Skin pigmentation is a discoloration noticed on the skin. It is caused by melanin, a pigment which is responsible for skin colors.  The skin disorder appears like darker or lighter patches on the skin which may be different from the normal skin color.  Melanocytes is the skin cell that produces color and when it malfunctions, it results to skin pigmentation.  The color of the skin consists of four major pigments; blue, red, yellow and brown pigments. The brown pigment is also known as melanin which produces skin color.  It shields the skin from the harmful effects of ultra violet rays of the sun.  The level of melanin pigment in the body determines whether a person will be black, white or yellow.  Pigmentation is more noticeable in people that have light skin color than dark skin color.

Pigmentation of the skin can be triggered off by the use of contraceptive pills.  It is commonly noticed in women more than men.  The conceptive pills stimulate estrogen and progesterone which are hormones responsible for pregnancy.  As the hormones are stimulated, it also triggers off overproduction of melanin which is responsible for the change of color.  This is why most pregnant women experiences changes in color especially at the later part of the pregnancy.  Another thing that can cause pigmentation is excessive exposure to sunlight.  This affects people that love sun bathing without any protection. The sun rays can also triggers off the production of melanin which can cause dark or light patches on the surface of the skin.

Deficiency of vitamins A and C in the body can also cause skin pigmentation.  The body needs these two vitamins to make the skin looks bright and also to protect it from the harmful effects of sunlight.  Vitamin C is common in citrus fruits which is available every where.

Skin pigmentation can be treated by the use of either chemical products or home made remedies.  Acids like hydroquinone and tretinoin are two powerful agents in skin lightening cream that can remove the effect of pigmentation from the skin.  However, they should be used in moderation as excess use of the acid can lead to serious side effects to cells of the skin affected.   Home made remedies like lemon juice and aloe Vera can also be applied twice daily for effective result.  Though, it may take time to get result, home made remedies are cheap and easy to get.

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