Skin Pigmentation and Cosmetic Considerations for Even Skin Tone

The pigment polymer, melanin is the major determinant of visible pigmentation of skin, hair, and eyes. Its synthesis within organelles called melanosomes in melanocytes and transfer to and distribution within keratinocytes in the epidermis regulates skin pigmentation. Sunlight and its ultraviolet radiation component have a well-established role in skin tanning, through increasing epidermal melanin. Additionally, linked to the pigmentary system are disorders of pigmentation, resulting in problems ranging from hypopigmentation to hyperpigmentation. This chapter provides an overview of the prominent hyperpigmentary manifestations such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (e.g., that associated with acne), solar lentigo, melasma, and peri-orbital hyperpigmentation and recent advances in cosmetic interventions borne out of strong scientific understanding and consumer clinical studies.