Pigmentation is a skin discolouration that can appear as spots or brown patches, resulting from excessive melanin (pigment) deposition in the skin, giving rise to an uneven skin tone. There are many different types of pigmentation but common ones are melasma and solar lentigos (sun spots). The cause of these types of pigmentation are multifactorial, often resulting from a combination of genetic predisposition, accumulated sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, environmental stressors, certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives, some antibiotics), lifestyle habits such as tobacco smoking and ageing. The overproduction of melanin stems from disruptions in cellular mechanisms, leading to an uneven distribution of pigment.

Addressing this complex problem requires a comprehensive approach, as many medical-aesthetic treatments may prove resistant. Even after treatment, conditions such as melasma have a tendency to recur. To achieve enduring results and prevent recurrence, it is imperative to not only target the visible darkening caused by accumulated pigment but also address the cellular source of the condition. By curbing the overproduction of melanin at its root, the reappearance of these spots can be effectively thwarted.