Skin pigmentation refers to skin coloring due to melanin, a pigment responsible for determining skin color—Eumelanin and pheomelanin.
Eumelanin, which is brown and black, plays a protective role in shielding the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. By limiting the penetration of UV rays, eumelanin prevents the formation of reactive oxygen radicals that could potentially harm cells and DNA.
On the other hand, pheomelanin, which is yellow and red, offers minimal protection against UV rays and may even contribute to the production of reactive oxygen radicals and subsequent damage.
While pigmentation is a natural and essential process, excessive or uneven pigmentation can cause cosmetic concerns for many individuals. This article will explore the causes, diagnosis, different areas affected by pigmentation, types of pigmentation, and various treatment options available for skin pigmentation.
Causes of Skin Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation can happen by various factors, including;
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure stimulates excess melanin production in the skin through melanogenesis. When exposed to UV radiation, the skin activates melanocytes, specialized cells responsible for producing melanin. These cells produce more melanin as a defense mechanism to protect the skin from further damage caused by UV rays.
However, prolonged or excessive sun exposure can disrupt the normal melanin production process, resulting in an overproduction of melanin. This excess melanin leads to the formation of sunspots, also known as solar lentigines, and contributes to an uneven skin tone.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones can cause hyperpigmentation or melasma, which is more common in women. The female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone can make the skin produce too much melanin, forming dark spots.
Individuals with darker skin are more likely to experience dark spots due to hormonal changes because your skin already produces more melanin, which gives it a darker color. When hormones increase melanin production, you become more prone to hyperpigmentation.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Both women and men can experience PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) in more than 70% of cases before age 35. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a response to skin inflammation or injury. When the skin goes through conditions like acne breakouts, eczema flare-ups, or cuts, the body initiates an inflammatory process to repair the damaged tissue.
Excess melanin production can occur during this healing process, forming dark spots or patches. The melanocytes in the affected area become hyperactive and produce more melanin, resulting in visible pigmentation changes during the skin’s healing phase.
Genetic Factors
More than 150 genes have already been found to directly or indirectly affect skin color. The ability of skin cells to survive and function correctly and how much eumelanin or pheomelanin they generate is crucial for maintaining genetic stability. So, genetic factors are susceptible to certain types of pigmentation, such as freckles or birthmarks. These characteristics are often inherited and can be influenced by specific genes.
For instance, the presence of particular gene variants such as MC1R R151C and R160W alleles can result in increased melanin production in response to sunlight exposure, leading to the formation of freckles like scattered small brown spots on the skin.
Similarly, specific genetic variations like the GNAQ gene (GNAQ mutations) or the NRAS gene (NRAS mutations) can contribute to the development of birthmarks such as congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) or nevus of Ota, which are localized areas of increased pigmentation on the skin.
Age
There is a gradual decline of approximately 10%–20% in melanocytes per decade as we age.
Over time, accumulated sun exposure and other factors like hormonal changes, genetics, and environmental pollutants can damage melanocytes. This damage can lead to an uneven distribution of melanin, forming age or liver spots. These spots appear as darker areas on the skin, particularly in areas that have been exposed to the sun over the years.
Diagnosis of Skin Pigmentation
At Acne Freedom Clinic, we understand the importance of personalizing your experience to provide the best care possible. When it comes to diagnosing skin pigmentation issues, you must consult with our dermatologists or skincare specialists. Our team will comprehensively evaluate your skin, asking about your medical history, including any relevant information such as previous skin conditions, allergies, medications, or treatments you have undergone. We would also inquire about any recent changes or symptoms you’ve noticed.
In some cases, we may need to conduct more tests to understand the underlying cause of the pigmentation. These tests can include skin biopsies to analyze tissue samples under a microscope, blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances or other related conditions, or a Wood’s lamp examination to assess pigmentation patterns under ultraviolet light.
Through these diagnostic measures, we can accurately identify the type of pigmentation you’re experiencing. With this information, we will develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. We’re here to guide you every step on your journey towards healthier, clearer skin.
Areas Affected by Pigmentation
Pigmentation can occur in various areas of the body, including;
- Face: The face is frequently affected by pigmentation due to increased sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation from conditions like acne, and the higher concentration of sebaceous glands. These factors contribute to pigmentation irregularities on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
- Neck: The skin on the neck is also prone to pigmentation, often due to sun exposure or hormonal factors.
- Underarms: Hyperpigmentation can occur in the underarm area due to friction, shaving, or certain deodorants. These factors can irritate the skin, leading to inflammation and increased melanin production, resulting in darkened pigmentation in the underarms.
- Hands: Excessive sun exposure and aging can lead to pigmentation on the hands, including the back and fingers.
- Back: Pigmentation on the back can result from sun damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Types of Skin Pigmentation
Variations in melanin synthesis may lead to pigmentary abnormalities, including hyperpigmentation (dark spots), hypopigmentation (light spots), and depigmentation (white patches).
Hyperpigmentation
This refers to the condition where the skin develops a darker or altered color due to an excessive presence of melanin or other pigments such as melanin precursors like eumelanin or pheomelanin, as well as non-melanin pigments like hemosiderin or lipofuscin. This can occur in various body parts, such as the face, neck, underarms, hands, and back.
Hyperpigmentation is commonly caused by birthmarks, age spots, acne scars, and pregnancy-related melasma, resulting in tan, brown, or gray patches on the face. Other causes include Addison’s disease, medications like antibiotics and birth control pills, and sun exposure.
Hypopigmentation
This refers to the condition where the skin appears lighter in color due to a melanin deficiency. It can occur in various body parts, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Past skin injuries like burns, blisters, ulcers, chemical exposure, or infections often cause hypopigmentation. Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema (atopic dermatitis) can also contribute to hypopigmentation.
Types of hypopigmentation include
- Vitiligo is a condition characterized by pigmentation loss, resulting in white patches on the skin due to melanocyte damage.
- Albinism is a rare genetic condition that leads to a complete or partial absence of melanin-producing enzyme, resulting in very light or white hair, skin, and eyes.
- Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection that engenders small, discolored patches on the skin, usually lighter or darker than the surrounding areas.
- Pityriasis alba is common that develops light-colored, slightly scaly patches, often on the face, mostly affecting children and young adults.
Around 1 in 20 people have at least one hypopigmented macule. Patients may have concerns about these patches and their potential connection to other diseases.
Hypopigmentation can be distressing, especially if it is noticeable. Additionally, individuals with darker skin may face social stigma due to hypopigmentation. However, most cases of hypopigmentation are not severe, can be diagnosed through clinical examination, and may be treatable.
Depigmentation
This condition occurs when the skin loses its pigment and turns white. This can occur in various body parts, such as the face, hands, feet, and other areas. One common cause of depigmentation is vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that leads to the development of smooth, white patches on the skin.
Vitiligo can affect anyone, regardless of age, and its onset can occur at any point in life. However, in many cases, white patches associated with vitiligo appear before age 20, often beginning during early childhood.
In vitiligo, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the melanocytes. As a result, the affected areas of the skin lose their color and become depigmented.
Treatments for Skin Pigmentation
At Acne Freedom Clinic, we offer personalized treatments for various skin pigmentation issues.
US FDA Laser with Combination Peel, Facials
We understand the importance of addressing these concerns effectively and safely. That’s why we provide you with trusted and approved options.
- Laser therapy involves using a focused beam of light to target and break down pigmented areas such as dark spots or hyperpigmentation. It’s a highly effective method to address problems like melasma, sun spots, and age spots.
- One of our popular treatments combines US FDA–approved laser therapy with peel, This treatment removes the outermost layer of skin, encouraging the natural process of replacing old, dead skin cells with fresh, rejuvenated ones. We customize the peels based on your needs, offering superficial to deep peels.
- Additionally, our facials play a vital role in this combination treatment by cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing the skin to improve its health and appearance. We tailor the facials to address concerns like acne, dryness, or uneven skin tone.
Microneedling – Dermapen 4 & MnRF
Another treatment option we offer is micro-needling using the Dermapen 4 or MnRF.
- Microneedling with the Dermapen 4 involves using a handheld device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce pigmentation problems, scars, and wrinkles. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that can deliver significant results.
- MnRF, which stands for Microneedling Radiofrequency, is another advanced micro-needling treatment we provide. It combines micro-needling with radiofrequency energy to deliver heat deep into the skin. This promotes collagen remodeling and addresses pigmentation concerns, acne scars, and skin laxity.
IV Glutathione or IV Glowing Elixir
We provide options like IV Glutathione and IV Glowing Elixir for intravenous treatment.
- IV Glutathione involves administering high doses of this powerful antioxidant directly into the bloodstream, helping reduce pigmentation, improve skin tone, and provide overall health benefits.
- IV Glowing Elixir contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to hydrate the skin, nourish it, and give it a healthy glow. While these treatments have proven benefits for the skin, their specific effects on pigmentation may vary.
Chemical Peel – Deep Pigmentation Freedom Peel and Cosmelan Peel
We have specialized chemical peels such as the Deep Pigmentation Freedom Peel and Cosmelan Peel for deep-seated pigmentation issues.
- The Deep Pigmentation Freedom Peel targets stubborn pigmentation, melasma, sunspots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. It combines exfoliating agents and skin-lightening ingredients to help reduce the appearance of these concerns. It involves applying a mask with active ingredients to inhibit melanin production and promote skin brightening.
Following post-peel care instructions like sun protection, moisturizing, avoiding harsh products, gentle cleansing, avoiding picking or peeling, and specialist’s recommendations is crucial to achieving the desired outcome.
Seeking professional guidance from dermatologists or skincare specialists is paramount when dealing with skin pigmentation issues. We at Acne Freedom Clinic understand the significance of personalized care and develop the most suitable treatment options for your pigmentation type.
So, to start your journey towards healthier, more radiant skin, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Reference links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029232/
https://www.wellandgood.com/hyperpigmentation-hormones-connection/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029232/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029232/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4292080/
