irregular skin color due to the low or over creation of Melanin is usually known as skin pigmentation. Low or High Melanin production usually happens when skin cells are injured. Melanin, which is produced by skin cells, is what basically determines the skin color. Uneven patches on the skin are due to volatile Melanin production.   Overproduction of Melanin can cause darker skin spots and the low production of it create lighter spots.

Natural causes like pregnancy, self inflicted cases like no ample sun protection to diseases such as Addison’s disease are the most common reasons behind of skin pigmentation. Melasma, Age Spots, Solar Lentigo and Vitiligo are the most reported classifications of skin pigmentation usually seen on most patients. Skin pigmentation may have varying degrees classified as Epidermal and Dermal. Epidermal is a classification where only the outer skin layer is affected by skin pigmentation. Dermal on the other hand is a classification where the discoloration goes deeper into the skin tissue.

Uneven skin tone with visible dark patches on the face would usually be termed as Melasma. Sun exposure without proper protection and pregnancy are the most common causes of Melasma. For basic cases of Melasma, chemical peels are usually prescribed by dermatologists while advanced cases may need to use new treatments like laser and diamond peels.

What may seem as common freckles, age spots, liver spots or sun spots for some are actually known as Solar Lentigo, another condition of skin Hyperpigmentation. When skin is usually exposed to the sun and is unprotected, most people get Solar Lentigo. This type of skin ailment is mostly seen on people who are in their 50’s or 60’s. This condition, though it may look normal, would need to be treated with more state-of-the-art measures like cryosurgery and laser.

Vitiligo is usually due to production of lesser Melanin which results to light patches instead of darker patches. More advanced cases can lead to intensified whitening of patches covering various areas in the skin, which will be the complete opposite of the natural skin color. People with darker skin tones usually are more prone to this type of skin pigmentation. There is still no actual known cause determined by experts on this type of skin condition. There are many cases that may be the reason for this type of skin pigmentation such as sun burns, genetic and hereditary cases, immunologic and even neurogenic factors.

Too much contact to the sun’s rays would be the most recognized factor behind common skin disorders. Without the proper amount of sun protection, skin cells are most likely to be ruined. Sun screens with high SPF formulation are the best sun protection recommended.

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