Pigmentation

What is pigmentation?

Pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is the medical name given to the uneven tones or dark patches on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an over production of Melanin and it affects areas such as the face, chest and the back of the hands. Melanin is naturally produced to protect our skin cells from harmful rays. Excessive sun exposure over time can disrupt this production of Melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation, resulting in darker patches of pigment showing up on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by several factors, the main one being sun exposure. Other factors including sun damage, inflammation, skin injuries, scarring, hormonal fluctuation and acne.

People with dark skin tones are also more prone to hyperpigmentation as pigmentation is stronger in darker skin. Over time, with the correct topical and oral skincare, pigmentation can improve and reduce.