Skin pigmentation results from the synthesis and distribution of melanin in the skin. Increased melanin production is a result of either UV exposure or various disorders characterised by the appearance of dark spots on the skin
These dark spots, also called age spots, are permanent and increase over time with ageing, being one of the main concerns of middle-aged women all over the world, and especially in Asia.
The process that leads to the formation of dark spots is complex, and occurs in different areas of the skin. It normally comes from a deregulation of melanogenesis that leads to hyperactive melanocytes. These processes can be triggered by UV exposure, certain medications, inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, the release of certain growth factors from fibroblasts, etc.1
Treatments for hyperpigmentation disorders consist of decreasing the melanin present in the skin either by preventing it from forming, diminishing its transport from melanocytes to keratinocytes, or accelerating its elimination. Blocking oxidative stress and inflammatory processes also helps combat hyperpigmentation, as this prevents melanin oxidation and the activation of the melanin formation cascade.
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