Skin Care Decoded!

Skin pigmentation can be divided into a few types. Over here, we will introduce and discuss the types of skin pigmentation and what causes it generally. Usually, skin pigmentation cannot be controlled as different types of skin may require different sort of treatment to be used. However, we can try to prevent skin pigmentation by using sunscreen, removing dead skin cells through exfoliation and taking multivitamins.

Skin pigmentation usually happens when the body produces either too much or too little melanin causing skin to be blotchy and uneven. The causes of skin pigmentation can vary (read here for more information on causes of skin pigmentation). Here are some of the types of skin pigmentation

• Albinism
Albinism is a situation where the person as a light skin, white or pale yellow hair and grey eyes. Albinism usually is a result of inherited recessive trait. As of today, there is still no cure to albinism and one should wear sun block all the time as people suffering from albinism are more likely to get sun damage and skin care

• Hypo pigmentation
Hypo pigmentation happens where the body does not produce enough melanin. In some cases, it happens after an ulcer, burn, infection heals or blister where the skin loses some of its pigment at the affected area

• Hyper pigmentation
Hyper pigmentation is a condition where the body produces too much melanin causing skin to be darker than usual. Hyper pigmentation usually occurs when there is excessive sun bathing or drug reactions. More often than not, wounds and scars leave behind a dark patch of skin after it heals. Birthmarks, moles and aging spots are signs of hyper pigmentation.

• Vitiligo
Vitiligo is another form of hypo pigmentation caused by loss of pigment producing cells in the skin. The white patches are very sensitive to sun. In fact, vitiligo affects nearly 2% of population and appears more common in darker skin people. Vitiligo is also linked to hyperthyroidism, Addison’s Disease and some scientists believe that vitiligo is caused by auto immune disorder. Treatments for vitiligo includes light sensitive drugs with combination of UV A.

• Port-wine stains
Port-wine stains are skin pigmentation spots caused by abnormal development of capillaries and appear as purple or red marks on body

• Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Lichen Simplex choronicus is a skin pigmentation disorder that one has dark patches of skin and the patch of skin causes severe itching. The itch can lead to permanent scaring and infection if left untreated.

• Birthmarks
Birthmarks usually appear at birth and a few weeks following birth. The birthmark disappears as the individual grows older, but in some cases, it stays for the rest of the person’s life. This type of skin pigmentation usually does not pose any health threats.

• Melasma
Melasma is a hyper pigmentation which usually happens during pregnancy due to changes in hormones and disappears after the woman gives birth to the child. Melasma or also known as chloasma can be treated with prescription creams and over the counter product. Melasma happens where a dark mask appears usually over cheeks, neck or bridge of nose.