Pigmentation (Pigment deposition) means skin discoloration. In other words, it is the color change that occurs in the skin or tissues due to the increase in pigment. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of your skin. The skin gets its color from the pigment called 'Melanin'. Melanin is synthesized and distributed by special epidermis cells called Melanocyte. If these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects the production of melanin and causes unwanted spots on the skin. Some of these spots are present from birth, some occur as a result of aging, and some are manifested by sun damage to the skin. In other words, the formation of blemishes is based on various reasons. The first way to get rid of them is to know their types.

What is skin hyperpigmentation?

'Hyper', 'Excess' and 'Pigmentation' mean 'Pigment deposition-Stain'. Therefore, hyperpigmentation means dark spots on the skin caused by the overproduction of the color pigment (substance) called melanin, which gives color to the skin, and its collection under the skin. Hyper-pigmentation manifests itself as dark spots, freckles, dark circles, acne scars and tanning as a result of skin exposure to the sun. It creates a dull and patchy appearance on the skin. Hyper-pigmentation is often associated with open pores, acne, rough and rough patchy skin.

Focal hyperpigmentation

It usually extends from the lips, palate, tongue and gums to the oral mucosa. Such pigment spots are caused by pathogenic deviations of the epidermis or an increase in the melanin pigment in that area.

Epidermal hyperpigmentation

Epidermal nevus presents at birth or in the first years of life. There are several different types, including systemic, inflammatory, and localized. It is expressed as a round and light brown papilloma.

Dermal hyperpigmentation

Dermal hyperpigmentation is typical ashen-colored patches caused by increased production of melanocytes in the deep layers of the skin.

Mixed hyperpigmentation

It is linked to the development of dark brown spots. It can occur on any skin type.

Age spots

Age spot, namely lentigo, is a skin discoloration disease that is confused with freckles. Age spots are usually seen after the age of 40. Age spots are darker than freckles. They are larger in size. It stays on the skin in summer and winter. It gets darker in summer. There are varieties, it is also known as liver spot. It is especially seen in light-skinned skin areas exposed to the sun. It is seen in the hands, face, shoulders, back and décolleté area of the chest.

Nevus (birthmarks)

Nevus (birthmarks) is the medical term for sharply circumscribed and chronic lesions of the skin or mucous membranes. These lesions are often referred to as birthmarks or beauty marks. These spots are usually present at birth. As the child grows, the stain also grows. It can occur anywhere on the skin. Birthmarks occur when blood vessels in the skin come together in bundles or overgrow. These spots are flat or raised, pink, red or bluish in appearance.

Melasma (chloasma)

Melasma (also known as chloasma) is an example of hyperpigmentation. The reasons are pregnancy, contraceptives, cosmetics and the sun. This condition is most often characterized by darkened or brown spots on the face. Melasma can occur in pregnant women and is often referred to as the 'pregnancy mask'; however, this condition can also develop in men. Melasma mostly goes away after pregnancy. Sunlight triggers melasma.

Melanoderma

Melanoderma is a disease associated with a violation of pigment formation. It can occur at birth or during life. It is commonly seen on the face, neck, nipples and abdomen. In most cases, hyperpigmentation is treated for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons or can help improve appearance.

There are actually many ways to get rid of hyperpigmentation, but knowing what kind of spots you have should be your priority to find the most appropriate solution. In my article next week, I will talk about stains and solutions.

Freckles

It is characterized as multiple small brown skin-level lesions caused by the accumulation of melanin pigment, mostly seen in sun-exposed skin areas in blond, red and light-skinned individuals. The increase in the number of melanocytes is either very slight or absent, but the melanosomes are larger and more active, the amount of melanin is increased. In fact, freckles appear as a result of the organism's natural response to protect the skin from ultraviolet sun rays. The difference from larger freckles called lentigo is that they darken after intense sun exposure and fade when not sunbathing. Facial freckles are most common on the forehead, cheeks and nose.