Pigmentation

Pigment (melanin) is an organic colourant in the skin which is formed by melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells which penetrate into the skin’s basal layer. They produce melanin (the colourant which causes suntans) under the influence of UV rays and deliver it to the surrounding skin-cells. Because of genetic predisposition, hormones, ageing of the skin and sun exposure several different skin conditions may develop. Many people, older but also often younger people, suffer from pigmentation. An common variant are freckles or moles which you have from birth and which, if they don’t change in some way, are completely harmless. However, it is important to to realise that excessive sun exposure or sun bed use can damage the skin. You don’t usually experience this damage when you are young, but it can cause problems at a later age, for example, it can lead to skin conditions such a pigmentation, blemishes and liver spots. These aren’t dangerous as long as they don’t change size or colour, itch or open up. If this should happen it is important to see your GP or a dermatologist.