Pigmentation: What Is It & Why Do You Get it?

Do you frequently notice unexpected dark patches on your face and minor discolouration on your body? These symptoms could point to skin pigmentation. It is caused by an increase in melanin production and is also known as Hyperpigmentation. Melanin is a pigment in the skin that provides its colour. Exposure to light, hormonal abnormalities, and certain medications can all have a role. Everything you need to know about pigmentation is right here!

What exactly is skin pigmentation?

Pigmentation is a disorder that involves the darkening of the skin in certain areas. It creates changes in your skin’s colour. It is most commonly found on the cheekbones, nose, and forehead. Pigmentation can be detected by any discolouration or uneven skin appearance. When the skin generates more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, hyperpigmentation occurs.

As a consequence, skin blemishes or patches may appear darker than surrounding areas. Skin hyperpigmentation is a common skin disease. It affects people of all colours.

Some types of Hyperpigmentation include melasma and sunspots. They are more likely to affect parts of skin that are exposed to harmful sunlight, such as the face, arms, and legs. Other types of hyperpigmentation develop due to a skin injury or inflammation, such as cuts, burns, acne, or lupus. This can come up anywhere on the body.

What factors contribute to pigmentation?

Skin Discolouration can be a consequence of a variety of factors. One of the primary causes of pigmentation is sun damage. The sun is responsible for 70-80% of pigmentation. UV rays can be ingested indoors or outdoors at any time throughout the year and cause pigmentation.

In addition to sun exposure, certain drugs, hormonal imbalances, and diseases such as Addison’s Disease can cause pigmentation.

The type of hyperpigmentation determines the reason. The following are the most common causes of hyperpigmentation:

• Sunlight exposure: The body produces more melanin to protect the skin from continuous sun exposure. This can lead to age spots or sunspots, which are dark spots or patches of skin.
• Skin inflammatory disease: After a person’s skin has been inflamed, areas of skin can discolour. This can include acne, eczema, lupus, or a skin injury. People with darker complexions are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Melasma: When people’s hormones alter, darker patches of skin can appear. During pregnancy, this sort of hyperpigmentation is frequent.
• Drug-related reactions: Antimalarial medications and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, have the potential to cause hyperpigmentation. In some cases, patches of skin may turn grey.

Topical therapy chemicals can cause hyperpigmentation.

Is it avoidable?

A lot of pigmentation may be avoided. Wearing plenty of sunscreens can help prevent sunburn. It is recommended to use at least two tablespoons of excellent sunscreen instead of a small amount of lotion. This can help to form a robust shield and barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.

UV rays promote the synthesis of melanin as a protective mechanism, and overexposure can generate dark patches on parts of skin that are more exposed to the sun.

Hyperpigmentation is a benign skin disease that can be removed using the right targeted cosmetic procedures, skin treatments and products. 

If you suffer from Hyperpigmentation, get in touch with our experts at My Skin Aesthetics. We will analyse your skin and determine the best course of action to treat your pigmentation issues. To book a consultation, please call us at 02 4417 9100

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