Have you ever wondered why some people have darker skin than others? The answer lies in a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for the colour of your skin, hair, and eyes. While melanin is crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, an excess of it can cause uneven skin tone, age spots, and other skin problems.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re probably wondering “How to reduce melanin in your skin or body permanently?”. In this blog, we’ll explore what melanin is, how it affects our skin, and melanin treatments for your skin.
What is Melanin Pigment?
Melanin pigment is produced by specialised cells called melanocytes in the skin, hair, and eyes. It is responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes, and plays an important role in protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
What Happens to the Skin with an Increase in Melanin?
When there is an increase in melanin production, it leads to hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin. This can happen because of many reasons such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin issues. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin throughout the year instead of focusing on sun protection only during summer. The excess melanin pigmentation caused by the sun’s rays can cause uneven skin tone, age spots, and other skin problems.
How to Reduce Melanin?
If your skin is already dotted with dark spots and uneven skin tones and you’re wondering how to reduce melanin production, there are clinical treatments which can help. Here are some melanin treatments at Bodycraft Clinic that our experts recommend that can effectively reduce melanin production.
1. Chemical Peel Treatment
Chemical peels combine mechanical and chemical exfoliation which is why they provide a more efficient form of exfoliation compared to regular face cleansers. They are able to reduce blemishes, uneven pigmentation and skin discolouration, leaving behind a smoother and brighter skin tone.
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2. Glutathione Injection
Glutathione is an antioxidant found in your body, which is naturally produced by the liver. As you grow older the production of this antioxidant reduces. The glutathione injection treatment involves infusing a certain amount of glutathione in the body which will eventually result in brighter and radiant-looking skin.
3. Microneedling with Dermapen
Microneedling with dermapen is a skin rejuvenation treatment that treats skin concerns like visible signs of ageing, fine lines, pigmentation, stretch marks, and acne scars. This treatment increases collagen production in the skin naturally and restores a youthful and radiant glow.
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How to Prevent Melanin Excess Production
Preventing melanin production can help improve the appearance of the skin and prevent further damage. Here are some tips you can follow every day to prevent excess melanin production.
- Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF or higher to protect your skin from UV rays
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm)
- Wear protective clothing such as hats, long sleeves, and pants
- Use skin-lightening creams containing ingredients like alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, and kojic acid
- Avoid picking or scratching at the skin, which can cause further pigmentation.
Takeaway
While melanin is essential for our skin’s protection, an excess of it can cause skin problems. Taking steps to reduce melanin production can give you a radiant and even skin tone. By following some simple things like using sunscreen and creams, you can reduce melanin production and improve the appearance of your skin. If you are looking for “how to reduce melanin” or effective melanin treatments, book an appointment at the Bodycraft Clinic for a consultation with one of our experts.
FAQs around Melanin Pigmentation
1. How can I prevent melanin production from increasing in the future?
If you’re wondering how to stop melanin production permanently, it’s not possible. However, you can prevent excess melanin production by avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with a high SPF.
2. Where is melanin found in the body?
Melanin is mainly found in the skin, hair, and eyes.
3. What are the 3 types of melanin?
Eumelanin is the most common type of melanin, responsible for brown and black hues. It is found in higher concentrations in people with darker skin tones. Eumelanin also provides protection against harmful UV rays by absorbing them. Genetic variations in eumelanin production can result in different shades of brown and black hair.
4. What food is high in melanin?
There is no specific food that is high in melanin, but foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, can help reduce melanin production.