SKIN PIGMENTATION

The cells that produce melanin-a pigment that imparts color to the skin, are present in the deeper layers of the epidermis. Melanin is responsible for protecting the skin against the harmful sunrays. Production if melanin increases with the exposure of the skin to the sunlight. After being produced, it matures and moves into the upper layers of the skin. When the transfer of melanin is stopped, pigmentation is not caused but when the transfer is accelerated, it results in pigmentation and dark skin.

The dark skin contains more of melanin since in fair skin; it gets damaged while traveling to the upper layers. Since melanin is a dark colored pigment, it results in the dark color of the skin.

Sometimes, due to the internal pathological problems, the transfer of melanin gets obstructed and it results in skin problems associated with color, in the form of white and dark patches. The uneven transfer of the melanin results in pigmented patches and the repeated exposure to sun makes these patches more persistent.

Skin pigmentation has been clinically treated. The treatment involves hydration and revitalization of the skin along with the removal of pigmented patches. Very often skin pigmentation is accompanied with cellular build up on the outer layer, which already contains the pigment. Hence, specialized masks are used so as to remove the cellular build up and bring forth a more even color tone. The removal of dead cells accelerates the process of replacement of dead cells with healthy ones. It also removes in removing the excess pigment containing cells resulting in the improvement of skin's texture making it smooth.

A daily care routine should be followed to fight this problem. This also includes choosing the right product that helps to lighten the patches. Products with chemicals should be avoided as they accelerate pigmentation and products with natural extracts eliminate this risk. A daily care routine must lay emphasis on moisturizing the skin also.

Cleansing the skin is very important is very important in this context. Sunscreen should be used to protect the skin against the adverse affects of the sun as it helps in blocking the sunrays effectively and it also helps in avoiding the dehydration of the skin. At night, skin should be nourished after cleansing and wiped off with moist cotton. Masks also help in this context; among these the placenta masks reduce the effects of sun damage. For the use over the pigmented patches, a medicated ointment is prescribed which is left applied all night long. Masks containing seaweeds can be used when intensive moisturizing is required. Daily masks are also used and one such mask is a mixture of herbal powder with honey, yoghurt and egg white. Seaweed lotion can also be added.