Melanin is a natural pigment that is responsible for the color in our hair, skin, and eyes. PIH can affect either your epidermis, which is your skin's surface level, or your dermis — a deep layer of your skin.
Epidermal postinflammatory hyperpigmentation has an accumulation of melanin within the basal and suprabasal layers of the epidermis. Melanocytes are typically intact but hyperactive in this form, leading to increased melanin production.
Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are scattered among other cells in the deepest layer of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) called the basal layer. After melanin is produced, it spreads into other nearby skin cells.
PIH can be on the top layer of your skin (epidermal), deeper in your skin (dermal), or both (mixed). This depends on how deep the extra color is in your skin. Doctors can see this with a special lamp or by taking a small piece of skin to look at under a microscope.
Epidermal: Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a well-defined border, appears obvious under black light and sometimes responds well to treatment. Dermal: Dermal melasma has a light brown or bluish color, a blurry border, appears no differently under black light and doesn't respond well to treatment.
Basal layer hyperpigmentation may be marked. There is often a mild increase in the numbers of melanocytes, particularly at the tips of elongated rete ridges. Solar elastosis is usually seen in the dermis (figure 5).
Based on your skin complexion, these areas can appear brown, tan, pink, gray, black, or even purple. As opposed to a suntan, which comes and goes, hyperpigmentation tends to be more longstanding, although areas may lighten or fade with time and treatment.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Other cellular components of the epidermis
Melanocytes are dendritic, pigment-producing cells located in the basal layer. The pigment they manufacture is called melanin.
WHAT ARE DEAD SKIN CELLS? Dead skin is a natural part of the human body's renewal process. Dead cells often manifest as rough, dry, or flaky patches on the outermost skin layer. In more severe cases, accumulation can lead to calluses, especially on the soles of the feet.
However, removing skin pigmentation from the face permanently can be challenging if only using topical treatments, so if these solutions aren't fixing the problem, it's worth looking at more intensive treatments such as laser skin rejuvenation and other minimally invasive professional skincare treatments.
It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Hyperpigmentation is very common on skin of color, as darker skin tones already have a higher melanin content. Burns, bruises, acne, rashes, or other trauma to the skin can cause it to produce more melanin and lead to dark spots.
Postinflammatory pigmentation is also called acquired melanosis. More severe injury results in postinflammatory hypopigmentation, which is usually permanent.
Three common types of hyperpigmentation include: Sunspots, age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines. These are different names for spots that develop because of one thing—sun exposure. Sunspots are most likely to pop up on areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as your face and hands.
Does Drinking Water Help Pigmentation? Research notes that increasing how much water you drink everyday can positively impact the skin's overall health and appearance. 5 This suggests, that in some cases, staying hydrated may help with some types of skin pigmentation.
As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.
Melanin is a natural pigment that is responsible for the color in our hair, skin, and eyes. PIH can affect either your epidermis, which is your skin's surface level, or your dermis — a deep layer of your skin.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].