What can trigger skin pigmentation?

Author: Lauren Emard  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

Skin pigmentation is a common condition that can be triggered by various factors. The three leading causes of skin pigmentation are genetics, sun exposure, and particular medications.

Why am I suddenly getting pigmentation?

Causes of hyperpigmentation include: Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills) Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease.

What causes hyperpigmentation to flare up?

What triggers hyperpigmentation? Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

What deficiency causes skin pigmentation?

Skin lesions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. Cutaneous lesions that do not respond to conventional therapy can be an indication of vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

What worsens pigmentation?

Causes of hyperpigmentation

sun exposure. genetics. hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy. medications, including certain antibiotics and drugs that cause increased sensitivity to the sun.

What Is Pigmentation On Face & What Are The Causes Of Pigmentation | Cosmetologist Explains

What stimulates skin pigmentation?

Sun Exposure. Sun exposure is a common cause of skin pigmentation. The body produces more melanin, in order to defend itself against UV rays from the sun. This may make the skin more pigmented, to shield it from the sun's rays.

What autoimmune disease causes skin discoloration?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

Can B12 reverse hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an early and reversible sign of vitamin B 12 deficiency, which must be promptly recognised and corrected. The cause of B12 deficiency must be identified and additionally treated.

What foods cause skin pigmentation?

One cause of food-induced skin pigmentation is the chemical psoralen, which increases the risk of age spots and makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Psoralen is found in foods like the common fig, parsley, parsnips, limes, and celery.

What is the disease that affects skin pigmentation?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.

Why did my skin suddenly get darker?

Numerous variables, such as sun exposure, hormone changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ageing, skin conditions, and lifestyle choices, can cause skin darkening. Understanding the underlying reasons will help us avoid or cure darker skin tones.

What is the most common trigger of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Common inflammatory diseases that result in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation include acne excoriée, lichen planus, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic dermatitis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, especially erythrodermic variants.

Can stress cause pigmentation?

Also, under stress, your bodies produce more inflammation, which can lead to increased pigmentation and worsen melasma symptoms. Stress can also make you more susceptible to sun damage, which is a known trigger for melasma. When exposed to UV rays, your skin produces more melanin, which can cause dark patches to form.

Why am I getting so many age spots all of a sudden?

If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you're more likely to develop age spots areas of increased pigmentation. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun. Age spots can look like cancerous growths.

What is the best home remedy for pigmentation?

Here are some of the remedies:
  1. Masoor dal (red lentils) ...
  2. Grape seed oil. ...
  3. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  4. Red onion. ...
  5. Black tea water. ...
  6. Licorice extract. ...
  7. Tomato paste. ...
  8. Orchid extracts. Orchid extracts contain vitamin C and are used to treat Hyperpigmentation.

What drink is good for pigmentation?

​​Green Tea​

Green tea contains antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. Sipping on this tea can help reverse signs of aging and reduce the impact of pigmentation on topical application.

Which organ is responsible for pigmentation?

2.2. Mechanism of melanin formation. Melanocytes, which account for approximately 10% of the cells in the basal layer of the skin, serve as the primary producer of Melanin throughout the body.

What is the best vitamin to remove hyperpigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

Can skin pigmentation be restored?

The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it's usually not permanent, but it may take a long time to re-pigment. Cosmetics can be used to cover the area, while the body regenerates the pigment.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Why am I losing pigment in my skin?

Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour. In vitiligo, there are not enough working melanocytes to produce enough melanin in your skin. This causes white patches to develop on your skin or hair.

What is Morpheus disease?

Morphea, also called localized scleroderma, is a rare inflammatory skin condition that can also affect the subcutaneous tissues. Morphea encompasses multiple variants with different outcomes ranging for small isolated benign skin lesions to aggressive lesions, which can cause significant deformities.

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