Pigmentation is a disorder of skin complexion and colour. It occurs mainly due to the malfunctioning of the endocrine glands and the liver, and exposure to the sun's rays. The pigmentation problem occurs as either an excessive colouration and darkening of the skin or a loss of colour and pigment in the skin, over the entire body or just in patches and spots.
Pigmentation is more widespread amongst the middle-aged women in particular. Very few women in the younger age suffer from pigmentation, and the extent of the problem is minimal, however younger people can suffer from suntan, freckles etc. The skin has wonderful protective responses.
In the deepest layers of the epidermis are cells that produce melanin - a pigment that gives the skin its colour. Melanin protects the skin from the harsh rays of the sun. When the skin is
exposed to the sun, the production of melanin increases. Once it is produced, melanin matures and moves into the upper layers of the epidermis. In some skins, this transfer of melanin gets blocked and there is no pigmentation. On the other hand, if the transfer is accelerated, it results in pigmentation and dark skins.
To Be Continued....
