What is melanin? Melanin is a pigment found in humans and animals that determines the color of eyes, hair and skin. While melanin is most commonly known as the dark pigmentation that protects us from the sun, there’s more than meets the eye.
Age spots, acne and freckles are all from production of melanin. While skin tones may vary, we all share similar amounts of melanin- just different kinds!
Pheomelanin is a yellowish-red pigment that’s found in most skin types but more commonly in people with fairer skin. Pheomelanin can cause sun and UV ray sensitivity, thus resulting in skin tones that burn easier and will show more sun damage over time.
Eumelanin is a brown pigment found in darker skin tones or as smaller concentrated spots on fairer skin tones, such as sunspots. Eumelanin actually provides protection from the sun, resulting in skin tones that are less likely to burn and develop skin cancer.
While melanin can be great, sometimes it can go into overproduction- resulting in darker spots known as hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, skin irritation or inflammation, hormonal changes and more. The good news is that it’s completely treatable with the help of a balanced skincare routine!
These are essential in helping to fade those pesky spots-
Wear Sunscreen: The easiest way to help pigmentation issues is to keep your skin protected. It prevents any new spots from forming as well as keeping your current ones from darkening.
Slather on the Vitamin C: Your skin loses a ton of Vitamin C after being exposed to the sun. Replenish by using a Vitamin C heavy serum to boost collagen production and reverse sun damage. Try Dermaspace’s Triple C&E Complex.
Routinely Exfoliate: Exfoliating gently breaks up the pigmented cells and removes dead skin, while promoting new cell growth.
Chemical Peels: Peels that include glycolic and salicylic acids are fantastic for evening your skin tone and reducing any discoloration.
