Pigmentation is a very common skin conditions that can effect all skin types. The cells within our bodies that cause pigmentation are called melanocytes (pigment cells), they are located at the base of the epidermis and produce the protein melanin. These cells are spider shaped with long irregular arms, which reach out from the cell body. When arms of the melanocytes cell link they link to around 10 other cells. Pigment granules, (melanosomes) from the melanocytes are injected, into neighbouring cells, which leads to spreading pigment across the skin.
Everyone has a similar number of melanocytes in their skin regardless of colour; the differences within our skin colour is due to the amount of melanin the cells produce. The greater the melanin within the body, the more efficient the absorption will become and the better protection is naturally given.
'Dark marks', 'age spots' 'liver spots' and 'melasma' can all take its toll on your luminosity, leaving the skin looking dull and lacklustre.
When skin cells are healthy, your skin will appear normal, however when skin cells become damaged or unhealthy, it causes our bodies to make more melanin to help protect our skin.
Pigmentation can turn our skin lighter in colour which is known as “Hypopigmentation”, or darker in colour known as “Hyperpigmentation” both are recognisable skin conditions.
Hyperpigmentation is a normal and harmless condition in which the skin becomes darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. While in hypopigmentation there is loss of skin colour due to disease or trauma and can be from birth or develop later in life.
What is depigmentation?
One common cause of depigmentation is vitiligo, an autoimmune condition. In vitiligo, small patches of the skin appear white due to the destruction of melanocytes in the basal cells of the epidermis. Sometimes the patches meet to create larger ones. Vitiligo is most noticeable on dark skin. The white patches can burn very easily in sunlight, in contrast with the surrounding skin which will still tan normally.
Why does Hyperpigmentation occur?
Pigmentation can be triggered by a variety of factors – but the number one reason is sun exposure – which is why a daily sunscreen is so important. Other factors include hormonal changes, medical conditions such as Melasma, prescription drugs, genetics, and skin trauma such as burns or scarring.
A common type of hyperpigmentation that is seen in many people are:
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Liver spots: Often referred to as age spots. This is the most common type of pigmentation and is a result of sun damage. They are often found in the areas exposed to the sun.
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Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation is made up of spots that are similar to the age spots but cover a large area on the skin. These spots mostly appear due to hormonal changes. For example, during pregnancy, hormones can cause excess secretion of melanin and can cause blackening of the skin creating a mask effect. This can happen to any area on the body.
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Freckles: These occur due to exposure to the sun and appears on the area of your face and shoulders as small dots and spots.
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