In short
Pigmentation means coloring.
What it is1
If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker.
MedlinePlus
Worth knowing4
Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin.
MedlinePlusIf your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter.
MedlinePlusMelasma is a long-lasting condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches, usually on skin that is exposed to the sun, such as the face.
Kania BMelasma can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with medium to brown skin tones and in women. It often starts around age 30.
Kania B
Sources
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: Skin pigmentation disorders (including melasma)
- Kania B, Lolis M, Goldberg D. Melasma Management: A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Strategies Including BTX-A. Journal of cosmetic dermatology 2025 (CC BY 4.0)
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