by Dacia Adamczyk
Solar Lentigines
Melasma
Common types of hyperpigmentation include :
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation ( PIH ), commonly associated with acne , forms as a result of any inflammatory response in the skin from acne lesions , rosacea , sun exposure , and other types of injury to the skin . “ PIH … is considered a normal biologic response to injury or inflammation .” 5
Age spots , also known as solar lentigines , are flat , irregularly shaped , hyperpigmented areas of varying size that occur on sun-exposed areas . They are formed as a result of collective UV exposure throughout one ’ s lifetime . This is technically also a type of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs slowly over many years due to low levels of inflammation associated with sun exposure .
Melasma , or chloasma , is a chronic pigment disorder that typically affects women and “ most commonly occurs on the face , although it can also appear on the arms and back . Melasma on the face typically appears on the forehead , the upper lip , the chin , or cheeks . Melasma may appear as ‘ macules ,’ which resemble freckles , as well as larger dark patches that feature irregular borders .” 3 The exact cause of melasma is still unknown , however , there are certain triggers that contribute to the development of this chronic pigment disorder including inflammation , genetics , sun exposure , and increased estrogen levels . This is why melasma is commonly seen during pregnancy , as a result of some birth control methods , and some endocrine disorders , as they involve increased estrogen levels in the body .
“ When estrogen acts on melanocytes ( pigmentproducing cells ), the skin produces more pigment . Estrogen also increases the number of melanocortin receptors in the skin , which makes melanocytes
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