melanin skin colour - #19109
I am really confused about my skin lately. I’m a mixed-race girl, and my melanin skin colour kinda changes depending on the season and how much sun I get. During the summer, I feel like my melanin skin colour gets darker, which is super awesome, but then in the winter it sort of fades and I feel paler. I've read that more melanin can protect against sun damage, but does this normal fluctuation mean something's wrong with me? Like, does the melanin skin colour directly affect my health? I've also noticed some patches that appear lighter than the surrounding skin, and that's kinda weird to me. Is that related to my melanin skin colour too? I also wonder if the skincare products I use are affecting how my melanin skin colour looks overall… some have made my skin feel a bit irritated and red. Do you think that could mess with melanin production? Should I consider getting it checked out by a dermatologist or something? Any advice on maintaining a healthy melanin skin colour would help so much, especially since I'm really trying to understand the whole trend with skin tones and All. Thank you in advance!
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Doctors' responses
First off, it’s completely normal for melanin levels in the skin to fluctuate with sun exposure. Your skin darkening during the summer is due to increased melanin production to protect against UV radiation. This is a natural and protective response, not an indication that anything’s wrong. In the winter, as you get less sun, melanin production can decrease, making skin appear lighter. As for the lighter patches, they could be related to conditions like vitiligo or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. These conditions can cause areas of skin to lose pigmentation, appearing lighter than your natural skin tone. If the patches are new, growing in size, or causing concern, it’s a good idea to discuss them with a dermatologist to get a precise diagnosis. Regarding skincare products, some can irritate the skin, potentially causing inflammation or allergic reactions that could alter the appearance of your melanin. Avoid products with harsh ingredients like strong acids or alcohol if you’ve experienced irritation. Instead, opt for fragrance-free and gentle formulations suitable for sensitive or mixed-race skin. To maintain healthy skin color, use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily even in winter since UV rays can still affect your skin outside of sunny months. Seek products that compliment your skin’s natural barrier and include ingredients like antioxidants which can aid in preventing free-radical damage. If your mixed skin type seems to react or change tone dramatically and persistently, it’s wise to keep track of these changes and consult healthcare professionals to rule out any significant concerns. Prioritize understanding your skin’s specific needs and establish a regimen that supports it without harsh effects. Reaching out to a dermatologist is beneficial for any concerning alterations in skin tone or texture.
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