Skin

Pigmentation, sun protection and caring for the skin barrier.

Skin is a living barrier that protects the body, helps control temperature and constantly renews its outer layer. Its colour comes from melanin, which the skin produces in greater amounts in response to sunlight, hormonal changes and inflammation. This is why sun exposure and hormones play a large part in pigmentation and melasma.

Melanocytes in the lower layer of the skin produce melanin and pass it to surrounding cells. Sun exposure, hormonal changes and irritation all increase production. The outer layer, held together by lipids, keeps moisture in and irritants out.

What strains it

Sun exposure without protection
Hormonal shifts in pregnancy or with some medicines
Harsh products that damage the barrier
Picking or irritation that leaves dark marks
Dehydration and poor sleep

Habits that protect it

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin during the day
Cleanse gently and moisturise
Avoid creams of unknown composition that promise fast lightening, some of which have been found to contain steroids or mercury
Eat colourful fruit and vegetables
Sleep well and manage stress

See a doctor if you notice

A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
Patches that spread quickly
Pigmentation with other symptoms such as fatigue
Any skin reaction to a new product

The health journey

Your health journey

Six stages, and where to find help at each one. Scroll sideways on smaller screens.

01 Lifestyle

Sun exposure without protection
Hormonal shifts in pregnancy or with some medicines
Harsh products that damage the barrier

02 Early signals

A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
Patches that spread quickly
Pigmentation with other symptoms such as fatigue

03 Understanding

Browse the Knowledge Room

04 Testing

Examination by a dermatologist
Wood's lamp examination for pigmentation
Biopsy of any changing mole or patch

05 Management

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin during the day
Cleanse gently and moisturise
Avoid creams of unknown composition that promise fast lightening, some of which have been found to contain steroids or mercury

06 Long-term wellbeing