniques and skin rejuvenation(this should be done by visiting a cosmetologist). Skin brightening is a non surgical way of lightening skin by use of cosmetic products containing vitamin C, Alpha or beta hydroxic acids, retinol, etc, this will help in decreasing the tone or prime the area. Skin rejuvenation is mostly popular by use of chemical peels which is ideally done and prepared by a cosmetologist based on skin type and degree of skin damage. Besides this after care of skin is of utmost importance, which includes, plenty of hydration, application of sunscreen spf 30 and above that suits the skin usually every 2 hrs, avoiding direct skin contact, avoiding harmful chemicals and a good balanced diet. It is advisable to use one sunscreen and not many. Suncote gel is used on dry skin and skin with bacterial damage or oxidative stress mostly. Melagard is also a type of sunscreen for spf 50, also used for dry skin. With any type of sunscreen look out for side effects like itchiness, hypersensitivity, dry skin, allergies and dermatitis. Hope this answers your queries. Take care Regards, Dr Vignan Rachabattuni