Pigmentation And Sun Damage

Pigmentation is a discolouration of the skin, which usually suggests that too much melanin (pigment) has been produced. It usually occurs in spots or patches. Factors such as the UV rays from the sun trigger pigment-making cells, known as melanocytes, and they pump out melanin to protect the skin.

Although too much time spent in the sun is the leading cause of pigmentation, it can also be exacerbated by hormones or birth control pills, acne or inflammation. While the condition is not harmful, it can be difficult to treat and difficult to cover up. Pigmentation is not necessarily permanent as the effects can be reversed with a good skincare regime and a course of treatments.