Clear skin may be ideal for some, but even the Moon has its spots, just like the natural variations in human skin. In today’s appearance-focused world, concerns about skin pigmentation and signs of ageing are top priorities for many. Yet, finding the right skincare to manage pigmentation can become tiresome. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding pigmentation and ways to prevent it.
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation is the accumulation of a skin pigment, melanin, in certain areas or patches of the skin. Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment that protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Melanin offers colour to the skin, determining how dark or fair one is, and protects it from the sun’s harmful radiation. Its uneven distribution can look patchy, leading to pigmentation.
Variations in pigmentation include hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening). The causes of pigmentation changes can be diverse, ranging from genetic factors to environmental and medical conditions, including:
- Genetic predispositions
125 genes influence skin tone. Genetics play a key role in predicting the number of melanocytes or melanin-producing cells. Melanin production, controlled by an interplay of genes and hormones, determines the changes in skin colour with time. People with darker skin tones possess elevated melanin levels than those with lighter skin tones. Moreover, conditions like vitiligo are hereditary.
- Sun exposure
Sun exposure often causes skin pigmentation. The body produces more melanin to protect you against UV rays, which can darken the skin. When exposed to UV light, UV rays create free radicals, activating cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. An enzyme called tyrosinase converts an amino acid into melanin, creating red or brown pigments. The body increases tyrosinase activity, boosting pigment production. As the skin naturally exfoliates, melanin moves to the surface, colouring the skin.
- Health conditions
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is frequently caused by inflammatory skin conditions such as severe acne, trauma, or burns. Pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy can induce hyperpigmentation.
- Medicines
Several drugs can also affect skin pigmentation by increasing melanin production and thus can affect skin colour. When some medications, such as birth control pills, are taken concurrently, skin pigmentation may worsen. Remember to speak with your doctor to find out if the medication affects the colour of your skin.
What diet to follow?
While your diet plays a major role in the quality of your skin health, it is sadly neglected. You need to focus on your diet for good skin. Include Vitamin C-rich foods and colourful and leafy vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, beets, and spinach. Consume berries, tomatoes, kale, carrots, spinach, fish, almonds, walnuts, and flax and chia seeds to control pigmentation. It helps maintain adequate hydration and a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
If you genuinely want to embrace healthy and glowing skin, plate up healthy, skip the self-diagnosis, and visit a dermatologist who can help identify your problems and give you tailor-made solutions.
