The rainbow of skin colors is what makes each of us unique and the world so beautiful.

Your skin color is based on genetics, but were your ancestors the same color as you?

Research suggests that populations over the past 50,000 years have changed skin color as they have migrated to different parts of the world. Depending on their geographic location, they developed different skin colors based on their need to protect themselves from UV radiation. People located closer to the equator developed darker skin, while those closer to the two poles developed fairer skin.

MELANIN

While many things affect skin color, the most important substance is melanin. Cells called melanocytes produce melanin in the skin through a process called melanogenesis.

In humans, exposure to UV rays overstimulates melanogenesis, which causes oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine. This triggers an immune reaction to protect the skin and produce more pigment.

THREE TYPES OF MELANIN

1. Neuromelanin: a dark pigment found in the brain
2. Pheomelanin: a pink or red hued pigment found in red hair, lips, nipples and reproductive glans
3. Eumelanin: most common type of pigment; produces darker colors; found in hair, nipples and skin

We all roughly have the same number of melanocytes. However, someone with a darker Fitzpatrick Skin Type (skin tone) has more active melanocytes than someone with a lighter Fitzpatrick and is prone to more hyperpigmentation.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

An increase or overproduction of melanin is called hyperpigmentation, which causes uneven pigmentation, regardless genetics. Sun exposure, hormones and medications can lead to hyperpigmentation.

COMMON TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION:

• Melasma, Chloasma or Pregnancy Mask: Skin discoloration caused by hormones
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of skin caused by trauma to the tissue
• Freckles: Characterized by clusters of melanocytes
• Age Spots, Solar Lentigo or Liver Spots: Dark spots caused by sun exposure and aging
  

HYPOPIGMENTATION

Hypopigmentation occurs when areas of skin become lighter than the normal skin color.

COMMON TYPES OF HYPOPIGMENTATION:

• Vitiligo: Skin condition characterized by patches of skin losing their pigment
• Genetic Defects: caused by a change in the DNA sequence that differs from the normal sequence
• Albinism: A rare inherited condition characterized by a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin or eyes, resulting from a defective production of melanin from tyrosine

Regardless of your skin color, proper skin care is the best way to maintain your PERFECT color in the rainbow.

For tips on how to improve you skin care routine, talk to a GlyMed Pro.