Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a term that is used to describe a patch of skin that appears darker in color compared to surrounding areas. While in general, they are not harmful, it may not be cosmetically desirable

Nerdy science content alert: Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells that are found in our skin, hair, eyes, etc. Melanin is pigment molecules that give our skin their color and provide protection against UV induced DNA damage. In a nutshell, hyper-pigmentation is formed due to a “danger” external signal (UV damage, inflammation, etc.) Our skin response physiologically by activating an enzyme called the tyrosinase that facilitates the production of melanin. Melanin is transferred to our skin cells to protect our skin from more DNA damage. Thus, the hyper-pigmentation appears visibly as a darker patch of the area on our skin