A substance which gives color to the skin is termed as a “Pigment” and

melanin-pigment

thisprocess is called “Pigmentation”. According to dictionary of popular medical terms, a pigment can be defined as “a substance which gives color to tissue”. Although, variations in skin color is genetic in origin but it also depends upon “pigment” especially “Melanin Pigment” is responsible for skin color.
The tone of human skin is ranging from black to colorless, which may appear pinkish white due to the presence of blood and blood vessels. Pigmentation is dependent to exposure of sunlight as it has been observed that people having ancestors lived in tropical areas and higher latitudes are mostly dark skinned because their skin is more exposed to sunlight than those lived in middle latitudes.
Melanocytes are the cells that produced melanin pigment. There are two types of melanin:-
•    Pheomelanin (red in color)
•    Eumelanin  (very dark brown in color)

Human skin may also vary in intensity of pigmentation because of numerous reasons like race, environmental conditions and diseases. It has to be noted that any change, either increase or decrease in the pigmentation level may cause serious skin problems. Hundred thousands of the people develop skin pigmentation conditions anytime in their lives which cause emotional distress and embarrassment. As in case of the raised pigmentation level, “hyperpigmentation” mostly cause excessive tanning, pregnancy, Addison’s disease and hyperpigmentation of scars. On the other hand, in case of less amount of pigment, “hypopigmentation” the skin gets lighter in color which may result in albinism, Vitiligo, leprosy, hypo-pigmented scars and certain other diseases.

Among all these hypopigmentary disorders, vitiligo is a most common skin problem that causes patches on lighter skin, but it doesn’t cause harmful aspects on our health. Although, Vitiligo pigmentation loss can occur in any age, any gender or in any race. The main causes of skin damage are UV rays coming from the sun. So, you should avoid too much skin exposure. However, any change in your skin color, which you can’t account for, it is better for you to consult with a Physicist.