Pigmentation

Melanocytes are specialised cells located at the base of the skin or epidermis. These cells produce a brown pigment called melanin - mainly as a response to sunlight. Melanin is a type of sunscreen produced by the body as a defensive respose. This response may, however, be triggered by hormones (as in, for example, birth control pills) as well as other events causing skin inflammation - such as acne, chemical exposure , laser re-surfacing or dermatitis, producing mottled pigmentation - or, of course, old age. Lentigines or age spots are often the result of chronic sun exposure and can be difficult to treat.