Blackened skin Why?

The Almighty created man in all colors. The diversity of skin color beautiful and unique it has been determined at birth by genetic information that we have. The genetic information will be translated into the composition and activity of certain cells in the skin layer. This is what determines the type of the color of our skin.

Cells responsible especially against skin color is melanocytes. Melanocytes located in the bottom layer of the epidermis of the skin and produce melanin pigment that determines skin color. The skin color is more dependent on the activity of melanocytes instead of a number.

The number, quality, and distribution of melanin produced by melanocytes in the skin layer is the main factor affecting the color of human skin. In darker skin, melanocyte cells produce more melanin, melanosomes (melanin storage bag) has a larger size, and decompose longer than the melanosomes in lighter-colored skin.

However, apart from the basic color of the skin from the very beginning, our skin can become darker, either overall or in specific areas only. There are two main causes are often found as the cause the skin to become menghitam.

There are two main causes are often found as the cause of the skin becomes blackened:

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight or light "tanning bed" to stimulate increased production of the pigment melanin in the skin and transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes in the bottom layer of the epidermis to the upper skin layer to be faster.

It is actually intended to allow the pigment melanin to protect the skin cells from further damage due to ultraviolet radiation. For example, the damage to DNA that can lead to skin cancer.

Thus the blackened skin is actually a defense mechanism of the body to protect itself from damage.

Prevention: Use sunscreen and / or physical protectors. This can be useful counteract the protective effects of UV radiation, thus preventing damage to skin cells and also prevents an increase in the formation of melanin.

Inflammation

The skin can also be blackened in several specific areas after experiencing inflammation. In the medical world, this is called the Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (HPI). Inflammation of the skin can trigger increased production of the pigment melanin. Acne, atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions, and irritation of dry skin are some examples of skin problems that can lead to HPI.

Prevention: Use a skin moisturizer and shower using a mild soap with moisturizer regularly. This is important in order to help improve problematic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and keep the skin that are not easily irritated and dry.

Key to understanding the beauty of the skin is to understand the basis of skin color and skin type. Thus we can perform routine maintenance and protection measures to keep moisture and health.