What causes skin pigmentation?
Excess skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is usually caused by an overwhelming of the melanin-protective system. This leads to excess production and clumping of melanin, and the appearance of brown or darker spots of pigmentation in the skin. Reasons for skin pigmentation problems are; In most cases, especially in an area of high UV levels like Singapore, this is caused by excessive UV or sun exposure (most common) Hormonal, as seen in melasma or chloasma that is a type of pigmentation usually caused by pregnancy or the pill (common) A response to some drugs, and some medical causes such as liver disease or haemochromatosis (uncommon) Trauma to the skin. This can be a result of physical trauma to the skin, chemical peels, laser treatments, or acne. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (common). Birthmarks and acquired pigmentation – skin pigmentation can be present at birth (birthmarks), appear in childhood, or adulthood. Examples of these include; congenital melano
