Which hormone is responsible for skin pigmentation?

Author: Miss Eugenia Metz DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone describes a group of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and skin cells. It is important for protecting the skin from UV rays, development of pigmentation and control of appetite.

What hormone causes skin pigmentation?

PHILADELPHIA — When skin cells responsible for pigmentation are exposed to estrogen or progesterone, the cells respond by adjusting their melanin production, resulting in either skin darkening or lightening.

Which hormones are responsible for skin color?

Have you ever wondered which hormone causes pigmentation? The underlying hormone responsible for triggering the melanocytes is melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). This hormone increases the production of melanin, which is responsible for darkening your skin.

What hormones lighten skin?

The estrogen darkens skin. Progesterone lightens it. The process works just as well on cells from men's skin as women's skin.

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.

Hormones: Melasma & Your Skin

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 hormone makes skin look younger?

The hyaluronic acid produced by estrogen helps your skin look younger and helps you maintain your body mass, energy and metabolism levels. Progesterone is the regulatory hormone for balancing estrogen levels. Progesterone also decreases your body's reliance on the hormone cortisol, which ages the skin.

Which vitamin is good for skin whitening?

Vitamin C aids in the brightening process by priming the skin cells and making them more susceptible to the effects of Glutathione. Additionally, research suggests that Vitamin C itself may possess some brightening properties.

What do celebrities use to lighten their skin?

Most commonly, celebrities resort to chemical peels or laser therapy to get rid of hyperpigmentation fast. Others opt for vitamin C supplements, retinol, or serums to lighten their skin.

Which hormone is called the beauty hormone?

Estrogen is often considered the “beauty hormone” due to its positive effects on skin. It plays a vital role in: Collagen production: Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity by stimulating collagen production, which keeps skin firm and youthful.

How to get rid of hormonal pigmentation?

What is the treatment for melasma? Sun protection is the most important part of treatment since the pigment will continue to darken with exposure. Traditional methods used to remove melasma include chemical or acid peels, dermabrasion, bleaches, pulsed light and traditional laser treatments.

Which hormone causes bad skin?

Fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can cause zits and pimples to pop up. Typically, these fluctuations happen mostly during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and menopause. During these times of increased hormones, the body produces more sebum, an oily, waxy substance.

Which hormone is responsible for skin color?

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone describes a group of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and skin cells. It is important for protecting the skin from UV rays, development of pigmentation and control of appetite.

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

What hormones cause dark upper lip?

Melasma more commonly affects women, particularly when related to fluctuating estrogen levels. It's also much more noticeable in women due to the location of the discoloration, and women tend to be more bothered by the mustache-like appearance.

What vitamin gets rid of dark spots?

Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. 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.

What drug makes your skin glow?

Retinoids. Retinol and stronger prescription-strength retinoids like Tretinoin stimulate cell turnover, treat acne, fade hyperpigmentation and encourage your skin to make more collagen and elastin. These products reduce fine lines, smooth texture and boosts your skin's overall radiance to make your skin glow.

Which serum is best for skin whitening?

  • 4.1|18. LUVYH. Vitamin C & E Face Serum. ...
  • 4|24. LUVYH. Neck Whitening Cream 100gm. ...
  • 4.3|53. INTIMIFY. Vitamin C Serum-30ml. ...
  • LUVYH. Pack of 2 Whitening Face Gel. 349 998 ( 65 % OFF)
  • 3.6|5. INTIMIFY. Underarm Whitening Serum-10ml. ...
  • Color. Brown. Multi. ...
  • 4.4|414. Colorbar. Hydra White Intense Serum. ...
  • 3.8|6. Melalumin. Under Eye Serum - 15ml. 950.

What is the 1 vitamin you need after 60 for crepey skin?

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is vital for older adults as it plays a significant role in maintaining skin health and preventing crepey skin. Moreover, vitamin E supplements are effective antioxidants that help to keep the body cells safe from oxidative stress and sun damage.

What makes a female face look younger?

Smooth skin is a key characteristic of youthfulness. By adopting a skincare routine that includes moisturizing, exfoliating, and protecting against sun damage, you can maintain a smoother complexion and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

How to tell if you have low estrogen?

What are the symptoms of low estrogen levels?
  1. Dry skin.
  2. Tender breasts.
  3. Weak or brittle bones.
  4. Trouble concentrating.
  5. Moodiness and irritability.
  6. Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  7. Hot flashes and night sweats.
  8. Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).

What really works on skin pigmentation?

Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.

Which serum is best for pigmentation?

  • 4.7|14. AD. RAS LUXURY OILS. Advanced Booster Serum - 10 ml. ...
  • 4.3|107. AD. FIXDERMA. ...
  • 4.3|186. The Derma co. Pigmentation Corrector Serum. ...
  • 4.4|5. Dermatouch. Bye Bye Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.4|77. AD. Hyphen. ...
  • 4.1|34. Dermatouch. Bye Bye Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.2|25. SUGANDA SKINCARE. Advanced Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.4|9.4k. AD. Ponds.

How to treat hyperpigmentation due to hormonal imbalance?

Treatments may include:
  1. Creams that contain certain substances to improve the appearance of melasma.
  2. Chemical peels or topical steroid creams.
  3. Laser treatments to remove the dark pigment if melasma is severe.
  4. Stopping hormone medicines that may be causing the problem.
  5. Medicines taken by mouth.

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