Pigmentation is a result of the synthesis and distribution of melanic pigments in the skin, hair follicles and eyes. Melanins are produced by melanocytes. Melanin is produced from an amino acid, tyrosine, which is activated by the tyrosinase enzyme. Tyrosine –is an amino acid, Tyrosinase- is an enzyme. Tyrosine is like the mother. Tyrosinase is like the father. They get together and produce a baby called melanin.
There are two categories of Hyper-pigmentation: passive and inflammatory.
Passive hyper pigmentation is normally caused by internal chemical imbalances:
· Hormonal imbalances
· Drug reaction (the contraceptive pill, taking antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, roaccutane and the use of amphetamines.)
· Pregnancy (pregnancy mask)
· Menopause
Passive hyper pigmentation is more difficult to treat then inflammatory.
