skin_pigmentation [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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"Skin pigmentation" refers to the color of a person's skin, which is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin produced by melanocytes in the skin. Here’s a quick breakdown:

🔬 Biological Basis
Melanin is the main pigment, and it comes in two types:

Eumelanin (brown/black)

Pheomelanin (red/yellow)

Produced in the epidermis, mainly in response to:

Genetics (primary determinant)

Sun exposure (UV light stimulates melanin production—tanning)

Hormonal changes

Age

🎨 Types of Pigmentation Changes
Hyperpigmentation – Too much melanin (e.g., melasma, age spots)

Hypopigmentation – Too little melanin (e.g., vitiligo, albinism)

Depigmentation – Complete loss of pigment (e.g., in scars or certain skin disorders)

🌞 Function of Skin Pigmentation
Acts as a natural sunscreen, absorbing UV rays and protecting DNA.

Plays a role in thermoregulation and cultural identity.