Ida is a certified aesthetician (graduate of Marvel School of Beauty), offering home-based services since 1994. Ida provides various holistic services; she graduated from Zanqara’s Holistica Skin Care’s Dermatician course in 1994, which required her to understand homeopathic remedies.
Melanin is the copper-based pigment responsible for our skin, hair, and eye colour, protects our skin from ultraviolet (UVA, UVB, and UVC) radiation by absorbing and dispersing it. It also helps control reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can build up from stress and illness, preventing cellular damage. Our family history largely determines the type and amount of melanin in our bodies, but environmental factors, diet, and certain medical conditions can also influence its production. Many people seek quick, permanent solutions to melanin-related issues, but understanding the different types of melanin and other factors affecting pigmentation can help manage these concerns more effectively. This article delves into the types of melanin, the role of melanocytes, dietary influences, and other causes and prevention of hyperpigmentation.
Types of pigmentation
Eumelanin: This is a black and brown form responsible for darker skin, eyes, and hair colours.
Pheomelanin: This is a red and yellow colour found in red hair and pinkish areas like lips and nipples.
Neuromelanin: This is in the human brain.
The role of melanocytes in hyperpigmentation
Everyone has the same number of pigment-producing cells in the deepest layer of the skin’s epithelial cells. Every pigment-producing cell has tiny storage units of melanin, the spacing of these storage units is denser and more active in darker-toned individuals. Melasma or hyperpigmentation occurs when the unevenly distributed eumelanin and pheomelanin get overstimulated, increasing uneven pigment production in the skin responsible.
Metal's influence on skin pigmentation
Copper is essential for skin, hair, and eye pigmentation, aiding in melanin production through the enzyme tyrosinase. Consuming foods or supplements rich in copper can enhance the skin’s natural protection. Conversely, zinc competes with copper, reducing its levels and melanocyte activity, which can help manage hyperpigmentation. It is crucial to maintain a copper and zinc dietary balance.
The role of blaschko lines in pigmented patterns
In 1901, German dermatologist Alfred Blaschko described his self-titled lines as invisible stripes that trace how skin cells migrate and mature during embryonic development. Hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions can appear along these lines, creating unique patterns.
Causes of melasma or hyperpigmentation
Hormones: used in oral contraceptives, hormone-coated IUDs, and estrogen hormone replacement therapy, like estrogen and progesterone, cause melasma during pregnancy. Our hormone levels change every seven years. They influence blood flow to the skin’s surface, influencing skin inflammation.
Stress: Increases cortisol from the adrenal glands, which may cause estrogen imbalances and trigger melasma.
Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s hormonal system. It causes the adrenal gland to decrease necessary cortisol level production and (sometimes) aldosterone. Low cortisol disrupts adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulation, sometimes causing hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin.
Thyroid gland disorders Can also cause pigmentation problems.
Pre-diabetes: Symptoms can manifest as large or small dark patches on the skin, which disappear once often resolved.
The effects of heat and solutions for controlling melanin
Heat increases pigment production by dilating underlying blood vessels. Those prone to melasma should minimize exposure to heat and UV light and cool the skin quickly when heated.
Eyeglasses and frames: Metal-framed glasses can reflect and overheat the cheeks, potentially causing hyperpigmentation. Plastic frames or mirrored sunglasses are better alternatives.
Protective facial masks trap heat against the skin, stimulating melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Prone body areas: Overweight people with dark skin can have pigmentation issues in the underarms and between the inner thighs. Slim people with darker skin tones also have darker skin under the arms caused by heat.
Heat exposure and hormonal fluctuations change approximately every seven years due to age and external factors.
UV radiation and blue light
UVA rays: The sun rays provide 95% UVA ray exposure. They are weaker and penetrate deeper to damage collagen, causing wrinkles and darkening existing melanin. Sun tanning beds emit damaging UVA rays. Some risk of squamous, basal, and melanoma-type skin cancer increases.
UVB rays: The sun rays provide 5% UVB ray exposure. They are more powerful and shorter; they stimulate protective melanin production to tan the skin and damage its DNA to produce sunspots and white spots. Their increased exposure raises the risk of squamous, basal, and melanoma-type skin cancer increases.
Blue light: Overexposure to blue light from LED electronic devices and LED lights can increase pigmentation, melanin production, and hyperpigmentation, especially in melasma-prone individuals.
Skin trauma and toxicity
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This condition is caused by the healing of injuries, acne, cuts, burns, and infections, which can lead to darkened areas at the site of trauma.
Toxicity: Various toxic compounds in the body overwhelm the liver, and the skin’s elimination system leaves a residue on its skin. Excess silver intake can turn the skin bluish-gray, arsenic found in rice and mercury dental fillings can cause pigmentation, and heavy metal exposure can cause pigmentation issues.
Demodex (skin mite)
The skin mite demodex causes patches, which have been diagnosed and treated for skin mite infections. This condition affects people with oily skin, as Demodex flourishes in this environment.
Photosensitive medications
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, arthritis medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, can promote pigmentation. Always check pharmaceutical information to avoid these issues.
Pigmentation issues with aging
As the skin ages, it is prone to pigmentation issues due to slower cell renewal and thinning skin, which offers less protection from environmental damage and melanocyte distribution.
Prevention and management strategies
Chemical sunscreens: Avoid ingredients like Avobenzone, Homosalate, Ocisalate, Ocrylene, Oxybenzone, and Ocinoxate. These ingredients absorb UV radiation, convert it to heat, and release it, potentially irritating the skin. They can also worsen melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Sun protection: Wearing broad-rimmed hats and UV-protective clothing can prevent sun-induced pigmentation. Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides that protect against visible light, which can cause melasma. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or more helps manage conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Darker skin tones: We need to enforce sun protection as well. We can not assume that melanin will protect us. The unfortunate truth is that darker skin tones sometimes do not discover the development of various advanced forms of skin cancer until it is too late.
Heat avoidance: For people prone to melasma, minimizing exposure to heat and quickly cooling the skin when it gets hot can help prevent pigmentation. When necessary, wear mirrored sunglasses as they reflect the heat.
Diet control: Our skin takes on colour through the foods we eat. Maintain a balanced diet with copper—and zinc-based foods and supplements. Natural vitamin A, found in orange or red-based foods, will give the skin colour and provide UV protection when consumed.
Topical nutritional suggestions: Consider using products containing selenium, niacinamide, zinc, turmeric, and licorice root. A Vitamin C and E combination is effective for pigmentation. Vitamin A UV protection is destroyed by the sun when topically applied.
Microcurrent treatments: Control pigmentation by accelerating the production of non-pigmented cells. They work better if a client supplements or uses skin care with pigment-lightening ingredients.
Holistic detoxification methods: Body Wraps, Dietary Control, and Foot Detox. Regular Foot detox sessions will lighten pigmentation. I performed 14-foot detox sessions two days apart and witnessed my facial pigmentation lighten years ago.
Light-based therapies:
IPL or laser therapy can burn pigmentation, which the body sheds over time.
Regular LED light therapy:
Green or yellow LED therapy can be effective depending on the skin type.
Exfoliation skin treatments: Microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, enzyme-based exfoliators, and Vitamin C, a mild exfoliator. (Enforce sun protection for the recommended period.)
Demodex: This Skin Mite infection, usually found in oily skin, can also cause hyperpigmentation. Holistic or dermatological advice can help with this condition.
Please Note: Products containing AHAs, like glycolic acid, lactic acid, BHA, or Retin A, are used to eliminate hyperpigmentation. They have adverse side effects, and my holistic training advises against them.
Contradictions and side effects
Wilson’s Disease: Individuals with Wilson’s disease should restrict copper intake.
Allergic Reactions to any ingredients mentioned.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of melanin and the factors’ influencing pigmentation is critical to managing skin clarity. Even those with darker skin tones need to protect themselves from sun exposure to avoid hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. By recognizing the roles of genetics, diet, and environmental influences, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their skin from hyperpigmentation and other pigment-related issues. Adequate sun protection, balanced copper and zinc intake, antioxidants, dietary control, weight management, detoxification programs and appropriate skin care treatments can significantly improve skin appearance and health.
Disclaimer: The educational information provided does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Do your diligence and do your research and consult a professional when necessary.
Please use the following links to purchase the Amazon affiliate products I recommend to prevent pigmentation.
Additionally, you may be interested in trying out the Zanqara Skin Care line, which offers a DC line for oily, every skin type and dry skin types for gentling, preventing and treating Dermodex infestations on the skin.
The Food and Drug Administration requires me to state that cosmetic products do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The information I’ve given you is for educational purposes only. Do your research.
Related articles and books:
Ida Fanelli, Aesthetician, Reflexologist, IPL Technician
Ida is a certified aesthetician (graduate of Marvel School of Beauty), offering home-based services since 1994. Ida provides various holistic services; she graduated from Zanqara’s Holistica Skin Care’s Dermatician course in 1994, which required her to understand homeopathic remedies. Ida has been a certified reflexologist since 1993 (graduate of D’Arcy Lane Institute). She has also been practicing Healing Energy since 1998 and has added the Ion Cleanse Foot Detox to her therapies. In 2012, Ida became a certified Sharplight Laser (IPL) Technician. She enjoys learning new techniques which can benefit her clients. In 2019, she received certification from the Center for Pain and Stress Research (CPSR.) She can now speed up the healing of scars and help with pain caused by surgical scars to her list of specialties.
She enjoys continuing her education in the complementary health field. Many can testify that Ida is committed to ensuring her clients access adequate and affordable quality service and treatment.
Beyond her many years of experience as a holistic practitioner, Ida draws on her 12 years of experience as a hospital laboratory technologist in Microbiology and Biochemistry.
References:
IFLScience: Blaschko lines and their visibility in certain skin conditions.
Patient Care Online: Disorders of hyperpigmentation following Blaschko lines.
SpringerLink: Embryology and anatomy of Blaschko lines and their relevance in dermatology.
(Derm Collective).
(Skin Health) (Skincare.com) (Cleveland Clinic)
(CDC Blogs) (Tiege Hanley) (AAD) (Glow Dermspa)
(Dr Davin Lim) (MAOI)
Chemical and Pharmacologic Agents that Cause Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation of the Skin
