Understanding Skin Pigmentation: A Complete Guide

1. There are different types of skin pigmentation you can experience.
2. Factors such as sun exposure, medication, fungal infections, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and genetics can cause hyperpigmentation.
3. Pigmentation can be prevented by using SPF 30 sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and staying out of harsh sun rays.
4. Skin hyperpigmentation must be treated by visiting a dermatologist and being thoroughly evaluated.

Before we discuss What is pigmentation, let us first understand its types. Listed below are different types of hyperpigmentation:

1. Sunspots: Sunspots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are relatively common. If a person is exposed to the sun for long periods, they end up with sunspots on the surface of their skin. Their hands and face are more likely to get sunspots.
2. Melasma: Melasma is mostly developed during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This is one of the many causes of skin pigmentation. Skin pigmentation causes certainly include Melasma. Numerous areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of your body. However, in terms of Melasma, they tend to appear on the stomach and face.

Pigmentation meaning can be broken down into different forms of discoloration such as red, pink, purple, black, brown or white pigments on your skin. Your skin tone could also affect the color of pigmentation. While there are numerous factors that can cause your skin’s pigment to change in color, melanin is largely responsible for certain skin discolorations. Melanin gives your eyes and hair their color. When melanin cells are damaged, they produce either excess or less melanin. Discolored skin can also be caused by birthmarks, skin disorders, skin cancer, infection, medications, chemicals, injury or trauma and other health conditions.

Ever wondered, what is the cause of pigmentation? Have you paused and asked, ‘What is pigmentation on your face?’ Then know this: there are a plethora of reasons why you may have to deal with pigmentation. Listed below are a few of them.

1. Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun is hands down, one of the most common reasons you might experience dark pigmentation on your face.
2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes can cause you to experience hyperpigmentation. Chloasma and melasma are two examples of such pigmentation.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is caused because of injury or inflammation to the skin or even acne.
4. Genetics: Genetics certainly have an impact on pigmentation. The development of melanocyte function, which impacts skin color, requires genes. Melanocytes produce melanin inside melanosomes.
5. Medications and Medical Conditions: Using certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation. Your skin may turn grey. Certain chemicals in topical treatments can cause hyperpigmentation.
6. Fungal Infections: Certain fungal infections can cause skin discoloration. Tinea Versicolor is a fungal skin infection that causes hyperpigmentation.

Although it is not always possible to prevent hyperpigmentation, there are certain measures you can take to prevent it. Listed below are these measures:

• Wear headwear or clothing that blocks sunlight
• Armour yourself up with SPF of a minimum of 30 or more with broad spectrum coverage
• Stay out of the harsh sun, especially when the sun is strong

To treat hyperpigmentation, you must visit a dermatologist so that they can conduct a physical exam and figure out the cause behind it. There is a possibility you might need a skin biopsy. Topical prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. The doctor may have a look at your skin under a Wood lamp or even order some blood work, upon examining it. Make sure you do not self-medicate if you notice dark pigmentation on your face or other parts of your body.

Chances are, you will be the first to notice if you have hyperpigmentation on your skin. So, it is best to stay informed about preventative measures to avoid the causes of pigmentation. Furthermore, implementing the right skincare for hyperpigmentation will help you feel more confident. By maintaining healthy skin and knowing what helps with hyperpigmentation, you will be able to embrace your skin with confidence.