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Skin & Hair Health

Colour Me Curious: The Intriguing Science Behind Skin Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation reflects your skin's health and response to your environment. With role models like Winnie Harlow raising awareness, exploring its science is crucial for making informed choices.

Oct 17, 2024

28 min read

Written by
Dr Medha Gupta

Medically reviewed by

Dr Kiran Chahal

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Colour Me Curious: The Intriguing Science Behind Skin Pigmentation

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80%

of urban Indians have uneven complexions, regardless of age or gender, largely due to skin pigmentation.

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The causes of skin hyperpigmentation are diverse and include factors such as genetics, sun exposure, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal changes, including those related to pregnancy, thyroid disorders, PCOS, and Addison’s disease. It can also be triggered by medications like oral contraceptives, systemic conditions like dyslipidaemia and impaired glucose tolerance, improper use of over-the-counter or prescribed creams, and a result of skin inflammation or injury, including acne.

Dr Snehankita Chawdhry, MBBS, Doctor of Medicine - MD, DVL, Dermatology

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One must also consume pigmentation-fighting superfoods such as berries, tomatoes, spinach, kale, carrots, fish, almonds, walnuts, flax and chia seeds and maintain adequate hydration and a healthy lifestyle.

Dr Snehankita Chawdhry, MBBS, Doctor of Medicine - MD, DVL, Dermatology

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Sunscreen, protective clothing, hats and seeking shade wherever possible form the ultimate shield when it comes to prevention of pigmentation. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, including cloudy days with a minimum SPF of 30 over the face as well as other sun-exposed areas such as ears, neck, arms, and feet.

Dr Snehankita Chawdhry, MBBS, Doctor of Medicine - MD, DVL, Dermatology

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Two fingers of sunscreen are adequate for the face and neck and another 2 fingers each for each arm and each lower leg and foot. Sunscreen reapplication varies depending on the degree of sun exposure, but overall, twice application, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, is considered decent.

Dr Snehankita Chawdhry, MBBS, Doctor of Medicine - MD, DVL, Dermatology

Quick Explainer

Skin pigmentation can indicate underlying skin health issues and vulnerability to sun damage, highlighting the importance of preventive skin care.

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Treatment of skin pigmentation is largely dependent on the underlying cause, and hence, seeking professional help is a good start. Avoid chemist-prescribed fairness and depigmenting creams as most of the time these contain steroids or hydroquinone, incorrect usage of which worsens pigmentation.

Dr Snehankita Chawdhry, MBBS, Doctor of Medicine - MD, DVL, Dermatology

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