Skin Pigmentation

Pigmentation means colouring. Our skin and hair gets its colour from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. These cells are known as melanocytes .The melanocytes in dark-skinned people produce more melanin and acts as a protective barrier against sun damage, but melanin produced in white skin is less protective and can cause sun burn. Whenever our skin produces excess melanin it leads to hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is seen in the form of brown patches on the skin.

Causes of Skin Pigmentation

• Sun exposure.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Pregnancies
• Oxidative stress.
• Skin injury.
• Medications.
• Genetics.
• Allergies.
• Certain skin diseases and conditions .

Types of pigmentation

• Post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Melasma
• Freckles
• Solar lentigines

How can one take care?

• Avoid direct sunlight. Protect your body by wearing accessories like hats, scarves, goggles.
• Apply SPF. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen which provides a highest sun protection factor from the ultraviolent rays.
• Follow a skin care regime meticulously with dermatologically prescribed products .

Treatment Options

• Topical medications
• Oral medications and supplementations
• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments
• Microdermabrasion.
• Diet and lifestyle modifications