What Causes Pigmentation?
When exposed to the sun, the skin is stimulated to produce melanin which helps to protect itself against the sun damaging UV rays. Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces too much melanin which is concentrated in certain area and can form dark visible patches. Pigmentation can be triggered by UV rays, hormones, trauma to the skin and sometimes unknown sources. Pigmentation can be classified as epidermal, dermal or a combination of both.
Types of Pigmentation
Epidermal pigmentations are usually composed of lentigo (simplex, solar), age spot/seborrheic keratosis, freckles, café au lait, nevus spilus or beckers nevus. Some are genetic in nature while others are brought on by the aging process or sun exposure.