As a dermatologist with extensive experience in skin health and pigmentation issues, I'm often asked about the main reasons for pigmentation changes. Pigmentation refers to the coloration of the skin, which is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes. Here are the primary causes of pigmentation:


1. Inflammation Caused by Sunlight: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a significant factor in skin pigmentation. UV rays stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin as a protective response, leading to tanning and potentially to hyperpigmentation.


2. Skin Damage: Any form of skin injury, such as cuts, burns, or acne, can trigger an inflammatoread more >>

Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain spots on the skin. ... Pigment spots such as age spots are caused by sun exposure. For this reason, they appear mainly on body parts that are frequently exposed, such as the face, hands and arms. They tend to be small, darkened patches of skin.read more >>