Latest news with #melanin
Medical News Today
02-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
What to know about skin pigmentation disorders
There are two types of skin pigmentation disorders: hyperpigmentation, in which the skin produces too much melanin, and hypopigmentation, in which the skin produces too little pigmentation refers to the amount of color or 'pigment' in a person's skin. This differs according to the concentration of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin, which gives skin its involves darker spots or patches on the skin, whereas hypopigmentation involves lighter spots or of skin pigmentation disorders There are two main types of skin color changes in skin pigmentation disorders: hyperpigmentation and is where the skin's pigment-producing cells — melanocytes — produce too much of the pigment melanin. This causes darker spots or patches on the to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), examples of hyperpigmentation include:frecklessolar lentigines, also known as sun spots, age spots, or liver spotsmelasma, which typically develops as a result of hormonal changespost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can occur following acne or other inflammatory skin conditionsHypopigmentationAs the American Academy of Dermatology explains, hypopigmentation is where the skin's melanocytes produce less melanin than normal. This causes lighter spots or patches on the causes skin pigmentation disorders?Some changes in skin pigmentation may not be due to health conditions. For example, sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation. Similarly, medications or injuries to the skin may cause underlying cause of a skin pigmentation disorder may depend on the type of condition a person of hyperpigmentation disordersA 2023 review states that sun exposure is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. However, hyperpigmentation disorders may have other underlying causes blue-gray or brown spots on a person's face or arms. It can occur due to sun exposure or hormonal changes, which may occur due to medications such as the birth control occurs when a person's skin remains darker than typical after a lesion heals. Injuries or skin conditions that may cause these lesions include:chemical exposure or burnsacnepsoriasisatopic dermatitisCauses of hypopigmentation disordersThe 2023 review suggests most hypopigmentation occurs as a result of prior skin trauma, such as from blisters, infections, or following conditions may also cause hypopigmentation:Albinism: Albinism is a rare genetic disorder that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and versicolor: Also called tinea versicolor, this common fungal skin infection occurs due to an overgrowth of yeast that usually lives harmlessly on the skin. It can cause hyper- or hypopigmented scaly alba: This condition causes hypopigmented lesions that tend to affect the arms, face, and upper torso. Most cases resolve in around a Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes. This can cause one or more of the following symptoms: lighter spots or patches on the skin or inside the mouth or nostrilsa white streak in the hair on the head or whitening of the eyebrows or eyelashesloss of color in the iris of an eyehearing loss due to the loss of melanocytes inside the earHow do doctors diagnose skin pigmentation disorders?When diagnosing skin pigmentation disorders, a doctor will begin with a physical examination of the skin and may ask about a person's medical history and any family history of skin or dermatologists may also use a device called a Wood's light to help detect areas of hyperpigmented or hypopigmented skin. The device emits ultraviolet (UV) light that causes the skin to glow. Certain patterns of fluorescence can help a doctor diagnose specific pigmentation some cases, doctors may order additional tests to help confirm a diagnosis. For example, if a doctor suspects vitiligo, they may order blood tests to look for commonly associated are the treatment options for skin pigmentation disorders?The treatment for hypopigmentation disorders depends on the type. Some disorders, such as pityriasis alba, may resolve on their own. Others, such as vitiligo, may improve with sun protection and oral or topical to a 2023 review, the preferred method of treatment for skin pigmentation disorders is laser therapy. This treatment works by targeting and breaking down excess melanin in the skin to achieve a more uniform skin tone.A 2019 review suggests laser therapy and intense pulsed light therapy (IPLT) may help treat some forms of hyperpigmentation, such as solar lentigines and certain types of the authors caution that laser therapy and IPLT may be less effective at treating melasma and PIH. These treatments may also be less safe, particularly for people with darker skin tones, causing a higher risk of PIG, burns, scarring, or worsening of other skin pigmentation disorders, doctors may recommend a treatment plan that combines sun protection with topical medications, such as:hydroquinonetretinoin and a mild corticosteroidother medications, such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin CPeople can speak with a doctor to learn the most suitable treatment for their skin treatment is not necessaryIn some cases, treatment for atypical pigmentation may not be medically necessary. However, if these changes in skin pigmentation affect a person's mental health or self-esteem, a doctor may recommend ways to cover the skin, including:cosmetics, such as foundationover-the-counter skin care productsself-tanning products, including creams or sprays»Learn more:How can people even their skin tone?When to contact a doctor People can speak with a doctor if they have any concerns about their skin to the AOCD, most types of hyperpigmentation are usually harmless, though for some people, they may cause cosmetic concerns. However, hypopigmentation can sometimes signal an underlying issue, such as an autoimmune disease like vitiligo. As such, people should contact a doctor if they notice lighter spots or patches on their a medication causes skin changes, a doctor may recommend stopping or changing the medication. However, people should never stop or change a medication without their doctor's asked questionsHow do skin pigmentation disorders appear on different skin tones?Hypopigmentation disorders, such as vitiligo, involve a lightening of the skin, regardless of a person's natural skin disorders may present differently depending on a person's natural skin tone and the cause of the pigment example, people with dark skin may notice skin spots or patches that are brown, gray, purple, or black. People with light skin may notice skin spots or patches that are pink, red, tan, or disorders, such as vitiligo, involve a lightening of the skin, regardless of a person's natural skin disorders may present differently depending on a person's natural skin tone and the cause of the pigment example, people with dark skin may notice skin spots or patches that are brown, gray, purple, or black. People with light skin may notice skin spots or patches that are pink, red, tan, or there any natural remedies for managing skin pigmentation disorders?According to a 2018 review, the following natural remedies may have the potential to help to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, but further research is necessary:azelaic acidsoylignin peroxidaseascorbic acidellagic acidlicorice extractsniacinamidemulberry People should speak with a healthcare professional before trying natural remedies on their to a 2018 review, the following natural remedies may have the potential to help to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, but further research is necessary:azelaic acidsoylignin peroxidaseascorbic acidellagic acidlicorice extractsniacinamidemulberry People should speak with a healthcare professional before trying natural remedies on their diet affect skin pigmentation disorders?Diet's effects on skin pigmentation disorders may depend on the condition a person to a 2022 review, most studies agree that a combination of vitamin B12, folic acid, and sun exposure can help restore skin pigment in cases of vitiligo. The review adds that there is some evidence to suggest zinc may also help to manage the effects on skin pigmentation disorders may depend on the condition a person to a 2022 review, most studies agree that a combination of vitamin B12, folic acid, and sun exposure can help restore skin pigment in cases of vitiligo. The review adds that there is some evidence to suggest zinc may also help to manage the skin pigmentation disorders, the skin produces too much or too little of the pigment melanin. Hyperpigmentation describes an overproduction of skin pigment. Examples include solar lentigines and melasma. Hypopigmentation describes an underproduction of skin pigment. The most common example is of these disorders are harmless, though they may cause cosmetic concerns. Some may also signal an underlying hormonal imbalance or autoimmune condition. Anyone with changes to their skin should contact a doctor to find the underlying cause.
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Write a funny caption for this screaming monkey
Albinism is a genetic condition characterised by the absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes that affects people and animals. International Albinism Awareness Day is observed in June each year to challenge stereotypes and discrimination as well as to promote human rights and visibility. EPA-EFE Send us a funny caption by filling out this form or emailing us at editorial@ The deadline is at 12pm on July 2. We'll publish the best ones next week. Last week's top caption Hundreds of people gather every year to watch the annual sharpening of LOTI Pencil near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. Photo: TNS Wong Chun-hei (aged 11), Yaumati Catholic Primary School: Well, I guess I have to grow bigger!
Free Malaysia Today
25-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
White patches on your face or body? It could be vitiligo
With 0.5%-2% of the global population having this skin condition, vitiligo is not classified as a rare disease. (Envato Elements pic) KUALA LUMPUR : About seven years ago, Farah (not her real name) found white spots appearing on the left side of her face. At first, she thought it was a fungal infection. But as weeks passed, the patches spread, eventually covering almost her entire face. She was eventually diagnosed with vitiligo. 'I often get asked what's wrong with my face – whether it is caused by a burn, or whether my skin is peeling. Not many people are familiar with this condition. Some describe it as a 'strange' disease,' Farah, 26, told Bernama. Accepting it, she confessed, was initially difficult. 'My confidence took a hit. But once I got used to it, I started to see it as normal. Now, my skin has almost completely recovered on its own without any treatment or medication.' Vitiligo is a skin condition caused by the loss of pigment, or melanin, in certain areas, resulting in white or lighter patches that contrast with the person's natural skin tone. While it is not harmful to physical health, the visible changes can affect a person's self-confidence and emotional well-being. Content creator Space Dollah, who also has vitiligo, recently opened up about his journey with the condition in a podcast. The 36-year-old, real name Syed Abdullah Syed Abdul Rahman, regularly shares information about the condition, including scientific explanations and documentaries related to vitiligo, on social media. Content creator Space Dollah has been living with vitiligo for the past four years. (YouTube pic) He admitted that he disappeared from social media for six months due to the condition, which he has been living with for the past four years. 'It isn't only on my face but also all over my body, and that made me embarrassed to go out or meet friends. But I started to feel OK once I accepted myself, and I realised I don't need to care about what others think. 'My advice to those with this condition is to take their time to accept it and don't feel pressured,' he said, adding that he is grateful for the support of his family and friends. Not a rare disease Consultant dermatologist Dr Irene Lee points out that vitiligo is not classified as a rare disease, as 0.5%-2% of the global population is affected by it. She said vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells in the skin decrease, resulting in white patches on the surface. The condition can affect people of all backgrounds, and individuals who have a family history of the condition may be at higher risk of developing it. There are two types of vitiligo: non-segmental and segmental. Non-segmental vitiligo is more common and is caused by an autoimmune issue, where the immune system attacks the pigment cells in the skin. Dr Irene Lee. 'Segmental vitiligo, on the other hand, can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune issues, nerve-related problems, and genetics,' Lee said. With non-segmental vitiligo, white patches usually appear on both sides of the body, and these may develop and stop progressing several times throughout a person's life. With segmental vitiligo, the white patches usually appear in one specific area of the body, persist for a while, and then fade. 'Vitiligo usually doesn't cause other symptoms such as pain or itchiness, apart from the appearance of patches. It also doesn't lead to other physical problems or qualify as a disability. 'However, for those with this condition, it may cause emotional stress or affect their quality of life due to the visible patches on their bodies,' Lee said. Stressing that vitiligo is not contagious, Lee noted that cases in Malaysia are at a manageable level, with more patients seeking treatment for the condition thanks to medical advancements and accessibility to healthcare facilities. She added that genetics contributes to 80% of vitiligo cases worldwide. For the remaining 20%, contributing factors include race, autoimmune responses, and biochemical and environmental influences. Cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy can reduce or remove white patches caused by vitiligo. (Envato Elements pic) According to Lee, many vitiligo patients opt for cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy, which can reduce or remove the white patches without affecting other areas of the skin. She said for those with mild vitiligo, non-steroidal creams can be applied to the affected areas, while those with more severe vitiligo may be prescribed medications such as steroids. Ultimately, Lee urges those with vitiligo not to feel ashamed of their condition. 'Vitiligo is simply a difference in skin colour. It has nothing to do with personal hygiene, which people often assume is the cause. 'It is not a contagious disease. Unfortunately, some people are afraid to go near people with vitiligo and avoid them unnecessarily.' She also wants patients to know that vitiligo is treatable, and early intervention can improve the chances of recovery. 'In the meantime, while waiting for the patches to heal, you can cover them with makeup if you wish.'
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Yes, Black Girls Tan Too — And The Beauty Industry Is Finally Taking Notice
When you think of self-tanning, chances are you're not picturing a Black woman reaching for bronzing mousse. But that narrative is shifting—and fast. St. Tropez and Peta Jane self-tanning products pictured with Black women embracing glowing skin Across TikTok and Instagram, a new wave of Black and brown creators are openly embracing self-tanning. Not to change their complexion, but to even it out, enhance natural radiance, and reclaim a beauty ritual that's long excluded them. What once felt like an off-limits aisle in the beauty store is now a space for experimentation, education and glow-ups—with melanin at the center. Videos tagged #BlackGirlsTan have racked up millions of views, with creators like Jackie Aina and Kamie Crawford showcasing their glowing skin post spray tan. It's not to change their complexion, but to even it out, contour and improve superficial imperfections. So I decided to dig deeper and experience it for myself—sitting down with two of the industry's most trusted experts: Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist and skin finishing expert for St. Tropez, and Peta Murgatroyd, Dancing with the Stars alum and founder of Peta Jane Beauty. Both women are redefining the self-tanning space—not only by making products that work across all skin tones, but by helping to reframe what 'tanning' actually means. 'Self-tan is for everybody,' Evans told me. 'And on darker skin, it looks amazing—you get rid of tan lines, contour the body and it gives you that glow. We all go darker in the sun—why not enhance that?' Sophie's been tanning melanin-rich skin since the '90s, working with stars like Sade and Mel B of the Spice Girls long before it was trendy. Today, her work continues with a new generation of creators, who are turning the lens on a new kind of luxury: even skin, body confidence and radiant, natural glow. Meanwhile, Peta Murgatroyd is carving her own lane with Peta Jane Beauty, a self-funded brand built around everyday confidence, buildable color and formulas that actually work for all skin tones. Both experts agree: the results are only as good as your prep. So if you're a first-timer, don't skip these essentials. 'Exfoliate 24 hours before,' Murgatroyd emphasized. 'But don't use oily scrubs. Oil creates a barrier and prevents the tan from absorbing. Instead, use a dry exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin and get an even base.' She also advises shaving a full day prior to tanning to avoid the formula settling into open pores or looking spotty. Evans' agrees, adding that moisturizing only dry areas (like elbows, knees, ankles) is key to avoiding over-saturation and patchiness. Once you're prepped, here's how to apply for flawless results: Exfoliate – 24 hours before tanning. On the day of, moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet – Use a mitt to apply St. Tropez's Classic Bronzing Mousse or Peta Jane's Gradual Tan in long, even strokes. Work in sections (forearms, upper arms, chest).Glow – Wait 4–8 hours before rinsing (or 1 hour with express formulas). Then moisturize daily to maintain a smooth, radiant finish. Peta Jane and St. Tropez both prioritize neutral undertones, which are essential for melanin-rich skin. 'I've tried formulas that made me look red, green—even gray,' said Murgatroyd. 'So we created a line with a neutral brown base that works on every skin tone—from fair to deep. There's no orange, no weird undertones—just glow.' Peta Jane ultra dark tanning mousse pictured with Black model Her top picks? 'The mist is my date-night hero,' Murgatroyd laughed. 'I have three kids, a dog, and no time. I spray my chest, my legs—wherever showing—and I'm out the door glowing.' Evans recommends St. Tropez's Violet Supreme Mousse, which contains olive-based and melanin-compatible pigments, and Sunlit Serum Drops for precise, brush-based application. 'Even on deep skin, a little contour with the right product goes a long way,' Evans told me. 'It's not about coverage—it's about enhancing what's already there.' Black model showcasing tan before and after using St. Tropez tan berry sorbet mousse When I asked Evans about tips for newcomers, especially Black women curious but cautious, she offered this: As more Black women reclaim their glow on their own terms, the industry is finally being challenged to keep up. This is about more than bronzing. It's about visibility, access and choice. 'Black girls tan too,' Evans said with a smile. 'And when they do, they glow differently.' 'Everyone deserves to feel radiant,' Murgatroyd echoed. 'No matter your skin tone, your lifestyle, your routine—you deserve products that make you feel good in your skin.' Tanning is no longer a one-shade-fits-all experience. Whether you're looking to contour your curves, blur out stretch marks or just look like you stepped off a yacht in St. Barts—there's finally space (and product) for Black women in the glow game. So yes, Black girls tan too.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The surprising science behind the colour of your eyes - and what it reveals about your personality
A viral TikTok video has revealed the remarkable science and deep symbolism behind eye colour - suggesting your eye shade might say more about you than you think. The clip, posted by user @snappybits2, explores how brown, blue and green eyes are shaped not only by biology but by history and light itself. According to the video, brown eyes are caused by a high concentration of melanin - the pigment responsible for colouring the skin, hair and eyes. In the iris, melanin acts as a shield that absorbs light rather than scattering it. 'Brown eyes pull light inward,' the narrator of the video explains. 'This is why brown eyes seem deeper, darker and more grounded.' The earliest humans had brown eyes, having evolved near the equator where the sun was most intense. 'Melanin wasn't just pigment. It was protection. Brown eyes were nature's built-in sunglasses, filtering out UV rays and reducing glare long before Ray Bans existed.' Today, over 70 per cent of the global population has brown eyes - a striking reminder of their evolutionary significance. The video describes the colour as 'not just a colour, but a legacy'. Culturally, brown eyes are often associated with warmth and reliability, but they've also been viewed as 'mysterious, serious, even intimidating.' This, it claims, is because 'brown eyes are hard to read. They don't change with the light. 'They don't flash with emotion the way lighter eyes sometimes do. They absorb rather than reveal.' But under certain lighting - low sun, candlelight, late afternoon haze - something remarkable can happen. 'Brown eyes start to glow… amber, honey, liquid gold,' the narrator continues. 'It's the melanin, again, scattering light just enough to reveal what's been hiding underneath 'In those moments, they feel ancient, like they're not just seeing you, they're remembering you. Unlike brown, blue eyes contain almost no melanin at all. Instead, what we perceive as blue is actually an optical illusion created by light scattering through layers of transparent iris tissue, a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering. 'There's no blue pigment inside the iris,' the narrator explains. 'What you're seeing is the light scattering through layers of tissue. 'It's the same reason the sky looks blue and sunsets bleed orange.' Every blue-eyed person on Earth, around 8 per cent of the population, shares a common ancestor. 'They trace their eye colour back to a single genetic mutation that occurred 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, somewhere near the Black Sea, in one human.' The mutation, found in the OCA2 gene, limited melanin production in the iris. 'Suddenly the eye didn't absorb light anymore, it scattered,' the video says. 'That one mutation spread from person to person, generation to generation, until millions now carry the glitch.' The result is eyes that aren't truly blue, but instead 'the colour of light's confusion.' Green eyes are the rarest of all, seen in just 2 per cent of the global population, making them less common than red hair or even being born with 12 fingers. They're described as a 'chemical contradiction, a perfect storm between biology and light'. To achieve green eyes, the body must produce just the right balance of melanin and a yellowish pigment called lipochrome, along with the scattering effect of light. 'Most people have too much melanin and their eyes come out brown. Some people have almost none, and their eyes appear blue,' the narrator explains. 'But green eyes need just enough melanin to darken the iris and just enough lipochrome to tint the light that bounces off it.' The video calls green eyes 'a rendered illusion so delicate that the smallest tweak in pigment breaks the effect entirely.' And they don't stay the same. 'Green eyes don't sit still. They shift in different lights - gold, jade, moss, steel. 'They look calm in the shade, then snap with energy and sunlight, like they've got a secret loaded behind the iris waiting to be triggered.' Green eyes, it says, are 'unstable beauty, an optical accident.' Whether a product of melanin's shielding power, a 10,000-year-old genetic glitch, or a collision of pigment and light, your eye colour might be revealing more about you than you ever realised.
