INTRODUCTION
As we develop, our normal body functions begin to slow down. There is a reduction in the number of fibroblasts, along with a significant loss in their biosynthetic capacity.¹ Consequently, the epidermis becomes atrophic and relatively acellular, with very minimal blood flow.2Changes in melanocytes can indirectly change a person’s skintone. Disorders of hyperpigmentation are commonly seen in office-based dermatology practices worldwide.3 Melasma causes hyperpigmentation of the face or neck and can have severe adverse psychological and emotional effects on affected individuals.4Pigmentary disorders are commonly seen in dermatology practices and can have a damaging psychosocial influence on patients.5 Furthermore, enviromental factors, horomones, and sun exposure are also influenctional skin factors.The primary contributors to the maturation process of the skin are environmental factors. Populations with Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III are more prone to prematuration of the epidermis.6 Fair skin tones are more prone to this because of their hypersensitivity to the sun’s rays, making these patients more prone to getting sunburns.7 When the epidermis is extra sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, over time, critical skin conditions may develop.8 The long-term effects of ultraviolet radiation include rhytides, actinic damage, malignant neoplasms, lentiges, and dyschromia.Hyperpigmentation can be defined as an excessive flush of coloration or pigmentation in a tissue or specific area.9 Melanocytes in support with enzyme tyrosinase are accountable for the production and conversion of dopa to melanin.10 Measurement of stratum corneum hydration often involves the use of commercial devices to help determine proper treatment.11 Melanin production and skin color are affected not only by keratinocytes but also by Langerhans cells, mast cells, and possibly by lymphocytes.10 Hyperpigmentation can occur in both the dermis and epidermis. Hyperpigmentation usually occurs in ethnic or darker skin tones due to the more concentrated melanin deposits.12 Pigmentary disorders tend to disproportionately affect individuals with darker skin pigmentation.13 The melanin in these deposits protects the skin from photodamage, but cannot prevent them from becoming more vulnerable to postinflammatory dyspigmentation over time.14
