Knowledgebase / Cleansers
Causes of pigmented skin
Characteristics and Causes
Skin is pigmented when some of the pigment cells deep in the skin are producing too much pigment. This will show as patches or areas where the skin is darker than the rest of the skin. Pigmentation may occur on any skin type and may be triggered by a number of factors.Some typical symptoms of pigmented skin are:
Darker colour than the “normal” skin colour
May vary from dark pink to black depending on the “normal” skin colour
Skin may be thickened, dull and rough in texture, especially as a result of excessive UV exposure
While we may be born with some pigmentation patches such as moles and birthmarks, there are many types that develop throughout our lives we are able to control.
The sun: Exposing the skin to the sun without wearing sunscreen is the number one cause of uneven pigmentation on the skin.
Hormones: Fluctuations in women’s hormones such as pregnancy or taking the contraceptive pill can result in areas of pigmentation, usually of the face.
Inflammation: severe or repeated inflammation and irritation of the skin can result in uneven skin colour. This may be something as common as a breakout which may leave the skin discoloured.
Sunbeds: Young skin may develop a golden, even skin colour after a course of sunbeds but damage is occurring to the skin which will be seen years later as patchy, dull and thickened skin.
