melasma/skin-melasma/how-to-treat-melasma/causes-of-melasma
Understanding Melanin Pigment That Causes Skin Melasma and How to Treat It
Melasma is a common problem associated with increased melanin pigmentation. To better understand melasma and how to treat it, we need to learn about melanin and its role in the body. In this article, we will explore basic information about melanin, factors that influence the formation of this pigment, and methods to improve melanin hyperpigmentation.
1. Overview of knowledge about melanin
Scientific definition
Melanin is a natural pigment found in the human body that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes. Melanocytes, also known as melanocytes, are the cells that produce melanin. The main purpose of melanin is to protect the skin from the effects of harmful sunlight by producing more melanin in response to sunlight. Melanocytes will produce more melanin in people with dark skin compared to people with light skin tones.
Type of melanin pigment
In the human body, there are three main types of melanin pigment:
- Eumelanin: This is the pigment associated with dark tones such as brown and black.
- Pheomelanin: This type of pigment is associated with color tones such as red and yellow.
- Neuromelanin: This is a pigment that exists in the human brain, creating color for structures in this area.
Where is melanin in the human body?
Melanin is made up of basal cells of the epidermis (epidermis) in the skin structure. This is where it is easy to absorb UV rays from sunlight, causing skin pigmentation due to the formation of melanin pigment. Skin color, hair color and eye color in humans are determined by pigments such as melanin, carotene, oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin. Melanocytes produce less melanin, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes.
Formation process and influencing factors
The process of melanin formation begins with melanocytes, which can be found throughout the body. These cells produce organelles called melanosomes, which synthesize eumelanin and pheomelanin. This melanosome is then distributed to many types of cells in the body such as skin cells. The level of natural melanin production is largely determined by genetics and determines a person's skin, hair and eye color. However, there are other factors that affect this such as regular exposure to UV rays, inflammation, hormones, aging and skin pigmentation disorders.
What is the active role of melanin pigment?
In addition to playing a role in creating pigment in humans and animals, melanin also plays an important role in protecting the skin under the influence of sunlight and against oxidation. Melanin pigment helps protect skin cells from the effects of UV rays before they penetrate and damage the DNA of skin cells. In addition, melanin also has the ability to prevent oxidation reactions caused by the harmful effects of UV rays, helping to limit skin cell damage.
Skin diseases related to melanin disorders
Some skin diseases related to melanin disorders include:
- Increased melanin pigmentation: The clear manifestation of this condition is the appearance of brown spots, melasma or freckles on some areas of the body such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
- Post-inflammatory darkening: When the skin is damaged by burns, scratches or infections, the replacement skin often becomes darker after healing because the body adjusts melanin production to protect the skin from external influences. out too much.
- Albinism: A case in which the body has less melanin than normal people, leading to white hair, blue eyes and pale skin.
- Hearing loss: Reduced melanin has a negative impact on hearing, which can lead to hearing loss or deafness.
- Parkinson's disease: A decrease in cells containing the pigment neuromelanin in the brain can cause Parkinson's disease.
2. How to improve melanin hyperpigmentation?
Always protect your skin as much as possible against the harmful effects of sunlight
Protecting your skin from sun damage is one of the simple but important ways to reduce hyperpigmentation. Limit exposure to UV rays by covering your skin with jackets, hats, and especially using sunscreen. Eucerin Sun Serum Double Whitening SPF 50+ sunscreen product is a good choice, helping to fully protect and naturally brighten your skin. This product provides the ability to absorb UV rays and HEVIS light, while also providing nutrients such as Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Thiamidol to support DNA regeneration in skin cells and reduce dark spots.
Use invasive treatment technology
Ablative treatment technology such as laser skin resurfacing, IPL or dermabrasion can help improve melanin hyperpigmentation. However, these methods need to be performed by experts and combined with the use of appropriate support products to maintain effectiveness.
Use products to treat dark spots and brighten skin
Dark spots treatment and skin brightening products can effectively help improve melanin hyperpigmentation. The Spotless Brightening product set of pharmaceutical and cosmetic brand Eucerin contains the active ingredient Thiamidol, which helps inhibit melanin production and reduces dark spots as well as brightens the skin. This product set includes Spotless Brightening Booster Serum and Spot Corrector, providing effective treatment for dark spots and comprehensive skin brightening.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Endocrine disorders are also one of the causes of increased melanin pigmentation. Therefore, to prevent and improve this problem, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Limit the use of tobacco and stimulants, eat moderately, supplement adequate nutrients and exercise regularly. These factors will help improve health and avoid the risk of hyperpigmentation due to hormone disorders.
In short
Understanding melasma and melanin is an important step towards proper skin care and health. Protecting your skin from the sun, using dark spots treatment and brightening products, combined with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, will help improve melanin hyperpigmentation. However, before applying any treatment, consult a specialist for proper advice and treatment.