Skin becomes dark primarily due to the presence and amount of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes located in the skin. Melanin gives skin its color, and higher melanin levels result in darker skin tones

Factors that Make Skin Darker

• Melanin Production: Melanocytes produce melanin inside organelles called melanosomes. People with naturally darker skin have larger, more numerous melanosomes filled with eumelanin, the dominant form of melanin that provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation

• Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin as a protective response, causing the skin to darken or tan. This process can be immediate (oxidation of existing melanin) or delayed (increased melanin production called melanogenesis)

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, birth control use, or thyroid problems, can increase melanin production, leading to darker skin patches like melasma

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Skin trauma or inflammation from acne, eczema, or injury can trigger excess melanin production in the affected areas, causing dark spots or patches

• Health Conditions and Medications: Certain diseases like Addison’s disease and some medications can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to darker skin

• Nutrient Deficiencies and Stress: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and folic acid, as well as chronic stress (which increases cortisol), can also contribute to skin darkening by affecting melanin production

In summary, skin darkening is mainly due to increased melanin production by melanocytes, influenced by genetic factors, UV exposure, hormonal changes, skin injury, and certain health conditions