How Pigment Forms: A Deep Dive into Melanin Activity & Skin Biology

Getting an even skin tone is a goal for many, especially in a sunny place like Singapore. But to actually fix dark spots, you have to understand what’s happening deep in your skin. At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we believe that knowing “why” your skin acts the way it does is the first step toward choosing the right pigmentation treatment in Singapore.

In our clinic, we see different types of dark spots every day. While you see them on the surface, the “factory” that makes them is hidden deep down. Here is the science of how your skin creates colour.

The Skin’s Colour Factory: Cells and Delivery Vans

Your skin colour starts in the bottom layer of your skin’s surface. This is where special cells called melanocytes live. Think of these cells as tiny factories that produce melanin (the stuff that gives skin its colour).

The Role of Melanocytes

Interestingly, almost everyone has roughly the same number of these cells, regardless of their race. Studies show that people of all skin types have about 1,000 to 2,000 melanocytes per square millimetre of skin. The difference in skin colour comes from how active these cells are and what kind of melanin they make. Dark spots happen when these cells get “stressed” or over-triggered and start making too much pigment.

How the Colour Moves

Once the melanin is made, it’s packed into tiny “delivery vans” called melanosomes. These vans travel along the long, arm-like branches of the cell to reach the skin cells near the surface. When this happens evenly, your skin has a uniform colour.

How Pigment Is Made

The process of making colour is a chemical chain reaction.

The Master Switch

An enzyme called tyrosinase acts as the “on” switch. When your skin is hit by a trigger, like the sun, this switch flips on. It starts turning an amino acid into melanin. Many advanced treatments, including laser skin rejuvenation treatments, work by targeting excess pigment and improving overall skin clarity.

Two Types of Melanin

• Eumelanin: Dark brown or black pigment that protects the skin from UV damage.
  
• Pheomelanin: Red or yellow pigment, more common in lighter skin tones and less protective against sun exposure.

What Triggers Dark Spots?

Melanin is usually a good thing because it protects us. But sometimes the system glitches, leading to the patches we see at the clinic.

The Sun

In Singapore, this is the biggest factor. UV rays damage your skin’s DNA, signalling your cells to produce melanin as a protective shield. Over time, this creates sunspots, which often require professional pigmentation treatment to improve.

Hormones

Estrogen and progesterone can tell your cells to make colour directly. This is why melasma is so common during pregnancy. Since this trigger comes from inside the body, targeted melasma treatment is often needed along with sun protection.

Injury and Acne

When you get a cut or a pimple, your body gets inflamed. This inflammation tells the colour factory to go into overdrive, leaving a dark mark (PIH) long after the pimple is gone. In such cases, professional acne scar treatment can help improve both texture and pigmentation.

Deep vs. Shallow Spots

The “depth” of the spot changes everything.

Surface Spots (Epidermal)

These are in the top layer. Since your skin naturally sheds and renews itself, these spots (like freckles) are easier to treat with exfoliation or non-invasive skin treatments.

Deep Spots (Dermal)

These are in the second layer of skin. This layer doesn’t shed, so these spots are much more stubborn. Creams can’t reach them, so advanced treatments like Pico Laser are often recommended to break down deep pigment effectively without damaging surrounding skin.

Why You Need a Professional Plan

This biology explains why “brightening” creams often fail. If the pigment is deep, or if your hormones keep flipping the “on” switch, a basic cream won’t do much.

A professional clinic uses tools to assess how deep your pigmentation is. Treatments such as Pico Laser treatment work by delivering ultra-short pulses to shatter pigment into tiny particles, allowing your body to remove them naturally.

FAQs

Q: Why do I still get spots even when I use sunscreen?

No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays. Plus, heat and even visible light can trigger pigmentation in people with sensitive skin or melasma. This is why combining sunscreen with professional pigmentation treatment options gives better results.

Q: Can what I eat help?

Diet won’t “cure” pigmentation, but antioxidant-rich foods can help reduce oxidative stress, which plays a role in melanin production.

Q: Is the process the same for everyone?

The biology is similar, but the response differs. Asian skin types often have more reactive melanocytes, which is why post-acne pigmentation is more common. Treatments like laser skin rejuvenation are adjusted based on your skin type for safety and effectiveness.

Q: How long does it take for a spot to show up?

Your skin takes about 28 days to renew itself. Often, the spot you see today was triggered weeks ago and has only just surfaced.

Taking Control of Your Skin

Melanin production is your body’s natural defence system, but when it becomes uneven, it can affect your skin’s appearance. Because pigmentation is driven by complex biological processes, science-backed treatments are the most effective way to achieve clearer skin.

If you’ve noticed new or stubborn pigmentation, a professional consultation can help determine the best solution for your skin. At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we offer customised treatments including Pico Laser treatment and skin rejuvenation therapies to restore an even, radiant complexion.