AskDocDoc
/
/
/
which pigment gives colour to skin
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 01M : 12S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13959
163 days ago
169

which pigment gives colour to skin - #13959

Diya

I am feeling really confused about my skin lately. For a long time, I thought the reason for my skin tone was just a simple genetic thing, you know? But then my dermatologist mentioned something about which pigment gives colour to skin and it got me wondering. I mean, I've read that melanin is the key pigment and if that's true, does that mean that people with darker skin have more melanin? Sometimes I think my skin is way paler than it used to be. Like, I used to have a nice tan during summer, but now it looks almost ghostly? Does that mean my melanin levels are dropping? I've also noticed these weird patches that are lighter than my usual skin color. Are those related to the pigment thing? What really gets me is, can external factors like sun exposure or diet mess with the levels of this pigment that gives colour to skin? Plus, I've seen online that some people are using creams with melanin in them to even out their skin, is that safe? I'm just really trying to wrap my head around all of this. I've got so many questions swirling around about which pigment gives colour to skin and how it all works! Any insights would be super helpful!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Melanin is indeed the primary pigment responsible for determining skin color in humans. It’s present in varying amounts and types in everyone, and yes, people with darker skin generally have more melanin than those with lighter skin. This pigment not only gives skin its color but also helps protect against UV radiation by absorbing harmful rays. The amount of melanin in your skin can change due to several factors, most notably sun exposure. Over time, exposure to the sun can increase melanin production, leading to a tanned appearance; however, reduced sun exposure can cause a decrease, making your skin appear paler.

When it comes to those lighter patches you’ve mentioned, they could be related to pigments as well. Conditions like vitiligo cause loss of skin color in patches due to the destruction of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. Other conditions such as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or fungal infections may present similarly. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the exact cause.

As for external factors like diet, they don’t directly change melanin levels but can affect overall skin health, making the skin look dull or vibrant. Some topical treatments contain ingredients purported to influence melanin production, but it’s crucial to approach these with caution. Not all creams are safe or effective, and some may carry risks of irritation or unintended lightening. Always consult a dermatologist before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific skin concerns. If your skin appears significantly different or if you’re concerned about potential underlying conditions affecting your skin color, visiting a healthcare professional is key to getting personalized advice and suitable treatment.

19213 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


how to produce melanin
is reetha good for hair
benefits of salicylic acid for skin
hair remove permanently
Suboric dermatities how to solve
scar mark removal cream
why i am having pimples on my face
raisin water for skin
remove acne marks at home
facial hair removal cream recommended by dermatologist
dark marks
How to stop hairfall and grow hair🥲🥲
body scrub benefits for skin
forehead darkness
how to remove dark spots of pimples
for dark spots cream
best skin whitening facial
home made exfoliation for face
best way to remove acne scars
how to remove pimple red marks
what happens when we apply ice on face
reduce inflammation acne overnight
how to get rid of acne and acne scars
skin spot remover cream
acne on Forehead and cheeks and their spots
SkinCare routine for my combination skin to oily skin type complete am and pm routine including serums
clean hairbrush with vinegar
pigmentation cream for dry skin
facial pack at home
how to use apple cider vinegar for skin
blemishes on nose
aloe vera directly on face
how to use green tea bag for face
skin whitening drinks
pigmentation on face cream
how we can make skin colour
skin glow at home
homemade night skin care routine
what does multani mitti do
forehead bumps remedy
is clean and clear good for pimples
is curd and lemon good for dandruff
How to cure lip lickers dermatitis
How to reduce acne and dark spots
How canIstop hairfall and get clear skin
clear skin tips at home
hyperpigmentation acne scars treatment
pimple skin cream
pimples marks removal cream
how to apply alovera gel
how to lighten your skin
clear skin tips naturally
milk is good for acne
when is it too late to massage scar tissue
Recurring Penis Itching and Partial Recovery After Treatment
How to remove dark acne spots?
pimple on body treatment
is lemon good for hair dandruff
natural remedies for pimples
why do i have tiny bumps on my face
Hyperpigmentation dark spots on face
what to apply on face at night for glowing skin
Best medicine for dark spots
Lip lickers dermatitis cure without meds
whitening skin at home
ointment for acne scars
pigmentation solution
how to get clear skin on body
pimples black spot remove
how to reduce pimples and acne
baking soda for acne
neck black remove home remedies
best ointment for pimples and dark spots
is pineapple good for skin
forehead hyperpigmentation
skin scar removal cream
burn mark removal cream
skin specialist in madurai
what is calendula
melanin benefits
homemade face scrub for dry skin
face pack in home
best cream for black marks on face
how to avoid skin allergy
melasma permanent treatment
skin black remove cream
glowing skin remedy
is multani mitti good for face
how to remove pigmentation around eyes
how to clear acne
clear skin face mask
what to do after applying ice on face
black spots all over body
is acne permanent
face hyperpigmentation
Scalp dandruff and my scalp type oily and face pigmentation
how to stop acne on face
benefits of icing on face
black patches on hands
dag remove cream