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The formation of the pigment melanin occurs in the basal layer of the epidermis by a cell called the melanocyte. Melas is a Greek word meaning "black".
Melanin production - The melanocyte takes an amino acid called tyrosine and through the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase converts it to a new compound which is then made into melanin by the action of more enzymes. The melanocyte produces granules called melanosomes that contain melanin, a brown pigment.
Pigmentation is formed when the Defense System of our skin over produces melanin. It can be categorised into two types, which is based on the underlying causes of Passive or Inflammatory.
Passive hyper-pigmentation
Passive hyper-pigmentation is normally caused by internal chemical imbalances, due to hormonal imbalances, drug reaction, pregnancy and menopause. These are all typical cases where hyper-pigmentation can occur.
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Inflammatory pigmentation
Inflammatory pigmentation is caused by outside attacks to the skin. Some common causes include over-exposure to the sun, reaction to cosmetic products, direct injury caused by lacerations and picking, or burning.
Contributing factors to pigmentation:
- Sun damage
- Medication
- Hormonal imbalance
- Excessive cuticle build up
- Product incompatibilityProduct incompatibility
- Diet - lack of essential fatty acids
- Inflammation - trauma induced pigmentation
- Hereditary - genetic and racial factors
- TEWL (transepidermal water loss)
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